DVI Cable Length

Blue|Fusion · Posted: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:50:56 Post Subject: DVI Cable Length

Hey guys. I purchased myself a 50' DVI-D dual link cable last week new on eBay. I got it over the weekend and brought it back up to my dorm last night. I'm connecting it to my projector which is running 1024x768 DVI-D. I can used to hook it up to my laptop but that's annoying to have to pull out and hook up when we want to watch a movie.

So that cable I mentioned was hooked up to my old 7800GTX in my desktop to be a part-time triple head rig. I have my two monitors on the 8800GTS 512MB running TwinView and I can get the projector to work as a screen of its own (this is in Linux) with the use of a spare short DVI-D cable.

The problems comes in when I connect to the 50' cable. I read after the fact that the max DVI length is 5 meters (around 16 feet). So my question is is there a way to boost the signal over this cable or am I SOL?

T-shirt · Posted: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:05:07 Post Subject:

here's one brand of DVI booster (any amp increases noise as well as signal)
http://www.datapro.net/products/dvi-inline-repeater-booster.html
I have no experience with them.
The DVI spec DOES NOT include a cable length, because the usable length is dependent on the output/signal stength of the video source, AND the total bandwidth requirements i.e. lower resolution travel further
at 50' 1280x1024 is probably the maximum for a reasonable quality (assuming the cable is well shielded, and your video card is top notch.)

edit:
here's a wiki that says basicaly the same thing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVI
I doubt it's worth spending much to test it (unless you're stuck with the 50 footer already) probably the amp would work best between 2 medium length cable (so you are amp'ing the signal BEFORE it gets too distorted)

**Jason** · Posted: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:20:20 Post Subject:

How about HDMI length?

I have seen some long ones out there, and this would be an easy way to eliminate an HTPC... I could run about a 40' from my main system to the TV room, and have sound and video... Then just use an RF keyboard / mouse combo to take control.

Problem is, these cables seem to be about as much as piecing together a system from old parts... $250 for 50 feet! Yikes

T-shirt · Posted: Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:22:50 Post Subject:

The HDMI specification does not define a maximum cable length either,
HDMI specifies a minimum performance standard.
i.e. any cable that is certifed($$$) should handle the signal.
you should be able to reach 40-50' with HQ 24 gauge cables, beyond 50' amps, media changers (for fiber or Cat5 (requires 2) wiring.
however the prices of the cables/ extra equipment will add up beyond the price of a dedicated remote controlled PC/player/etc. close to the projector/video screen.