HDMI technology is designed to utilize standard copper cable construction for extended lengths. To enable cable manufacturers to enhance their products with new technologies, HDMI specifies the required performance of a cable but does not impose a maximum cable length. HDMI.org has observed cables passing “Standard Cable” HDMI compliance testing at lengths up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without the need for a repeater.
The length a cable can successfully carry an HDMI signal is influenced not only by the cable itself but also by the receiver chip inside the display or projector. Receiver chips equipped with “cable equalization” can compensate for weaker signals, thereby extending the potential length of any cable used with that device.
For any long HDMI cable run, the quality of the manufactured cables plays a crucial role in maintaining signal integrity over longer distances. High-quality cables are essential for ensuring successful HDMI transmission over extended lengths.
HDMI cables can accommodate various lengths, but the maximum reliable length depends on the type of cable used:
- Passive HDMI Cables: These are the most common and can typically transmit signals up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) without significant signal loss. For higher resolutions like 4K, the maximum length is usually around 10 feet (3 meters).
- Active HDMI Cables: These cables have built-in electronics to boost the signal, allowing them to reach up to 100 feet (30 meters) while maintaining signal integrity.
- Optical HDMI Cables: These cables use fiber optics to transmit signals and can reach lengths of up to 300 feet (91 meters) or more without degradation.
- HDBaseT (HDBT): This technology can transmit uncompressed ultra-high-definition video, audio, Ethernet, control signals, and power over a single Cat 5e/6 cable up to 328 feet (100 meters) without signal loss.