Really long (30 - 50 ft) DVI cables?

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Bobby Peru

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Jan 8, 2006
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My "silent PC" solution was to get really long USB and VGA extension cables and put the thing in a different room.

I hope to purchase a new display soon, but am concerned about being able to keep my current solution. I have seen places that offer 50 foot DVI cables, but are these within spec? Anyone here actually using 30 - 50 foot DVI cables?

(If it matters, I expect I'll be using digital dual-link cable.)
 
I use a 25' DVI cable for my plasma display run through the walls. Most A/V people (as this is more commonly asked by A/V installers) wil tell you 25ft is the max length to ensure no loss of signal quality. If you are running a monitor at a very high rez, then you are transmitting a very high bandwidth signal over that DVI cable. For example, I am transmitting at 1366x768 to my plasma, this is middle of the road when it comes to bandwidth. On the other hand, 1920x1200 which most 24" monitors display is extremely high bandwidth.

The single most important thing, is the quality of the cable. Some people will tell you all DVI cables are the same, this is NOT true. You get what you pay for especially making a long run. Interference is very common as is loss of signal strength. I would strongly suggest this company, http://www.cobaltcable.com/index.htm This is the cable I use and the price is not astronomical compared to Monster and "Bettercables." Cobalt's longest cable is 32ft, if this is not long enough, you will need to add a "booster" in the middle and use two cables. Take a look at this, http://www.bettercables.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=104 This will allow for much longer cable runs.

Either way, you can do it, it will work fine, just do your research and make sure you buy a quality cable.
 
Well, two things, that company has a good return policy and rating, so, if it does not work, you should be OK to return.

Also, what rez are you looking at running your display at? That plays a big factor in the quality of cable required. My expertise lies far more in A/V equipment, and I can tell ya, there is a clear difference in quality of cable. There is no need to go with "boutique" cables, but, spending a little more can make a big difference, not only in signal degradation but also interference. If the cables, especially video cables are not well insulated you run the risk of picking up interference from other cables as well as electrical interference.
 
I am definitely planning on a 1920 x 1200 display. I will check out the recommendations, thanks.
 
robocop974 said:
Well, two things, that company has a good return policy and rating, so, if it does not work, you should be OK to return.

Also, what rez are you looking at running your display at? That plays a big factor in the quality of cable required. My expertise lies far more in A/V equipment, and I can tell ya, there is a clear difference in quality of cable. There is no need to go with "boutique" cables, but, spending a little more can make a big difference, not only in signal degradation but also interference. If the cables, especially video cables are not well insulated you run the risk of picking up interference from other cables as well as electrical interference.
Click to expand...


Im also looking to buy DVI cables, would u recommend the ones in the link I posted?
will the image on my tv (from the cable box) look better than the current component cables I have plugged?
 
WHERE Can i find 50ft D-Sub cable?

I need to connect my computer to my Plazma tv, which has RGB.
 
Ladic said:
When I asked on another thread about DVI cables, they told the ones here are good and cheap:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10209&style=
Click to expand...
Monoprices 24awg DVI cables were successfully tested @ 1920x1080P with no digital artifacts, all the way up to their 50' length. There's a coupla good threads at AVS were some of the pro's/enthusiasts were testing them. Their 24awg DVI cables are high-end all the way.


GJohn said:
WHERE Can i find 50ft D-Sub cable?

I need to connect my computer to my Plazma tv, which has RGB.
Click to expand...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10201&style=

^^^ 26awg super-vga cable, individually shielded coaxes, + two overall layers of shielding (3 layers of shielding total).
 
Thanks for the info all - glad I can get away with spending a few bucks on a long cable instead of a few hundred on a quiet case and fans. :D
 
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