Can someone recommend a good DVI cable? I need about 45 feet. I am not looking for a good, solid cable. However I don't need a $500 cable...more like in the $250 range.

Also, I will need a DVI to HDMI converter on both ends...Any suggestions?

So you want DVI on one side, and HDMI on the other?

If that's the case they make plenty of these cables now...and I'm sure you can find one in the $250 range.

I'll look around.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/dviprices.htm

DVI to HDMI, 50 feet...$185.00.

There you go.

Beat me to it...I was also going to recommend Blue Jeans.

Gary, if I understand this correctly, HDMI cables (i.e an HDMI to HDMI connector) are better for long runs like yours. Though I can't cite "chapter and verse," I've heard some (but not all) people have had trouble with long runs of DVI cables (DVI to DVI connector).

I don't know exactly what inputs or outputs your devices have, but I'd use an HDMI cable, and if I needed a DVI connection, I'd use an HDMI to DVI adapter to achieve that connection.

Hi all,

Ajax is correct. Don't automatically assume that using a DVI or HDMI cable will necessarily produce a better picture than component-video. Sending all digital signals over long lengths of DVI or HDMI cable may result in pixelization and dropouts.

It's wise to keep DVI or HDMI cables to 3 meters or less (9 or 10 feet). If you can't avoid long runs, you may have far fewer problems and easily run longer runs using component video rather than DVI or HDMI. There are other factors involved that will be explained in greater detail in the upcoming Axiom Newletter feature.

Regards,

Gary,

Correction. I did not mean to endorse the use of HDMI cables for long runs. It is not superior to DVI. Both carry digital signals. There may be problems using DVI or HDMI with runs longer than 10 feet.

Regards,

Sorry if I'm wrong about this...but I'm confused on your post Alan. Are you stating that DVI/HDMI is better for long runs...or component is?

Thanks!

he is saying component is better for long runs. but which is the best connection component dvi or hdmi for 3 meters or less?

I think there are many that will question the 10' or less. I have discussed this issue with many on AVS, and most of them have DVI-D or HDMI in lengths of 15'-25' with no sparkling issues or other loss of signal. I think it boils down to the quality of cable you use and where it is purchased. The majority of front projection users would never have 10' from their ceiling mounted projector and their AV equipment, so 10' would not even be a consideration.

Snakeyes, MisFit toy, SirQuack,

There is not a "best" for HDMI or DVI. HDMI has extra conductors to carry a Dolby Digital 5.1 data stream in addition to HD video to an HD display. DVI does not, and is a larger clumsier connector.

Notice I said "may" cause pixelization over longer runs. You may be able to use a long run of DVI or HDMI with no problems. But a digital DVI or HDMI connection will not by definition deliver picture clarity superior to component video. For instance, the DVI and HDMI connections are encrypted with a complex anti-copy digital code (part of the DVI/HDMI connection mandate) which the HD display must sort out and remove. Conponent video, being analog, doesn't have to deal with removing digital copy-protection code. And video D/A and A/D converters are often good enough that you may get a superior HD quality using component video instead of DVI or HDMI. Before you string all these cables, try them out with various sources and check the HD video clarity by switching between component-video and a DVI or HDMI connector.

More in the upcoming newsletter. It also has to do with the quality of the video driver output circuits in the source.

Regards,

What about DVD players that don't use HDCP, if that is what your referring to...I know the Momitsu Deluxe, Bravo D2, and a few others don't have HDCP. And in talking to people that use front projection at 720P on these units the picture is absolutely fabulous. Som of these upconvert players will also upconvert over componant, including Zenith at one time. However, it appears this now only applies to units produced in Asia and other companies. They don't seem to follow the same rules that American mfg's have to follow.

There are also products that boost the DVI or HDMI singal in the middle of the run for long runs.