To start, there are two signals to account for- Audio and Video. Audio signals may be separated from the Video signals depending on which connection option you use. From the source you may have the option to send audio signals to your stereo. The connection options for separate audio could be RCA, Digital Coax, Toslink, or speaker wire. For Video there are several different connection options. RCA, Component, HDMI, Svideo, and Cable. There are others such as DVI which is more of a computer to computer monitor connection, on the HD TV's this has been pretty much replaced with HDMI. Each Technology has different signal strengths and distances. According to Radio shack, the distances are as follows:
| Svideo | 60 Ft |
| Coax Cable | 100 Ft |
| HDMI | 125 ft |
| Component | 75 ft |
There may be other claims from cable vendors, but the distances above are a good rule of thumb.
As you measure the distance from the source to the TV, you may have to go through a wall. Be sure to include the complete distance between source and TV. See Figure Below:
One factor you have to be cognizant of is Signal Stength. There are many reasons why signal strength can deminish:
1) The quality of the cabling and all the connections
2) The quality of the signal from the source
3) The continuity of the electrical circuit- Loose fitting connections.
4) Distance from source to receiver
5) Environmental Interference
These would be unique for every installation, so even the rule thumb distances may not work for you.
Bottom line--Signal Strength will deminish as distance increases and the signal transfers from one cable to the next. I would recommend before you install the cable plant in the wall, connect all the pieces together and test the HD reception on the television. If there isn't enough signal at the TV you may have to take some corrective action such as :
1) Shorten the distance
2) Use quality connections
3) Use a signal repeater
4) Or use another connection type.
Word of Caution. Going through walls gets tricky and there may be local codes or regulations when it comes to running low voltage wires near power wires. You should consult with or hire a local certified electrician when going through walls. (You may need one anyway to extend the power source to where you installed the HD TV). They would best know about running wires through your house.
In closing,
A difficulty with doing this yourself is knowing what works and whats available. My experience was that I had a difficult time learning what is possible and then it was even more difficult to find all the parts and pieces. This is why I have this page. To offer some assistance and provide these hard to find parts in my store.
I hope that this helps some folks out there.
Thanks, Charles Moss
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