Home Data Cabling - Network, Sky, Phone etc

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rjbathgate

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#144121 8-May-2014 07:50

Morning,

We have run a good number of CAT6 cabling around my house, with multiple ports in each room. Plan is future proofing to allow:

LAN throughout house
HDMI - Sending Sky from 1 x source to multiple bedrooms
Landline phone distribution
Something else (future proof)

The whole lot will come back to a patch panel.

Then from there, the cables for LAN will go from Patch Panel to Switch to distribute the LAN.

For the other uses (HDMI, Landline, Something else), do I need just need additional standard switches (so one switch for each 'use')? End result being able to send HDMI from 1 x source to multiple outlets. Or is there something which can handle all the different source types?

And should I pay the extra $$ for POE switches for a bit more future proofing?

Thanks in advance

trig42

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#1038793 8-May-2014 09:54

You do not 'need' a switch for HDMI, it depends where your source devices are. You can just patch HDMI from an HDMI splitter, into a Balun to convert it to CAT6, through you patch panel to the destination (where there is another Balun to convert it back to HDMI).
A better, tidier way would be a matrix switch and your source devices to be in your comms cupboard, depending on budget you can get matrix switches that will take 4 HDMI inputs and output to 4 devices over CAT5/6, then you just need to patch it though to where you want it (they will include IR remote transmission as well) and use a converter to change it back to HDMI.
Check this out: http://www.computerstore.co.nz/cyp-hdmi-hdbaset-lite-4x4-matrix-switch Expensive, but a good solution (you'd also need to buy the converters for the TV end of the Cat6 Run).

Cheaper would be to get an HDMI matrix switch and convert to CAT6 using baluns.

rjbathgate

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#1038837 8-May-2014 10:31

Hey

Thanks for the help.

Would this not work (and be a lot cheaper):

Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 1 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV
Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 2 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV
Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 3 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV

This needs 1 dedicated switch and 4 x hdmi to cat6 convertors.

Will that work? As it'll be a tonne cheaper than the matrix switch plus convertors, no?

"Cheaper would be to get an HDMI matrix switch and convert to CAT6 using baluns. "
This would add to the number of convertor's I'd need as I'd need source, destination and at the matrix - rather than keeping it cat6 through a cat6 switch, so converting it back to HDMI at source and destination ends only.

Or am I missing something important?

Thanks

Spyware

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#1038840 8-May-2014 10:39

You're missing the obvious that Ethernet switches are not relevant.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

rjbathgate

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#1038843 8-May-2014 10:44

Spyware: You're missing the obvious that Ethernet switches are not relevant.

Oh. So:
source > hdmi > cat6 > ethernet switch > cat 6 > hdmi > destination (1,2,3)
doens't work?

needs to be

source > hdmi > cat 6 > hdmi > matrix switch > hdmi > cat 6 > hdmi > destination (1,2,3)

That's alot of hdmi > cat convertors

surfisup1000

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#1038852 8-May-2014 10:49

HDMI extender only works point to point.

You have a HDMI transmitter and HDMI receiver unit and they need a direct cable connection with nothing in between.

Although, I wish sky would allow IP streaming from their boxes. Will never happen though but this is the kind of restriction that encourages pirates.

rjbathgate

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#1038856 8-May-2014 10:56

surfisup1000: HDMI extender only works point to point.

You have a HDMI transmitter and HDMI receiver unit and they need a direct cable connection with nothing in between.

Although, I wish sky would allow IP streaming from their boxes. Will never happen though but this is the kind of restriction that encourages pirates.

Thanks...

So I would do this:

Source > HDMI/Cat6 > Patch Panel > CAT6/HDMI > Destination 1

Then if I want multiple destinations, I either change the destination route at patch panel (so one destination at a time only)

Or duplicate the above set up by using a HDMI switch at the source, using multiple cat6 runs from hdmi matrix (one for each detestation run)

Presume patch panel in the middle translates to "direct cable connection with nothing in between".

Would something like this: http://www.computerstore.co.nz/cyp-hdmi-hdbaset-lite-4x4-matrix-switch give me the solution of running one source and multiple destinations, albeit very expensive?

Thanks

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trig42

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#1038864 8-May-2014 11:01

rjbathgate: Hey

Thanks for the help.

Would this not work (and be a lot cheaper):

Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 1 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV
Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 2 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV
Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6) > Bedroom 3 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV

This needs 1 dedicated switch and 4 x hdmi to cat6 convertors.

Will that work? As it'll be a tonne cheaper than the matrix switch plus convertors, no?

"Cheaper would be to get an HDMI matrix switch and convert to CAT6 using baluns. "
This would add to the number of convertor's I'd need as I'd need source, destination and at the matrix - rather than keeping it cat6 through a cat6 switch, so converting it back to HDMI at source and destination ends only.

Or am I missing something important?

Thanks

You do not need an (Ethernet) switch, and an ehternet switch would not 'split' the HDMI signal as I suspect you are supposing it will.
You can do as you describe above, without the switch so:
Source HDMI > HDMI to Cat6 converter > Patch Panel > ~~Switch (dedicated for HDMI runs over Cat6)~~ > Bedroom 1 > Cat6 to HDMI convertor > TV

but this is only point to point, it will not work to get the source into Bedroom 2 without some sort of HDMI splitter.
So, if your source was in (say) the Lounge you would need:
Source (HDMI) --> HDMAI to Cat6 Convertor ---> Cat6 to Comms cupboard ---> Cat6 to HDMI convertor ---> HDMI Splitter ---> HDMI to Cat6 Conv. ---> Bed1 ---> Convert back to HDMI > TV
and then repeat the parts after the HDMI splitter for other bedrooms.

If you can put your source into your comms cupboard you would do:

Source (HDMI) ---> 4 Way HDMI splitter (pretty cheap) ---> HDMI to Cat6 Converter ---> Bed1 ---> Cat6 to HDMI Converter ---> TV (and repeat the steps from the splitter to your other rooms, including lounge).

If you have more than one source you want to share, then prices start going up, and you need a Matrix splitter (so for example, you can watch Source 1 in Bed1, Source 2 in Lounge, Source 1 in Bed 2 or any combination (all controlled by remote - so you'd also want some sort of universal remote to make it wife friendly - choosing watch Sky would change the Matrix Switch to the right combo for where the remote is).

surfisup1000

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#1038867 8-May-2014 11:05

rjbathgate:

Thanks...

So I would do this:

Source > HDMI/Cat6 > Patch Panel > CAT6/HDMI > Destination 1

Then if I want multiple destinations, I either change the destination route at patch panel (so one destination at a time only)

Or duplicate the above set up by using a HDMI switch at the source, using multiple cat6 runs from hdmi matrix (one for each detestation run)

Presume patch panel in the middle translates to "direct cable connection with nothing in between".

Would something like this: http://www.computerstore.co.nz/cyp-hdmi-hdbaset-lite-4x4-matrix-switch give me the solution of running one source and multiple destinations, albeit very expensive?

Thanks

"Source > HDMI/Cat6 > Patch Panel > CAT6/HDMI > Destination 1"

Yep, you are correct -- this is how mine works. Change destination at the patch panel but then you also need to move your receiver which is a pain.

If you want multiple destinations, you could look at monoprice for somthing like this...

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10914&cs_id=1091403&p_id=10226&seq=1&format=2

I bought this several years back and it works just fine....

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011012&p_id=8122&seq=1&format=2

Although you are not covered by the CGA buying from these guys.

The thing from computerstore looks good too. Actually, it is a good price too -- I've seen outrageous prices on this type of equipment.

rjbathgate

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#1038880 8-May-2014 11:17

So putting the source in the comms cupboard is by far the easiest (and cheapest) solution. Wonder how well a Sky remote works through a ceiling and wall... Or a IR receiver is yet another thing to send on cat6!

rjbathgate

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#1038941 8-May-2014 12:24

Thanks for all your help.

So

Black = Cat6
Red = HDMI

HDMI Source #1 to input of HDMI Matrix (via some Cat6 as it's not in the comms cupboard)
HDMI Source #2 and #2 to input of HDMI Matrix (in comms cupboard)

Each output of HDMI Matrix coverts to Cat6 then off to each destination (via a patch panel for ease of use).

That way all 3 sources can be seperatly or at the same time sent to any destination, by setting the controls on the HDMI Matrix.

Matrix something like: http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/hdmi-2/hdmi-matrix-switcher/4x4-hdmi-matrix-switch-with-rs232-and-ir-control.html

That works hey?

trig42

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#1038953 8-May-2014 12:35

Yes, that will do it, but why not have the MySky in with the other sources? If you have the MySky in the lounge, you will also require a splitter to send it to both the comms cupboard and the TV in the lounge (unless you run another cable back to the lounge).

You will need some sort of IR distribution also (you'd need it anyway to change settings on the matrix and other sources in there). You will need IR systems that either work over wireless or CAT6 - do the convertors you are looking at include IR transmission? If not, then looking at the more expensive Base-T matrix switches may be a better idea.

And, I'd suggest a few Logitech Harmony remotes, so that everything is setup by activity and no-one needs to know (except whoever sets it up) how it all works.

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rjbathgate

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#1038962 8-May-2014 12:49

trig42: Yes, that will do it, but why not have the MySky in with the other sources? If you have the MySky in the lounge, you will also require a splitter to send it to both the comms cupboard and the TV in the lounge (unless you run another cable back to the lounge).

You will need some sort of IR distribution also (you'd need it anyway to change settings on the matrix and other sources in there). You will need IR systems that either work over wireless or CAT6 - do the convertors you are looking at include IR transmission? If not, then looking at the more expensive Base-T matrix switches may be a better idea.

And, I'd suggest a few Logitech Harmony remotes, so that everything is setup by activity and no-one needs to know (except whoever sets it up) how it all works.

Ideally I want to get away from having to use IR transmission and messing about with harmony remotes. Just personal preference on that really.

Not sure on this one's price, but you're right, the Base-T matrix would get away from needing HDMI>CAT6 convertors in the comms cupboard...
https://kdtrade.ie/products-1/hdmi-distribution/hdmi-switches/triax-hmx-4x4-lite-matrix.html

webwat

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#1041540 10-May-2014 23:22

rjbathgate:
Spyware: You're missing the obvious that Ethernet switches are not relevant.

Oh. So:
source > hdmi > cat6 > ethernet switch > cat 6 > hdmi > destination (1,2,3)
doens't work?

needs to be

source > hdmi > cat 6 > hdmi > matrix switch > hdmi > cat 6 > hdmi > destination (1,2,3)

That's alot of hdmi > cat convertors

Ethernet and HDMI are very different technologies. Also HDMI needs more than a simple balun to use a single Cat6 cable, so you are looking at powered HDMI to Cat6/UTP converters (Cat6 is a type of UTP cable). Yes a lot of converters if you don't get that HDMI switch, and probably not cheap either way.

Time to find a new industry!

overkill

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#1041605 11-May-2014 09:39

In your location that you are putting in the "patch panel", would you be able to install a Comms cabinet? like....http://www.dynamix.co.nz/index.html?do=viewproduct&code=RWM18&ID=93261854

You could put all your data and AV equipment in the one place, invest in a 4x4 HDBaseT full matrix switch for sending all your sources (Sky, DVD etc) to each panel over Cat6. A quality matrix will have IR TX and RX so you can still control all your gear from each panel location.

A switch that I can personally recommend as we have it in our place (check below link), was easy to integrate into our control system via RS232 and has flawless switching.....

http://www.itron.co.nz/default/4x4-hdmi-hdbaset-matrix-switcher-he02eir-4pcs-70m-hdmi-cat5-receiver-ithe04meik-4.html

Having everything in one location is great for keeping clean lines without clutter at each panel location.

"Setting the Standard in Quality and Commitment"