DVI cable length limit

Jerzy · 01-13-2004, 08:10 PM

I have a Z10000 Sharp DLP projector and I plan to run a 30ft "high end" DVI-D cable from a DVD player. I am considering the Denon 5900. Has anyone any experience with this setup or any other DVD player with a long DVI run that they could recommend?

DavidDon · 01-13-2004, 08:36 PM

I am in almost the exact same boat, so I don't want your question to move too far down the postings. My run is about 25 feet to my sharp 10000.

I will be going out of an outboard de-interlacer/scaler, but eventually - like you I am sure - I will have a HD tuner and a DVD utilizing the DVI.

Ram is one company:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_cables.html

and also ultralink:
http://www.ultralinkcables.com/produ...?category=bak0

But my local friend/installer says anything over 15 feet is useless for the DVI connection.

I wish people with real experience could comment on this for both of us.

Jerzy · 01-13-2004, 08:53 PM

thanks for the info. Is your scaler a big improvement over the internal scaler of the sharp, if so, what kind is it?

Chu Gai · 01-13-2004, 09:21 PM

Specifications indicate it's limited to 15 feet however why don't you give http://www.gefen.com/ a ring? This sort of question comes up in say people who have Macs and want to locate their monitor a good distance away. It's my understanding that in those applications a repeater is frequently employed.

DavidDon · 01-13-2004, 09:21 PM

I actually don't have the scaler yet. It is an anticipated upgrade if/when the situation is right. DVDO just announce a new product. A sort of upgrade to the Ultra which will input and output HD and include scaling options.

At any rate,I would like to run a high quality DVI cable soon for future upgrading because I am changing the room a little. After my room change, it will not be so easy to run new wire to the projector.

**HTF Ads**

Gabriel_Lam · 01-13-2004, 10:20 PM

I've used a bunch of DVI cables, and length is very bandwidth dependant. At 30', copper seems to only be able to support 1280x1024 at 60hz progressive or so (anything more and you have problems). This being said, the native resolution of your Z10k is 1280x720, which should be fine with that length, as long as you have a good cable.

DavidDon · 01-13-2004, 11:35 PM

The big question...what is a good cable?

It stinks when you buy something, run it, then find out it is no good (or just as bad - something else is better), then remove it to return it, if you even can.

What is a known good cable for a 30' run? Preferably something someone has had a pleasant experience with.

DavidDon · 01-14-2004, 06:33 AM

By the way, Gabriel, thanks for the info.

And you as well Chu.

Arthur_King · 01-14-2004, 10:03 AM

Re: Good cable.

Its not even just that the cable is good, you can take good cable, and depending on where you run it it could still perform less than what Gabriel indicates. I have a friend that works at a cable manufacturer and they make DVI cables at any length you want, but they ALWAYS tell the customer, once you exceed 15ft, you're on your own and the cable's not returnable. Its quality cable, and 20ft would probably work fine, but he's had people INSIST that 100ft cables will work, and he just shakes his head and sells them the cable.

Gotta put food on the table I guess.

Daffy Arthur King

DavidDon · 01-14-2004, 10:14 AM

Thanks Arthur,

So I guess the question is:

How can someone using a projector take advantage of a DVI connection?

Many Projector installations have the projector mounted to the ceiling, in the middle or back of the room.

Boy - talk about dangling a carrot in front of you.

BTW: I will be calling gefen this afternoon.

Jerzy - you getting any of this?

DavidDon · 01-14-2004, 11:14 AM

For what it is worth, I have ordered a 23 foot (7.5 meter) cable from RAM. I will post what I find next week.

I hope it's long enough - they have a 30 day return policy.