Windows 7: HDMI cable - maximum size?

Hello,

I am using a small Windows 7 "eMachines" computer as a media player for my TV. It connects directly to the TV with an HDMI cable.

It works fine if I use an HDMI cable that is about 50cm long. However, it does not work (no picture or video) if I use a cable that is 1.5m long.

I have tried with two different 1.5m long cables, and both do not work. (So I'm pretty sure it is not the cable.)

I can only guess that it is the length of the cable that is the problem. Is there any way to "boost" the output signal from the computer?

(I would like to hide the computer inside a cabinet (well ventilated, don't worry) but I can only do that with the longer cable...)

Thanks!

If this is a entertainment center type of arrangement, it's likely line interference.
It can be overcome, but properly shielded hdmi cables are pretty expensive.

The 1.5 meter long HDMI cable is less than five feet. Most HDMI cables under six feet should have no issues, including the "cheap" ones.

There's no explicit limit for the length of the HDMI cable, just specs for signal degradation. You can read about the HDMI cable length here:

How Long Can HDMI Cable be Run? -- Blue Jeans Cable

The site also sells US made HDMI cables, well, almost US made...

Good info, Very good link. Those guys know what they are talking about. Another place to look for various HDMI and HDMI variant cables.......HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! Very good selection, excellent shipping and some of the best prices I've ever seen. I got a 4' HDMI cable there for a little over $5 and it has a very high quality feel to it. They also have some guides and tutorials to learn about the products they sell so you can make a halfway informed decision before buying.

If you haven't figured out whats wrong, I would visit the Blue Jeans Cable page or Monoprice and look through their FAQ's and guides.........you might find some answers.

I've got various HDMI cable types from both places, including the BJC Series-1 Belden Bonded-Pair HDMI Cable from Blue Jeans. And frankly at six feet range, neither the Blue Jeans nor the Monoprice cables had any issues.

The Series-1 HDMI cable is stiff, but it seems to be the best of the bunch. Or maybe I am just trying to justify the cost of it. Made in the USA is enough justification for me...

No, you are right, BJC are probably some of the best on the market.......and no decent HDMI cable should have problems with signal loss at 6ft.