Solved Long USB run from computer to TV

[bobland]

I'd like to set up a KB+M at my TV from the computer. I've got a wireless KB + M which work fine for non games. As soon as I boot a game at the TV the KB+M become virtually useless, as in, no response. I'd like to run a USB cable from the computer USB Hub to the TV room. I'm thinking the run would be about 20' +/- and terminate at a splitter or hub for a wired mouse and Orbweaver..

Will I have a problem with this length?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

All I can say is you can try but that is pushing things way far for a performance device like a KB&M.
I run a 10' extension for a printer and with a std. usb cord it runs about 15' and that works for it.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

16' feet is the upper limit for a passive USB cable (often, even that is too long). I have seen active cables as long as 32' and sometimes they can be daisy chained with another active cable or a shorter passive cable. Generally, the active cable has to be connected directly to the computer although it might work alright from a powered hub.

 

[bobland]

What about going from a powered hub to a powered hub?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I can't speak to that but maybe someone else can?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I can't speak to that but maybe someone else can?

 

[sygnus21]

What about going from a powered hub to a powered hub?

If you have to run long distances like that I would at least use a powered hub somewhere in the middle of the run.

And note that some powered devices don't tolerate long USB cable runs. I know WD recommends a short distance when using their passport drives which does require power from the USB to power the drive.

You can check these articles out:

- USB Basics
- How Long Can You Run a USB Cable? | eHow

My two cents.

 

[bobland]

According to the eHow article, I can chain hubs. I remeasured and I may be able to get away with a single hub. I'm 7' from the wall and about 3' from the computer to the wall so that makes about 10'. I've already got the mouse. When I get the Orbweaver I'll try it out for the distance.

I think all of this is going to annoy my wife to no end. She kinda likes the bigger TV but thinks it doesn't fit the "decor," not that we have any. Now, I'm cluttering up my side table with all these remotes, mice and other doo-dahs. Actually had to put down a large plywood plank to hold everything.

But hey, it's all fun.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Just remember: "It's cheaper to keep her" !

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Check out the specs on this active USB cable. Note that it can be had in three different lengths. If one is too short and the next is too long, an extension can be added. As long as the source is the computer itself or a powered hub, the cable and possible extension should be all that is needed. There should be no need for daisy chaining hubs.

 

[DocBrown]

I have seen some long USB 2.0 extension cables listed on eBay.

 

[bobland]

Lady Fitz,
Thanks for that one. I've bookmarked it and will review it when I get all the parts. This looks like what I'm looking for and the price is very reasonable.

Thanks again.

 

[oneskrewluse]

my wife also hates "all these stupid wired running everywhere" lol i was running wow and netflix through my pc to the tv for a while i was using a wireless logitech set(cant remember the exact models) they worked great for what i used them for but the batteries annoyed me(they always seem to run out during a bossfight) what i ended up doing was simply just moving the pc close enought to where i sat that a wired set would reach. it was a little more work like this but it was easier to get vga extensions to work at longer distances than usb extentions in my experience

 

[bobland]

I ended up with the Tripp Lite 16' as suggested by Lady Fitz. Added an inexpensive Amazon hub and now have perfect gaming on my TV.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I ended up with the Tripp Lite 16' as suggested by Lady Fitz. Added an inexpensive Amazon hub and now have perfect gaming on my TV.

Glad it worked for you!