Installers and DIYers, take note --
AudioQuest has just solved one of HDMI's biggest challenges. Reportedly, the company has created the world's first HDMI cables and connectors that can be terminated in the field while still retaining the integrity of
HDMI. Essentially, this solution calls for installers to split the 19 HDMI wires into two groups -- one of ten and one of nine -- in order to make each bundle one that can be crimped. Additionally, AudioQuest's design relies on solid conductors instead of stranded wires, which are supposedly better suited to keep signal integrity and geometry stability. Testing proved that these field terminated cables were able to maintain an optimal 100 Ohms throughout the connector, which is arguably even better than what's offered in the outfit's traditional soldered cables. Of course, HDMI Licensing still has to decide whether or not the new method is fit for certification, but you can bet that AudioQuest will be pushing its point hard in the near future.
posted Jan 27th 2009 12:11PM
Dammit, I thought I would never buy a couple hundred dollar hdmi cable
What exactly is a field terminated cable?
seconded. a little more "lay" please?
Just like an ethernet cable. Instead of buying 3 and 6 meter cables, you could buy a 100 meter cable and cut it to the sizes you need. You can crimp and put the cap on it yourself. Of course, you're still limited on length due to quality degradation.
And presumably a bit easier to pull through holes in the wall when installing in existing houses.
It means custom installers can make a custom length of an HDMI cable at your house while doing an install.
I had to get a 7.5 meter pre-terminated HDMI cable but could of used a slightly shorter one when they did my custom install.
It is a very useful feature to be able to make exact lengths of HDMI cables while doing an install. Just like they do with speaker cables.
Does this mean you can create cables in the field like making ethernet cables, or is this termination as when you terminate a coaxial cable so you don't lose signal strength??
Nope, you nailed it in your first sentence.. They are like someone commented about.. A Create-Your-Own HDMI cable.. I for one, welcome these new HDMI cables.. Any cables should be able to be custom made buy a DiY'er.. Ive already lenghten'd USB cables, but wish I could make them cleaner, something like this for USB would be well welcome'd in my house hold..
Well, there goes the need for my wicked Canare/Belden RCA crimping and stripping skills. Anybody want to buy some used Canare tools?
This is great news folks.
If you've ever had to crimp an ethernet cable and thought it was pain to just organize eight little colored strands, imagine how much fun it will be to sift through 19 of them.
I'm not really sure about this, but I don't believe that the HDMI wires are twisted pair. (I am however, sure that 19 is an odd number, so its a pretty easy conclusion to draw that they are not). So if it is a flat wire bundle, or two sets of flat wire bundles then it really should not be that hard to handle this task.
While people give AQ a bad time, they really are a very nice company (beyond the products themselves, the founder is an awesome guy and would be able to hold a hour long conversation with anyone here).
However, where is Monster in all of this? How can such a large company lack innovation in the product that is single-handily redefining home AV cables? This is do or die territory, especially for the big companies competing in the mainstream.
Even though there is still a big market for speaker/sub cables, the growing popularity of soundbars, 2.1 systems (like the Bose 321, Klipsch CS, etc.), and other devices is even starting to eat away at conventional speaker cables sales - leaving just HDMI cables.
It is because Monster is not an innovator. They saw an opening to market "higher end" AV cables to the masses and ran with it and it has paid off for them. They however have really brought nothing to the table, just your standard cable with a "high end" price tag and a lot of marketing.
On the other hand, other companies like AudioQuest are actually working on innovation in the field and this is a great example. While their prices are high as well, I would be more willing to spend the money on their cables and get something out of it and support a good company than have it go to Monster and all their marketing fluff.
Custom HDMI cables is indeed a great idea. As a custom installer, this is a great added bonus while running wires, especially in a retro fit when the holes are already not large enough for the head of the HDMI cable to fit through. This will also save 'clutter' in the back of a system or behind the LCD or Plasma mounted on the wall. Makes for a smoother install. Sure it may take a little bit more time terminating the HDMI ends, but in the end, everyone will be happier.
This is retarded! They are still not solving the problem. Why would you want a wire coming out of you wall? They need to make an easy (and lossless) way of creating an HDMI socket behind your tv and your receiver. The lenght of the HDMI cable is an an after thought.