Q. What is the best way to connect a video distribution system to TVs over 50 yards? HDMI has the best quality, but is very expensive at long distances. Is it better to use Cat6 and HDMI converters? - John, Denver

A. I would definitely go with an “HDMI-Over-Cat5” solution for a distance of 50 yards or more. Several companies make these Cat5 extension products; Gefen, Tributaries and Key Digital, just to name a few. You should expect to pay between $350 - $500 for each run (total run, both ends, from source to TV). All you need to do is run two Cat5 cables from the source to the TV location. The kits usually come with HDMI cables as well, unless you want to provide your own. If you have multiple sources going to one TV, you should use an HDMI Extender/Switcher, this will distribute the HDMI signal and also switch the multiple sources. If you are sending a single source to the remote TV then you only need an HDMI extender. This also applies if you are sending the HDMI output from your home theatre receiver (that is doing the video switching) and sending that over the HDMI extender to the remote TV. If you can find Cat6 cable for about the same price as Cat5 then you can certainly use it, but don’t pay more for it. Cat5 is fine for HDMI extenders.

Bryant Moore - President, Moore Audio Design

A classically-trained musician and former network administrator, Bryant Moore has turned a lifelong passion for music and A/V equipment into a thriving business with Charlotte, NC based Moore Audio Design. He has over a decade of experience in designing and implementing home electronics systems.