HDMI over cable or fiber optic

dpw818

Hello,

This is probably asked here a bunch, but I have searched and couldn't find anything on point.

I'm building a house, and I'm trying to get a headstart on all the gadgetry now rather than right at execution time.  I was leaning towards installing CAT6a wiring, especially since I want some power transmission over the lines...though I'm aware I could use media converters, etc.  I'm somewhat comfortable with this.

But I also want to have the house properly wired for video.  I don't own a TV myself, but since this is a new construction, I want to try to future-accommodate my house - for technology and for my status-soon-to-change girlfriend.  So when it comes to things video, I'm way out of my depth - hence my question here.

I've read that HDMI 2.1 uses 48 Gbps bandwidth.  I've also read that it's never a good idea to pre-wire with HDMI cables, but instead use a CATx with like HDMI extender or similar.  But considering the HDMI 2.1 standard, wouldn't it make more sense to wire the house with fiber optic to be able to accommodate this extra HDMI bandwidth?  In fact, would you share the fiber optic cables or run separate for AV devices?

Thanks a ton for any guidance!

mushii

Wow. OK a few things. Fibre is still very much IT world and not AV and there are very few devices that can use fibre now or on the short to medium Horizon (AV wise).
Cat 6a is quite difficult to install well and requires specialist install especially if you want it certifying. Distributed AV is very old school and most people just use local components today as it is cheaper and easier The Cat X cable is mainly just for data and seldom AV transmission. Therefore I would recommend a Cat 6 install, back to a central node that also contains a connection to your Broadband. I would also look at provisioning high quality WiFi throughout the house, using wired access points. Something like Ubiquiti would be what I would look at. Also consider cabling for CCTV externally.

This is the advice that I provide to my clients.