How Long Can I Run my Video Cable

[MikeCallery]

I am interested in connecting my iMac to my television, the later of which can take composite or component video, the hdmi is already taken.

I'm wondering if there is any wireless method available? My goal is to control my iTunes via Remote on my 3G and have the movies play on my tv.

My concern is how far I can run cables, not to mention how to even get there.

 

[spice weasel]

Over long lengths, you will get signal degradation when using analog connections.

Is there a way to free up that HDMI port on your TV? Can you switch your other component (DVD maybe?) to component? If so, then run a long DVI to HDMI cable from your iMac to your TV. Then run an optical cable from your headphone jack to your TV. Make sure you get a cable that has a mini-plug connector at one end.

Get your cables at monoprice. Great cables, and much cheaper than you'll get elsewhere.

 

[mchalebk]

How long do you need to run these cables? If it's 20 or 30 feet, you can probably get by with long RCA cables with no problems. If it's much longer (say 100'), you might look into getting a couple of baluns like these:

http://www.muxlab.com/products/ve_avd_s-av_balun.html

These convert analog A/V signals (composite video plus L/R audio) to twisted pairs You can run hundreds of feet of ethernet cable between your computer and your TV with these babies (you use one on each end). I've used some of these for audio only and they worked great. I don't know how well they would work for video, but it might be worth a try.

 

[belvdr]

Found some really long ones here. They are VGA, so you'd need convertors to get it to RCA:

http://www.av-cables.net/VGA-component-video/vga-cables-audio.html