HDMI faceplates & baluns

greenfalco

Good afternoon techies!

I am buying a new build home and for the living room would like to have TV power and cable points all installed in the correct positions. I am hoping to have a wall mounted TV in the centre of the room and the devices in the corner of the room out of the way (apple TV, Nintendo switch, Xbox and potentially something else utilising an HDMI port).

What is the best way to connect the devices and TV (for behind the wall logistics). I have done some reading on HDMI extenders, however these seem pretty pricey, especially if the distance between devices is less than 50ft. Is it best to utilise an HDMI splitter/switch and have one HDMI port, or have multiple ports?

Many thanks!
GF

Sandtree

what is your sound solution? Just use the TV's built in speakers?

Assuming it is then its probably easier to have a single cable and get a switch (not sure why you think you need a splitter at all? if you had 2 displays then you'd need a matrix not a splitter). That way if you add more devices in time then you maybe just upgrade the switch rather than needing to put more cables into the wall. 

greenfalco

Sandtree said:

what is your sound solution? Just use the TV's built in speakers?

Assuming it is then its probably easier to have a single cable and get a switch (not sure why you think you need a splitter at all? if you had 2 displays then you'd need a matrix not a splitter). That way if you add more devices in time then you maybe just upgrade the switch rather than needing to put more cables into the wall. 

You'll have to bear with me as I'm a noob at this stuff. I hope to have a mounted sound bar underneath the TV (connected via HDMI or optical).

So do you recommend an HDMI switch where the device/s are and a single 5m or 10m (depending on length required) HDMI cable behind the wall connected via faceplates? To ensure it's future proof do I need to install a certain grade of HDMI cable (supporting 4/8k and beyond)?

Thanks again!
GF

getmore4less

Optical does not support the more modern audio options.

You also need to consider power for rear audio.

You also need to consider how you operate this other kit how many remote s do you need line of sight for IR or will they we alternative wireless like BT.

Sandtree

greenfalco said:

Sandtree said:

what is your sound solution? Just use the TV's built in speakers?

Assuming it is then its probably easier to have a single cable and get a switch (not sure why you think you need a splitter at all? if you had 2 displays then you'd need a matrix not a splitter). That way if you add more devices in time then you maybe just upgrade the switch rather than needing to put more cables into the wall. 

You'll have to bear with me as I'm a noob at this stuff. I hope to have a mounted sound bar underneath the TV (connected via HDMI or optical).

So do you recommend an HDMI switch where the device/s are and a single 5m or 10m (depending on length required) HDMI cable behind the wall connected via faceplates? To ensure it's future proof do I need to install a certain grade of HDMI cable (supporting 4/8k and beyond)?

Thanks again!
GF

It makes sense to have the switch at the sources and then one long cable from it to the TV rather than several long cables to the switch near the TV. Optical is limited in what formats it can support and so if you will be buying an expensive soundbar better stick with a HDMI cable into the eArc HDMI port of the TV

The latest version is 2.1 but its relatively new and so more at the premium end of the spectrum. There are a lot more 2.0b cables out there which will support 8k but not at the highest fresh rates at the highest quality image.

PS...
Switch - Many sources to one output
Splitter - One source to many outputs
Matrix - Many sources to many outputs 

Due to handshakes between the devices you cannot just run a switch or splitter backwards to inverse its function.

custardy

is there potential to fit ducting and a cupboard in a wall?
Technology changes. Far easier to have a cupboard you can store electronics and connect nearby.
Upstairs we have an Nvidia Shield and Xbox series S mounted behind the TV (angled off the wall giving space) as neither need access in day to day use.

greenfalco

custardy said:

is there potential to fit ducting and a cupboard in a wall?
Technology changes. Far easier to have a cupboard you can store electronics and connect nearby.
Upstairs we have an Nvidia Shield and Xbox series S mounted behind the TV (angled off the wall giving space) as neither need access in day to day use.

I'm thinking of running the one HDMI cable through a conduit attached to two brush faceplates (one behind the TV) the other at the corner of the room, or a cupboard in the wall as you suggest (should it be possible) with a decent switch for the devices.

Thanks for the idea!

GF