Running HDMI and USB from upstairs PC to downstairs TV

[bonn4lolly]

Hi all.

Just after a bit advice before I inadvertently do something daft!

I was considering streaming my PC to mydownstairs TV via Nvidia Shield TV or similar. But this is expensive and not without flaws. So I'm now wanting to run a HDMI cable from the upstairs PC to my downstairs Amp, and a USB from the upstairs PC to a downstairs USB powered hub. USB mostly used for game pad. I estimate the distance between the two to be about 20m.

Does my logic sound waterproof?! And would I need a HDMI signal booster over that distance, even though it's connecting to a surround sound amp?

Many thanks in advance.

[Jonj1611]

You may need a HDMI booster for that cable length.

Though the spec varies and there is no max length in the HDMI specification it will depend on the hardware, maybe the best thing would be to get a 20m HDMI cable and see how it works, if you have problems then get a repeater.

Though I think you will need an active cable for the USB

[bonn4lolly]

Thanks Jon.

Didn't realise active USB cables existed/were an issue, so good to know.

And I guess a HDMI repeater has to be placed roughly midway along the length of the HDMI? This could be problematic as the cable would be routed under the floor boards and along the exterior wall - there wouldn't really be a point where it could plugged into the mains... Could be make or break!

[Mucka]

have you looked into a steam link?

[Jowsey]

Hi all.

Just after a bit advice before I inadvertently do something daft!

I was considering streaming my PC to mydownstairs TV via Nvidia Shield TV or similar. But this is expensive and not without flaws. So I'm now wanting to run a HDMI cable from the upstairs PC to my downstairs Amp, and a USB from the upstairs PC to a downstairs USB powered hub. USB mostly used for game pad. I estimate the distance between the two to be about 20m.

Does my logic sound waterproof?! And would I need a HDMI signal booster over that distance, even though it's connecting to a surround sound amp?

Many thanks in advance.

Is this for gaming purposes or just general use? If general, you could possible get away with Chromecast and a wireless mouse?

Or maybe just your smart phone using something like Unified Remote?

[Bonebreaker777]

What's the budget? I seen optical HDMI and USB 3.0 cables for inhumane money.

For HDMI signal you could also have a HDMI wireless extension.

[Biscuit]

Best bet would be to use a HDMI Balun (~£30-40) and USB2.0 active extender (~£30-40)... but by this time with the cables, connectors, shipping etc, you are probably close to Shield money anyway. An alternative to perhaps consider is is a Raspberry Pi running Moonlight as this is basically the same kind of thing as a Shield but much, much cheaper!

[bonn4lolly]

have you looked into a steam link?

Thanks for all the responses.

I understand that Steam Link doesn't support surround sound? And as with Nvidia Shield TV, I want to eliminate cut outs (via glitches in hardware or in my network, especially the powerlines), artifacts etc.

[bonn4lolly]

What's the budget? I seen optical HDMI and USB 3.0 cables for inhumane money.

For HDMI signal you could also have a HDMI wireless extension.

Around the £100 mark for a no compromise solution.

[bonn4lolly]

Is this for gaming purposes or just general use? If general, you could possible get away with Chromecast and a wireless mouse?

Or maybe just your smart phone using something like Unified Remote?

I'll be using it for gaming and as a home theatre, connected through my amp. I want it to be a permanent solution, so plugging in a phone each time isn't really an option, and relying on WIFI would probably be the least reliable/worst quality.

[bonn4lolly]

Best bet would be to use a HDMI Balun (~£30-40) and USB2.0 active extender (~£30-40)... but by this time with the cables, connectors, shipping etc, you are probably close to Shield money anyway. An alternative to perhaps consider is is a Raspberry Pi running Moonlight as this is basically the same kind of thing as a Shield but much, much cheaper!

Thanks for this. Sounds like a simple HDMI wall plate on each end might be out of the question then... Do you have an example of an active USB extender? I can only find active cables for a lot less £££, but they seem to be unpowered (which is good).

Might begrudgingly give a cheaper android box a go, running Moonlight - but I just don't trust my network to give crystal clear, smooth and uninterrupted playback.

If I do go ahead with extended cables, I need a plan this week before the floor boards go back down... oh, the pressure!

[Jonj1611]

This post says steam link supports 5.1 surround :- https://steamcommunity.com/app/35338...0468361839890/

Which maybe an option depending on what it is you want to do exactly, however I have the Steam link and I would strongly strongly recommend using a wired connection.

Edit : Just read about you want to use it for home theatre in which case the steam link isn't likely going to be suitable though maybe able to work with some messing around.

[bonn4lolly]

This post says steam link supports 5.1 surround :- https://steamcommunity.com/app/35338...0468361839890/

Which maybe an option depending on what it is you want to do exactly, however I have the Steam link and I would strongly strongly recommend using a wired connection.

Edit : Just read about you want to use it for home theatre in which case the steam link isn't likely going to be suitable though maybe able to work with some messing around.

I can't open the link on this network, but 5.1 must have been introduced to Steam Link on a very recent update. I think you can add your desktop (or any other apps e.g. Kodi) to Steam, and then access it via Steam Link. But as you say, still not ideal.

[Biscuit]

Thanks for this. Sounds like a simple HDMI wall plate on each end might be out of the question then... Do you have an example of an active USB extender? I can only find active cables for a lot less £££, but they seem to be unpowered (which is good).

Might begrudgingly give a cheaper android box a go, running Moonlight - but I just don't trust my network to give crystal clear, smooth and uninterrupted playback.

If I do go ahead with extended cables, I need a plan this week before the floor boards go back down... oh, the pressure!

I actually meant extenders which also convert to CAT5/6. I don't really want to give specific recommendations because i haven't personally tried any. I would recommend researching the options yourself.
Whether you go this route or not, i would run CAT cables in now whilst you have an opportunity with floorboards up anyway. They could also be utilised to improve network performance if they aren't used for baluns.
Experimenting with a raspberry pi is a no brained. They cost almost nothing and there is plenty of media centre options for them. Only thing they don't work for is services like Netflix.

[Divo]

Why do you have your PC upstairs? Bring it where it belongs, in the living . . .