How does HDMI Extender Work? What Are Its Pros and Cons
Wireless HDMI extender is one of the best ways to transmit HDMI data over longer distances. Theoretically, an HDMI works up to a distance of about 50 feet. But these cables are tough to find and might be costly. Realistically HDMI data transmission capability is about 25 feet or maybe less.
It was also found that the picture quality can fall if long cables are used. Noise, glitches, and drop-outs are some occasions that can be the results because of poor HDMI data transmission. To improve the audio, video, and picture quality — wireless HDMI extenders can be used.
The HDMI extender/transmitter is a full-proof and reliable solution to run HDMI over longer distances without losing the data quality. But how HDMI extender makes this happen? What are the Wireless HDMI pros and cons? Does it work?
Let’s try to find it out!
How do HDMI Wireless Extenders work for you?
Screen mirroring applications like Apple AirPlay, HDMI Wireless extenders do not require any internet or Wi-Fi connection. Think of Bluetooth. It’s pretty similar to it, but for video — all you have to plug the transmitter into your video source and the receiver into your display. The transmitter sends out a microwave frequency, and the receiver decodes it into high-definition video.
Some HDMI extender/transmitter products have IR transmitters. These transmitters give you the freedom to use TV remotes to control devices from a far distance. IR transmitters are important for wireless HDMI extender setups.
Like other wireless devices, the HDMI extender is prone to obstruction. Usually, HDMI wireless extenders work on 5GHz frequency, which gets distorted by cell phone signals, refrigerators, nearby Wi-Fi router signals. Fortunately, most of the newer HDMI extender/transmitter products run on dynamic frequency. That means they adjust frequency automatically to least the congested frequency within your home.
Would you use an HDMI extender? Let us take a look at HDMI matrix/extender set pros and cons.
Why to- and Why not to- Use Wireless HDMI Extenders?
Why to?
· No More Cables. Cables create an unimpressive and potentially unsafe environment. You either trip or fall on the cords. On the other hand, a wireless HDMI extender doesn’t need any cord or cable to transmit and receive data packets.
· Quick and Easy Setup. HDMI transmitter/extender is simple to install. Connect the transmitter to your media device, receiver to the display, and turn on the devices. No long ethernet and HDMI cables around.
· Placement. Wireless HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia interface) extenders are flexible in-related to placing your source and display device. Place your devices on any of your favorite locations.
· No Wi-Fi Required. HDMI extender kit doesn’t depend on any Wi-Fi network. Thus, you don’t need to worry about bandwidth consumption.
Why not to ?
· Slight Lags. Compared to wired HDMI extenders, there is a latency range of about 500ms. Therefore it is not recommended for online games. However, they are hard to detect from naked eyes.
· Reliability. External factors can impact the quality and loss of signal with wireless HDMI. It happens because of the construction structure of a building or apartment. The other devices that can impact the bandwidth are cellphones, microwaves, refrigerators, reflective surfaces like mirrors and water.
· Cost. The price of an HDMI extender can be considered both pro and con. Wireless HDMI devices are expensive than traditional ones. But if you are looking for a long run, then you can save a lot of money.
