AVPro Edge

March 1, 2022 - In our new feature, From the Tech Specialist, we will highlight one of our AVPro Edge Support team members as they share their knowledge! Today's article was written by Brandon Buol.

Custom integrators use HDMI video distribution equipment (Matrix Switchers, Extenders, AV over IP, or Distribution Amplifiers) in their installations every day. They leave the site, and everything is working great. Then, they get a call from their customer that the video stopped after several hours or days. 

The first thing you want to do is point fingers at is the Video Distribution equipment, but how do you know what is causing the problem? Where is that HDMI Handshake dropping out? 

I put together this list of fixes I use which has helped other integrators as well:

HDMI HANDSHAKE FIXES

(in no particular order because any of these fixes could be the one for the system you are working on!)

HDMI CABLE LENGTH

Ensure you are using HDMI cables that are 2 meters or longer, and replace all HDMI cables that are too short! 

CHECK YOUR CATEGORY CABLE FOR HDBASET

CONNECTION

Have a trusted patch cable you can test with and check all your HDBaseT connections with this trusted cable. Simple tips with your cable; Don’t use EZ Ends, don’t use keystone or punchdown blocks, ensure you are using CAT6a or better.

UNBUNDLE YOUR CAT

When running multiple video runs, ensure your category cables are not bundled together; this will ensure you don’t have interference from cable to cable. 

STEP-BY-STEP ELIMINATION OF THE PROBLEM

Bypass each section of the video distribution chain in order and keep track of your results on paper. This way, you can narrow down where the handshake issues are coming from in your install.

CATEGORY CABLE DISTANCES

Double-check the distance specifications for the cable you are using (if you are using CAT5 and specs call for CAT6A subtract 25% distance for using CAT5 or 5E).

For more tips check out the HDBaseT Installers Ten Cable Commandments:

UPDATE FIRMWARE

Check FW on all devices starting with the source and finishing with each display, and hit every piece of electronics in the middle. HDMI signal technology is in constant flux; the devices you are installing need the latest firmware to ensure a smooth signal flow. 

LOWER THE RESOLUTION

Lowering the resolution will drop the overall bandwidth and allows you to see if you are running into bandwidth issues on a specific piece in the run.

HDMI is constantly changing, and AVPro Edge Tech Support is there for you, but using some of these tactics will help you become an even better integrator than you are now!

Brandon Buol has taken thousands of phone calls helping our integrators. Brandon uses that experience to educate others by sharing his experiences and writing these helpful tips for everyone to use. Brandon is Imaging Science Foundation Level III certified and has earned his HDBaseT Master Program Level II.