Do you ever find yourself with two short cables and still can’t make the connection?  Having an HDMI Repeater will fix your short cable dilemma and maintain picture quality. This allows you to use the smaller cables instead of buying another longer cable.

A HDMI Repeater can extend the distance of an HDMI signal up to 40 meters (130 feet).  The device is placed in the middle by connecting two HDMI cables into it, extending the strength of the signal allowing you to place your television, projector, or monitor anywhere. The Repeater takes the signal and breaks it down into digital format, then re-formats it into a new, stronger HDMI signal. 

A HDMI Equalizer on the other hand, is a device placed at the end of a long HDMI cable to remove any noise during transmission.  The Equalizer does a renewal process to the signal and then sends it on to the receiving device. 

You don’t need to purchase both to have a strong crisp signal. Cables expanding over 50 feet come with either you preference of a Repeater or an Equalizer.  We recommend using a HDMI Repeater over an Equalizer for a better connection results.

Here at FireFold, we consistently strive to provide you with the newest and greatest advances in audio/visual technology. That’s why we are extremely excited to introduce a new specification of HDMI to all of our loyal customers: HDMI 1.4! FireFold currently has its first batch of pre-production samples which are in testing now. Currently no consumer devices require this specification so it will be some time before our final release is ready. So what really is HDMI 1.4? Let FireFold educate you.

HDMI 1.4

This brand new A/V solution is bringing on a whole new entourage of features to make your viewing and listening experience so much better! First off, this cable is equipped with an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) that enables data transfers of up to 100 Mbps between supported connected devices. This will ultimately make it possible for a broadband-connected television using HEC-enabled HDMI to provide internet connection sharing with other HEC-enabled devices such as a game console or a DVR. Also, this cable will bring an Audio Return Channel (ARC), enabling broadcast audio to be streamed easily back to an external amplifier; not to mention that the new Automatic Content Enhancement (ACE) provides the user with support for future 3d video standards, resolution support will be increased up to 4,096 x 2,160 pixels at up to 30Hz, and this will automatically optimize the television’s picture settings based on what type of content is being viewed. Below is a detailed outline of all of the new features of this new and wonderful cable!

HDMI 1.4 Features:

HDMI Ethernet Channel

The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for IP-based

The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.

Audio Return Channel

This new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

3D Over HDMI

The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.

4K x 2K Resolution Support

The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:

• 3840 x 2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
• 4096 x 2160 24Hz

Extended Support for Color Spaces

HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of
reproducing more life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.

Micro HDMI Connector

The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly small 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.

Automotive Connection System

The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufacturers will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.

To view additional information view our spec sheet on this cable by clicking the link below:

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Hopefully, our detailed explanation of the incredible new specifications that HDMI 1.4 has to offer has educated you. Release of this new A/V solution will follow our complete testing of this product, and we hope that you are just as excited as we are!

If you read our original HDMI 101 guide, you should be well versed on the different types of HDMI cables that are available today… but you might be completely foreign to some of the other HDMI technologies currently available to the consumer market. Some of these new technologies can really make your HDMI viewing experience top-notch. In this article, we will review these different technologies and how they can enhance your viewing experience.

HDMI Splitters

Have you ever been watching a movie on your HDTV and wanted someone else in the house to see it, but for some reason they couldn’t be in the same room you’re in? Or you and a friend were playing a video game, but didn’t want to play on the same TV? An HDMI splitter will allow you to split the same signal between two TVs. So without having to have two game systems, or a network to connect the systems, you can play the same game and have an entire TV to yourself. When using an HDMI splitter, as long as you’re using a high quality HDMI cable (such as one of ours), you will have no signal degradation. Our HDMI splitters will support all previous versions of HDMI (1.1, 1.2, 1.3a).

HDMI Extenders

If your HDMI cable is too short, but you have another HDMI cable lying around and/or have purchased one recently, this is a great tool. The HDMI Extender/Repeater will connect two cables and works by regeneration supply oscillator video frequency and the tonic train signaling. The extender has a built-in equalizer which ensures a clear and sharp image will be transmitted every single time. We have extenders in multiple lengths: 40m (150ft), 200ft (this utilizes a cat 5 cable that runs between the two provided boxes from the device you’re trying to get signal from, to the device you’re trying to run the signal to), 360ft (this utilizes cat6 cable), and 850ft.

HDMI Converters

FireFold sells many different types of converters for your HDMI needs. Here is a list of the converters we carry.

USB to HDMI

We carry the world’s first USB to HDMI box, this converter sends video and audio information through one single box where it is converted from HDMI. It allows you to hook your computer up to your HDTV. To hook this up, you take your HDMI cable, and plug it into the back of the TV, then plug the HDMI end into the USB to HDMI box. On the other end of the box you take your USB cable and hook it up to your computer on the one end, and on the other end hook it up to the other end of the USB to HDMI box. Eureka! Now you can use your TV as your computer monitor, or use your computer as your TV screen. With this USB to HDMI box there will be no signal degradation, and can support 720p signal. You can only carry 720p because USB will not support a 1080 signal. With this converter box, an audio signal is also transmitted. If you’re using this for a presentation, you’ll be happy to know that you can split the signal on up to 6 screens.

HDMI to Component

This converter will allow you to turn your component device (such as a DVD player) that doesn’t have an HDMI output into an HDMI capable device. You simply connect your component cables to the box, and plug your HDMI cable into the other side of the box, and into your TV. This will help improve sound and picture clarity, as it turns the signal purely digital.

HDMI to DVI

This converter box is similar to the HDMI to Component converter box but converts from HDMI to DVI instead.

HDMI to VGA with Dual RCA Audio

This converter box will convert your video source from VGA and your audio source from left and right RCA’s all into one HDMI output, giving you digit clarity in picture and sound.

HDMI Analog to Digital

This will turn your 3.5mm analog audio signal and convert it into the amazing quality of all digital HDMI.

HDMI over Fiber

HDMI over fiber allows you to extend the range of an HDMI cable without signal-loss. With Fiber Cable you can extend the range of an HDMI cable up to 330 feet without compromising the digital signal. We sell Fiber Cables ranging from 33 feet, all the way up the 330 feet.

HDMI Keystone Couplers

We sell HDMI keystone couplers that are put into our blank wall plates, so that you may run HDMI through your walls, and have a plug-and-play solution with less wire mess.  With these couplers you would put the HDMI coupler into the wall plate, then cut your hole in the wall, plug your cable into the back of the coupler and then run the HDMI cable through the wall and fish it where it is needed, and cut another hole in the wall behind the device you’re going to hook the HDMI cable up to.  You will cut another hole into the wall, and put another wall plate with another coupler.

HDMI Coupler 90 Degree

This coupler is great if you have a very thin HDTV being used with something like a Flush Mount. And don’t have a lot of room behind the TV to put cables, this coupler will allow you to be able to hook up your cable, and not worry about stressing the cable, and possibly snapping the end of it.

HDMI Coupler Female to Female

This coupler will allow you to hook multiple HDMI cables together securely. If you have two 3 foot cables, but your HDMI device is 5 feet away, this is your solution.

DVI Female to HDMI Male Connector

This will allow you to turn a DVI cable into an HDMI cable, or vice versa.

HDMI Portsaver

Use it as a port saver or can be used as a shorter extension of your HDMI Cables without the excess. Puts less stress on the components and ports of HD devices so they will not prematurely wear out. Snug fitting ensures a secure fit which will help prevent HDMI connection problems and distortions from coming loose.

HDMI Female to HDMI Mini Male Adapter Cable

Mini HDMI Type C is the newest peripheral connector for the next generation of HDMI devices. The mini HDMI is used on most digital cameras, digital camcorders, and other new slimmer portable electronics. The 8 inch pigtail adapter converts an HDMI Type A to a mini Type C and provides the best solution without having to pay for another HDMI cable. Unlike a solid piece adapter, this 8 inch pigtail provides crucial strain relief for the sensitive mini HDMI connectors on the digital camcorder.

Mini Display Port Male to HDMI Female Adapter for Mac Laptops

The Mini Display Port male to HDMI female adapter is designed for connecting Mac laptops with Mini Display Port output to HDTV displays which have an HDMI connection.  This adapter cable, based on the latest Display Port 1.1a standards, is capable of supporting very high resolutions up to 1080p. This is a great solution for using your HDTV or projector to watch movies, perform presentations, or surf the web directly on your television from your Mac laptop.  You can use this cable for both video mirroring and extended desktop modes.

HDMI is the wave of the future in audio and video. HDMI will continue to be at the forefront of digital audio/video technology for many years to come. Here at FireFold, we carry many types of HDMI connectors, adapters, cables, splitters, and extenders. We will continue to carry the newest HDMI technology that comes out, and offer it to you at the best possible price.

In our previous Wall Plate article, we discussed Power Plates, which are exactly like the name sounds like; they supply power to devices. In this article we will discuss getting audio and video through a wall to another location, why the wall plate will cut down on wire mess, and how the wall plates can be beneficial to you. Wall plates are an inexpensive, clean way to add that finishing touch to your home theater system. You will need two (in very rare occasions you will need more than this) to make the connection complete. Even if you have a small home theater (just a TV and a receiver), you can utilize one of our many wall plates. We have a wall plate for just about every audio or video solution you could possible need. We even have combination wall plates that can accommodate multiple types of connections. Some of our wall plates include.

• HDMI Wall Plate with Component Video & RCA Audio

  This wall plate allows you to hook up multiple devices. You can hook up your HDMI device as well as your component cables with audio. This wall plate supports up to 1080p. You could use the plate for a combination of things; you could buy it in preparation for new devices you are considering buying, and just have it wired up ahead of time to cut down on cost, as well as not having to cut your wall up anymore. You can utilize the connection on this wall plate singly; you could use it just to hook up your RCA speakers, or just your HDMI cable.

• Slim Line VGA to VGA Wall Plate

  This plate allows you to hook a VGA cable up in one room, to the other VGA wall plate you have in another location, such as a different room. This plate makes having VGA devices more convenient in the sense of cutting down on wire mess.

• Spring Clip Wall Plate for Audio Speaker Wires

  

  2 Pair Banana Decora
  

  1 Pair Banana Decora

  These wall plates will allow you to hook your external speakers up to the wall plate so there is no tangle of speaker wires running across the floor, or getting tangled up with your current wires. Available in 2 post and 4 post flavors.

• HDMI Wall Plates

  

  Slim Line HDMI Decor
  

  HDMI Dual Port
  

  HDMI Single Port

  We have several types of HDMI-only wall plates.

  • single port
  • dual port
  • HDMI wall plate with extender
  • slim line HDMI decor
  • slim line HDMI dual port

• Home Theater Wall Plates

  

  7.2 Home Theater Wall Plate
  

  6.2 Home Theater Wall Plate
  

  5.2 Home Theater Wall Plate

  These wall plates allow you a clean, simple way to power your speakers. Audio/Video wall plates are an awesome addition to your home theatre. They will give you the look, ease of use, and convenience you desire for your home theatre. These wall plates allow you to take full advantage of your home theatre speakers to immerse yourself into the ultimate viewing/listening experience. To utilize these wall-plates you can do one of two things to power them: you can buy banana clips, or you can take the speaker wire, strip some of the plastic coating off the end, and wrap it around one of the loosened gold-plated post’s and tighten it down by screwing the post onto the wire. We sell plates to accommodate multiple speaker set-ups.

  

  7.2 Home Theater Wall Plate with 2 Gang Passthrough
  

  6.2 Home Theater Wall Plate with 2 Gang Passthrough
  

  6.2 Home Theater Wall Plate with 1 Gang Passthrough

  The pass-through allows you to put bulk cables through the wall, to continue your clean look home theatre. You will have to purchase a bulk cable pass-through to get these extra cables through. You will cut your wall and put this plate wherever your receiver, DVD player, etc will be. Also, this allows up to 7 speakers with 2 subwoofers to be hooked up. These wall plates, like our power plates, offer another solution in the world of audio/video home theatre. These will give you the look, sound, quality, and most importantly, price you’re looking for.