How do I install a a HDMI wall plate?

Question

How do I install an HDMI wall plate for a connection directly into the wall? What is the benefit of this versus just having an HDMI cable into a regular wall outlet? Are all HDMI cables created equal? Will I only need one HDMI cable for a dvd, tivo, and cable box?

Answer 1

If your DVD, TiVo, and cable boxes all have HDMI outputs, you'd need 3 HDMI cables to connect to your TV (if it has 3 HDMI inputs!). It probably doesn't, so you'll probably want to connect the cable box using HDMI so you can watch HDTV on your TV. You can use component video for the DVD and TiVO; doesn't sound like you have the HDTV versions yet.

Sounds like you might be trying to hang a plasma or LCD TV on the wall, using an HDMI connection and a wall plate to hide the cable to the TV. You can use a bulk cable cover instead of the HDMI wall plate and just run the cable in the wall and out the cable cover (here's some examples from Fry's -- link below). Not quite as sexy, but much cheaper because you only need one HDMI cable. With a wall plate, you need an HDMI from the cable box to the lower wall plate, an HDMI inside the wall (lower wall plate to upper wall plate), and another HDMI from the upper wall plate to the TV. At $60 per HDMI (at least!), that adds up in a hurry. You can also use the bulk opening to run the component video cables.

There are lots of opinions on whether all HDMI cables are equal, and most say no. Cheap cables usually mean they've cut a corner somewhere and it'll show up in your TV picture. Super expensive ones with the copyrighted cable technology names probably aren't necessary; find a good middle range cable.

Answer 2

That's a tough one.
1. Do you have a HD Catv converter or satellite receiever?
2. What is the distance to the TV / monitor from the receiver?
3. Is there a pre-wired (inside the wall) outlet with HDMI cable?

Most installers I know do not have the crimpers or connectors for HDMI cable. A few high-end builders are actually installing conduit from the tv location to a pre-determined "rack" location where a cable box or HD receiver will be located.

I'm sure you can get a wall plate on-line, but be prepared to pay a hefty price for it.