DVI over cat5e baluns

[Ira]

I've done quite a bit of reading on the subject of DVI over cat5e/6 on the forum and other sites, and the options/equipment vary widely. My scenario is fairly simple...I need to get a DirecTV HD signal displayed on a 19" monitor that is located 100' from the DVR. Also in the mix is a DVI-Link 2-channel A/V switch because I also want to be able to use the monitor with a PC. Unless there is a good way to have a keyboard/mouse (and maybe IR) work with a PC that is 100' away, the PC will be located near the monitor instead of near the PC. That also means the switch will be near the monitor and PC. The highest resolution the monitor supports is 720p. I also need to run analog audio from the DVR to the switch. The DVI switch has DVI inputs/outputs for video and RCA inputs/outputs for analog audio. The DVR has HDMI output, component output, and analog audio output (RCA jacks). The PC has HDMI output (with no audio) and analog audio output (3.5mm stereo jack). I have HDMI-to-DVI adapters for the PC and DVR.

I've seen baluns priced from $50 all the way up to and over $500. I've seen some that require one cat6 STP cable and one cat5e/6 UTP cable, and others that only require one cat5e UTP cable. Almost all say they can handle 720p for 100'. Any suggestions based on real world experience on what baluns to use given my requirements? Any real benefits to locating the PC and the DVI/audio switch near the DVR (i.e., everything 100' from the monitor), vs. locating the PC and switch near the monitor (and making it easier for a wireless keyboard/mouse)?

Thanks,
Ira

 

[tmbrown97]

I've bought a lot of these because of my work. I can tell you that for low-res, like yours, the cheaper ones will do just fine. The $500 ones are essential if you need 1680x1050 (or greater) over a hundred feet - but it sounds like your requirements are much lower.

The cheaper ones are fine - but I'm using a cheap set and one thing I noticed, is that the picture flashes on/off fairly often - especially when the AC kicks in... like its going in/out of sleep mode. otherwise for my application, it's the best option