Daisy Chaining Video Ports

im4gine3 · 29 Mar 2021 at 13:02

Unusual question, but are there any downsides to daisy chaining HDMI/Display port connections?

As an example, from the GPU > 90 degree connector > 1m HDMI cable panel port > however long HDMI cable to the monitor?

Likewise the same for any other connection like Display port.. or should the connections between them perform lossless

Donnie Fisher · 29 Mar 2021 at 13:44

Each connection will introduce a level of both signal strength drop, and also lowering of signal quality. In addition, increasing of cable length will also reduce signal strength and quality as well. So in short, yes, there are downsides.

But

It also depends on what signal you are trying to put down the cable. A standard 1080p HD signal uses far far less than a 1440p high refresh rate, or 4k. As such, there is more scope/tolerance for the signal quality to deteriorate before you reach a point where the receiving end cant understand what is coming down the cable.

For example. I have a 5m HDMI cable. It works fine sending a 1080p signal from a set top box to my 4k TV, but if you change the settings on the box to 4K output, it loses the picture on the TV.

To try and mitigate the signal deterioration, you can use higher quality cables. But be clear, they will not magically improve the picture, or sound quality of audio, they will simply reduce how much signal loss there is as you go between the PC to the display.

Tiggymala · 29 Mar 2021 at 14:23

I remember on LTT they did something sending a HDMI connection or som what over a massive daisy chain of inputs and outputs, might be worth looking up and checking out.

im4gine3 · 29 Mar 2021 at 14:56

ahh cool thank.. will look into this.

I'm not looking to increase how long the signal is but more so in terms of having multiple small connections.. e.g. connector > 1m cable ext > 1m cable ext > 1m cable etc

Donnie Fisher · 29 Mar 2021 at 15:18

If it’s something like hiding a cable run up a wall it’ll likely be fine as long as you use decent quality parts and cables.

HDMI cables come in basic and higher spec versions. Look on shops and you’ll see they specify whether they are uprated for 4K.

if you make sure your wall panels are similar then you should be fine.