text.skipToContent text.skipToNavigation

CONNECTING YOUR CLASSROOM

The length of the cabling system is an important consideration of any A/V cable install. If the distance from the source device to the display is longer than the limitation of the cabling signal, then a signal booster may be required. Below is a list of common AV signal types and their length limitations. 

Official length limitations: These standards have been defined by industry associations.
 ​​​​​​
  • DisplayPort — 15 meters (about 49ft) 
  • DVI digital — 5 meters (about 16.5ft)

Unofficial length limitations: These signaling methods do not really have a defined maximum length. The limitations listed here are based on common real-world experience. Use these as a guideline — your application may allow for a longer cable run, or may call for a shorter distance. Check with your equipment manufacturer — they may specify a maximum cable length. The best advice for these types of cables is to use as short of a cable as you can.
​​​​​​
  • Audio (line level) — 150ft
  • Audio (speaker level) — 500ft (use lower gauge wire as distance increases) 
  • Audio (digital coax) — 50ft 
  • Audio (digital optical) — 16.5ft 
  • Component Video — 150ft 
  • Composite Video — 150ft 
  • HDMI — 16.5ft without a booster 
  • Modulated RF (CATV, SATV) — 150ft (use RG-6 coaxial wire) 
  • S-Video — 150ft 
  • VGA (laptop output) — 35-50ft without a booster/amplifier 
  • VGA (desktop output) — 75-100ft without a booster/amplifier 
This white paper is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. C2G makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information found in this document.