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Thinking of throwing together the ultimate home entertainment systems? You’ll need to brush up on your cables. While that doesn’t sound like fun, rest easy knowing they’re rather easy to learn. When you’ve got videogames to play and movies to watch, the last thing you want is sub-par equipment that could affect the quality of your media. Additional accessories, such as your cellphone or webcam, can also be retrofitted into your entire entertainment system to ensure one harmonious location for all your streaming and viewing pleasure. Let’s dive into a crash course on how to piece together the right wires, CAT5 crossover cable and Ethernet so you can stop fussing and start relaxing.
What Are HDMI Cables Used For?
First things first. You’ll want HDMI cables when hooking up your television, though knowing which one to choose from depends on the set-up. The HDMI 1.4 is designed first and foremost to accommodate 3D Blu-ray disc standards, with the additional capacity of passing two 1080p signals using a single connection. Think your entertainment system will be on the complex side? Don’t settle for less! HDMI can also pass video resolutions from 480i to 4K, perfect for those who like to stream or really get into their films.
What Are CAT Cables Used For?
What about a CAT5 crossover cable? These colorful cables are used for your Ethernet connections and should be deeply considered before you get to piecing everything together. CAT5 cables aren’t the newest model around, but they’re still able to get the job done and in good fashion. CAT5e cables provide higher Ethernet speeds and are ideal for those who like to stream or multitask with their entertainment system. A CAT5 crossover cable can also hook up to other hardware.
What About My Phone?
For those who have an iPhone that could use a little extra space, cell phone cables should be first on your list. Studies have shown there are a whopping 100 million iPhone users in the United States alone. Even neater? An average of 400 iPhones are sold every single minute. So far the Apple corporation has released nine generations of the iPhone, making it the second largest smartphone vendor in the world and one that has plenty of accessories to accommodate you. If you have an old or damaged cell phone charger, however, you may want to keep reading…
What Should I Avoid?
There are a few tips you should keep in the back of your mind when buying a CAT5 crossover cable and setting up your entertainment system. The biggest involves, believe it or not, your phone. Since people like to charge their phone nearby, a common problem is that of frayed or damaged cell phone chargers. These are a notorious fire hazard and one that sees hundreds of fires caused through electrical malfunctions in the United States every year. Remember there are also four types of HDMI cables, too — Standard, Standard with Ethernet, High Speed and High Speed with Ethernet. Now that you’re a little caught up on the basics, starting your entertainment system shouldn’t be too hard at all!
How Do I Set Up My Entertainment System?
Now for a little refresher. You want HDMI cables if you like to watch high-quality shows and film, while CAT cables are designed for Ethernet purposes. For those that stream, play online videogames and like to multitask the CAT5e can get the job done. All Ethernet cables will have four twisted pairs of wires, with said twist preventing interference and ensuring a smooth connection. A damaged or frayed charger should be thrown out immediately to reduce the risk of a fire or electrocution, while surge protectors will save your hardware and money both in case of a storm or power outage. Your entertainment system doesn’t have to be a chore. Let it be your next great project on the way to the ultimate media lifestyle!