Displayport 1.4 cable question: How to extend beyond base length.

[RgUgGg]

I'm currently designing a new build I will be using (primarily) for Premiere Pro, After Effects and Photoshop editing and production. As there are now a few 4k monitors that accept DP 1.4 cables and the build will include two GTX 1080s, I would like to take advantage of the spec. I have a bit of a stumbling block I need to overcome, however.

My monitors are along one wall (attached to my desk) and the computers are in a conditioned closet behind me. Currently, I run DL-DVI cables under the floor. Looking at the specs for DP 1.4 it appears the max length is less than what it will take to complete my job (~18-19 ft). In reading the spec I see mention of longer lengths if "active" cables are used, but my searches have not been able to find active/extension/repeating/etc cables. Do any of you know of a resource in that regard?

Thanks.

 

[Barty1884]

I'm not sure what an "active" cable would be, but there would likely need to be some conversion in the line (say an active converter box at the halfway point), to continue the signal to the desired lengths.

Out of curiosity, what kind of refresh rate are you looking at? If you're limiting to 4K @ 60Hz, this could be achieved by HDMI 2.0 .... with a longer cable length - typically <10Mtr/30Ft.

 

[RgUgGg]

I'm not sure what an "active" cable would be, but there would likely need to be some conversion in the line (say an active converter box at the halfway point), to continue the signal to the desired lengths.

Out of curiosity, what kind of refresh rate are you looking at? If you're limiting to 4K @ 60Hz, this could be achieved by HDMI 2.0 .... with a longer cable length - typically <10Mtr/30Ft.

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, at that refresh rate HDMI 2.0 will work just fine and I will likely go this route. However, I may occasionally play a game (lower priority) that could benefit from the higher rate. More importantly, it seems to me (and I could be incorrect) that the DP/VESA folks are out front in regard to HDR which is something I would certainly like to use.

I found an active cable (https://www.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/DisplayPort/15m-Active-DisplayPort-Cable-M-M~DISPL15MA), but the price is prohibitive and they don't list a version number. But it does mean they're available, although apparently rare.

Thanks again.

 

[Barty1884]

Ah, when they're saying "active" it's more of a 'booster' than any conversion (which a typical "active" adapter would do).

I trust Startech and, if they're selling for $113 USD, then I wouldn't expect to pay much less for one in fairness.
Amazon have the same cable for $80.... or 30Ft for $67
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-DISPL15MA-Active-Displayport-Cable/dp/B00EG3YA2G?th=1

I don't believe the cabling itself matters too much from a revision standpoint..... much the same as an old HDMI cable will work with 2.0.

 

[RgUgGg]

I found DP to fiber cables that would do the trick, but they're off the chain expensive...as in >$1k. I think I'll pass on those.

The folks at Club 3D (club-3d.com) tell me they are working on a 1.4 cable that will work at 10m. I'll run with the HDMI 2.0 for now and will wait a bit to see what unfolds on the 1.4 cables. As I mentioned, the HDR is something I'm really looking forward to, but those require peak bandwidth and performance.

Thanks for the replies.