Also, I've been told running HD 200' over
ethernet is a bad idea and am looking for fiber solutions...
I hate to bring this up again but it is a very important distinction, are you addressing streaming video as
Ethernet data or running HD media over twisted pair cabling? Those are two very different things.
Ethernet is
Ethernet and therefore subject the the same guidelines and standard as for any data
network, including the 100m maximum distance guideline. HD video or media over
UTP/
STP cable is quite different and the distances supported are very product dependent for both the transceivers and the cable
What is meant by "HD" may also be a factor as some products may have trouble with 1080p at a distance but be able to handle 720p or 1080i, which are still "HD", at that same distance.
I'm looking at this for fiber:
MyCableMart.com
The don't mention the manufacturer, however it seems to be
Rainbow Fish Fiber Optic, Inc.. The ATC and Simplay verification link actually take you to the specs for a 28AWG wired product. You also have to look closely at the little connection diagram or at the manufacturer's information to see that the receiver has to be connected to a USB port for
power.
I agree with ruinexplorer that one risk with a device like that is that any damage requires replacing the entire device or sending it back to the manufacturer for repair.
I find
What's a "Certifed" HDMI Cable? -- Blue Jeans Cable an intersting read regarding
HDMI cable certification. Apparently only the first example of a product
category needs to be certified with all related products then potentially being covered by that one certification. So a manufacturer could apparently get certification based on a 5' cable and then offer a cable with similar but lesser quality construction that is 500' long under the same certification.