Being a tech geek can seem a little difficult sometimes. There are a plethora of different Ethernet speeds, cables and equipment to keep track of when creating a do-it-yourself home entertainment system or bolstered work station, making it an almost daunting task when it’s time to go to the store and start shopping. For those with electronic aspirations you can finally lay those fears to rest — the list below will make simple the basics, explaining everything from the function of a CAT5e crossover cable to whether or not you should choose a 100 ft HDMI cable or 500 ft Ethernet cable.
What Are CAT Cables?
Short for a ‘category’ cable, these are used for hooking up your Ethernet services. A CAT5 cable, while not the newest option on the market, are still widely used by many — these can easily last five to 10 years on average, provided they’re made of high-quality materials. A CAT5e crossover cable, on the other hand, is considered perfect if you want the same function with a little more power. These provide much higher Ethernet speeds and are prime for those that need more efficiency for a work space or complex set-up.
What Are HDMI Cables?
Did you know it’s a popular myth that HDMI cables have to cost more than $50? While many stores will charge quite a lot for their HDMI to DVI cables, you can find the same quality for a lower price if you take your time searching. Another common myth is that the length of your cable will affect the quality of the audio and video — the fact of the matter is that length is only useful for your ability to create a proper set-up. If you’re concerned about whether or not you will have enough room, measure your space beforehand to avoid any uncertainty.
What Are These Cables Used For?
HDMI and CAT cables are used in a wide variety of institutional, educational and residential settings. The West Health Institute reported recently that hospitals could save more than $30 billion every year by connecting their medical devices, such as vital sign monitors and smart pumps, with electronic health records — technology is all about convenience, after all, and keeping everything interconnected goes a long way in conserving electricity and saving money.
What Are Pitfalls I Should Avoid?
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll save money as well as stay safe. Damaged and frayed phone charger cables, as well as HDMI cables, have been found to pose a significant fire hazard. The year 2008 bore witness to over 53,000 home fires — these were caused by electrical failures and malfunctions, most of which could have been easily avoided. Smartphones generally have a lifespan of two years or so and this extends to the charger cables. When in doubt? Throw it out!
Where Should I Get Started?
Ready to start shopping? Let’s cover some ground before you go out and start looking for the best CAT5e crossover cable. Amazon has stopped allowing third-party marketplace sellers to offer USB Type-C products that aren’t in compliance with relevant USB standards — this has likely been in response to the overflow of cheap USB cables that flooded the market, leading to creations that would be missing wires, underperforming and even putting customers at risk for computer fire. Quality over quantity is the name of the game and this goes for just about anything you buy for your work station or entertainment system.
