Cables & Leads Blog

Which Cables are needed for an in-the-wall TV installation?
 June 25th, 2010

Wall Mount Cables Needed for TV Installation? You have thought long and hard about getting your new LCD or Plasma TV. You know it comes with a stand. It will be really easy to setup this way, but you will need a stand of some sort, perhaps wood or glass or…

No. You know you want to hang it on the wall! It is a flatscreen TV afterall. What other point is there to having a great new flatscreen TV, if it isn’t hanging on the wall, for all to see in it’s glory.

Now comes the dilema… do you hang it on the wall and have the cables hanging down? Or do you do the job properly and have the cables hidden, plastered in or hidden behind some crafty MDF and a slinky plinth?

Which ever way you decide, getting the right cables now, could make all the difference (and frustration if you forget one!) in setting up your audio video equipment, players, recorders, games consoles, SKY box and the list goes on… here is our top tips on what you may need!

Why not print this guide off and tick the boxes [    ] for the cables you will need?

1 – A Basic Flatscreen InstallationC13 to C14 Extension Cable for Power

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box

2 – A Standard Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)3 RCA Audio Video Composite Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?

3 – A High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)HDMI Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable or Cables depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.

4 – A 3D High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)3D Ready HDMI Cables?
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

5 – A 3D / Internet Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)Ethernet Network Patch Cable
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

6 – A Media Centre (PC / Laptop) Ready High Definition Flatscreen Installation

a – [    ] – Power Cable – Perhaps you need a C13 to C14 Power extension (check your TV 1st)
b – [    ] – Aerial Cable from TV Aerial
c – [    ] – Aerial Cable from Satellite, Digital TV Box or Video Recorder
d – [    ] – SCART Cable or Cables from DVD Player or Digital TV Box
e – [    ] – Composite Audio Video Cable (3 RCA Phono) for Camcorder, Games Console
f -  [    ] – S-Video Cable (if any of your AV equipement uses 4 pin S-Video?)
g – [    ] – Audio Component Cable to Hifi, Speakers or Home Cinema Receiver?
h – [    ] – HDMI Cable v1.4 Compliant Cable (or Cables) depending on how many HDMI sockets your TV has.  (HDMI Carries Audio + Video)
i -  [    ] – Optical Audio Cable to your home cinema receiver for the best in digital audio.
g – [    ] – Ethernet Network Cable Cat 5 or Cat 6 (Cat 6 is more suited to streaming HD video signals). Should your TV support it.

Depending on what your laptop, computer or media centre PC has. you will need the following:PC input VGA 15 pin cable

a – [    ] – VGA Cable – Quality 15 pin Analogue Video. Or VGA to DVI cable perhaps?
b – [    ] – DVI Cable – Quality Digital Video. Or DVI to HDMI cable?
c – [    ] – HDMI Cable – High Quality Audio and Video
d – [    ] – 3.5mm to 2 RCA Audio Cable. Provides an audio connection from your computers sound card to the audio inputs on your TV. If your TV supports a single 3.5mm audio input, then don’t panic as a simple 3.5mm to 2 RCA adapter will help keep your audio connected.

Other Cables to consider depending on your equipment…

a – [    ] – Component RGB Video Cable (Red, Green, Blue). Provides an excellent analogue video Component rgb video cable connection between devices that support RGB component video.
b – [    ] – DisplayPort cable. Not so popular, but if your TV or computer supports it, then don’t forget it!
c – [    ] – Specific Games Console Cables. Perhaps your Wii or Playsation uses the games console to Component or Composite cables? Pop them in the wall now before it’s too late.
d – [    ] – Have 5.1 or 7.1 Home Cinema System? Don’t forget to install the centre speaker cable for under the TV or front left and right cables.

Want a Professional finish?

If you want a better finish for your HD ready, HDMI cables, we have just taken oboard a range of HDMI Silver Wall Plate'sHDMI Wall Plates, Single and Double Wall plates available in silver or white finish too. They have female sockets on the rear so installations should be a breeze too. A very posh finish…

Final Thoughts

When Drilling your speaker brackets into position, especially the front centre speaker on a surround sound system, don’t forget where your in-the-wall audio and video cables are. This one can really catch you out, just when you think you have nearly finished your AV install! The same goes for your actual LCD or Plasma TV bracket too. It’s all too easy to get excited over your install, pop the drill in the wall and slam it through your nice and neatly fitted AV cables. Ouch.

Then just sit back and enjoy your Flatscreen TV where is should be. On the wall (with cables hidden of course!).

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No Stock of iPhone 4? We have the Cables though…
 June 24th, 2010
iPhone 4 Cables Leads Accessories

iPhone 4 Cables Leads Accessories

 

With the launch of the NEW Apple iPhone 4 today across the UK today, latest news and reports on Twitter and the web are that most stores, o2 and Carphone Warehouse are already running out of stocks!

The popularity of the Apple iPhone, even to it’s next version 4.0, shows no signs of slowing down. With most o2 stores across the UK reporting que’s early from early in the morning and stocks depleating by 9am too.

If, however you are the proud owner of your new Apple iPhone 4 and are in need of a spare charger for mains or car, a longer USB dock extension lead or just an audio lead for your car or hifi, then our new iPhone 4 cable and leads department, will hopefully keep you connected, docked and synced!

The main problem, we hear from customers is that with the Apple iPhone, and all iPods, is the length of the USB Dock connector cable. It’s just too short! It just isn’t long enough to reach from the back of your computer, or perhaps charging from the side of your bed, is a real chore.

Cables & LeadsSimply add an iPhone USB Extension cable, available in various lengths. You can then sync with iTunes or charge with ease.

View our iPhone 4 Cable Range now

View our iPhone 3G 3GS Cable Range now

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Windows Settings for a 2nd Display on your Computer or Laptop
 May 18th, 2010

cables-and-leadsWith various ways of connecting a 2nd, 3rd or more screens to your computer or laptop. Or perhaps you want to connect a TV to your laptop for bigger screen entertainment. Here is our quick help guide on what to do and how to go about it!

Once you have got the right cables and connected your computers 2nd display or TV, you need to let your Windows operating system know what you have done. If you haven’t got the cables yet and need help, either get in touch or view our Computer to TV cable help guide now.

So here we go:

For Windows XP Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Properties’.
2 – Then the Properties box should appear, then select tab ‘Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

For Windows Vista Users
1 – Right click your Windows Desktop anywhere but on an icon and select ‘Personalize’.
2 -In the next window, towards the bottom, then select the text ‘Display Settings’
(If you have connected a 2nd or more displays you should see a window 1 and window 2.)
3 – Select the display from the dropdown or the number for your 2nd display or TV.
(If you are unsure which is which, select the tab that says ‘Identify’, this should help!)
4 – Now enable and select the box ‘Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor.’
5 – Make sure you set the screen resolution to a setting that your 2nd display can handle. If unsure check the manual that came with your monitor or TV for help.
6 – You should now select ‘Apply’ and now be able to drag and drop a Windows program or ‘Window’ on and off 1 display and onto another!
7 – That’s it! You have now setup your 2nd display or TV for multi-screen viewing.

Multi Display Error Messages and Problems to be aware of!

If you are faced with a blank screen or the ‘Out of Range’ error on your 2nd display or TV, please check the following:

1 – Are you sure you have set a resolution in the instructions above that your 2nd display or TV can handle? On some screens or TV sets you may also need to set a matching ‘Frequency’ too. To make this change, while in the Display settings window mentioned above, select the tab ‘Advanced’… then the tab ‘Monitor’.
2 – You should now see a Monitor Settings dropdown selection. Ensure you change your frequency to that, that is recommended by your monitors guide or TV instructions. Some TV sets require the frequency to be as low as 60Hz, but do check 1st.
3 – Ensure the correct display cables are connected. See our Computer to TV cable help guide now if you are unsure or need to double check your cable connections!

If you are still stuck, then feel free to add your comments below or contact us for further help!

We offer a full range of converters and cables for all computers, monitors and TV’s old and new. So feel free to get in touch or view our guide above for further details.

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Posted in 'How to' Guides, Frequently Asked Questions, Help | 1 Comment »


 
 
 

How to extend HDMI
 May 18th, 2010

cables-and-leadsThe possibilities are endless with modern technology and in particularly with HDMI. With the right equipment, some good help and advice you can have a true entertainment environment in your home. With the digital signal from one source streamed to many places around the home. Maybe you just want to move your TV from where it is now and want to know how far away you can do this.

Well it is possible with the right equipment to extend your HDMI up for up to 60 meters. Although for the realms of this explanation we will stick with normal home sizes! For the average user CAT5 / CAT6 is probably the cheapest, easiest and most secure method of extending HDMI. This is the same technology that is used to connect computers together and as such is very affordable.

To extend your HDMI through Ethernet technology you will need a HDMI transmitter, a HDMI receiver, and up to 2 CAT5 / CAT6 cables depending on the quality and speed required. Alternatively you can buy a HDMI extender kit. These transmitters & receivers allow for the manipulation and transmission of HDMI over CAT5 / CAT6 Ethernet cables. You will also need 2 HDMI Leads to connect your source and display. Standard HDMI Cables are fine for this, however if you prefer premium cable we would recommend something like a Monster HDMI Cable.

The basic process to extend HDMI cables through a CAT5 / CAT6 connection goes something like this:

-        The HD source connects to a HDMI transceiver using a standard HDMI lead the transmitter and the receiver are connected by 1 or 2 CAT5 or CAT 6 cables, dependant on the quality and speed required. The signal will then be broadcast between the transmitter and receiver. The HDMI transmitter & receiver acts as a ‘repeater’ for the signal from the source to the display. The receiver is then connected to the display device, again with a standard HDMI cable.

Well there you have it, the basics on how to extend HDMI over CAT 5. As you can see from the outside it may look like a complicated topic, but in reality it’s not as tricky as you may have thought. And should you get stuck you could always give us a call one of our technicians could talk you through it.

Product Range Updated!

We now have HDMI over SINGLE CAT5 / Cat 6 Extenders available. These make installations even easier as you only have to install 1 single CAT5 or CAT 6 Network Cable to acheive a HD connection between the sender and receiver. A single CAT6 Network cable, will then allow up to 1080p resolutions over a 50 metre distance.

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Free Delivery Offer – On Everything Extended!
 May 11th, 2010
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

Due to the success of our recent Free UK Delivery Offer, this is now extended and available on all items at Cables & Leads! With a fantastic range of cables and accessories available, it is now even easier to order items with us online and re-order extra cables (if you want to add to your order!) as no delivery charge* applies!

Start Shopping for Cables & Leads now!

* Exclusions

We do have a few areas of the UK, where some delivery charges apply on heavier items, these are mainly the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. If you are unsure if this affects you, then next time you add an item to your basket with us, just add your postcode to the postcode checker (on the basket page) and find out if you are elligable for Free Delivery.

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Free Delivery for 1 Week Only
 April 13th, 2010
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

Mid-Month Mayhem – Free Delivery

This month see’s the first of our Mid-Month Mayhem offers. These offers will run for one week on the middle of the each and every month. This months Mid-Month Mayhem offer is free standard UK delivery on all orders.

The offer will start on Tuesday 13th April 2010 and finish on the 20th April 2010. There is no small print or exclusions, its quite simply Free Delivery on Everything!

We have 1000’s of cables in stock, and are confident we have the cable you are looking for. Maybe you are need a new HDMI Cable, or for a while have been saying you want to back up old TV programs or VHS videos with a SCART to USB Kit.

Of course there may be times when you are not quite sure what you need. if this is the case give us a call, and one of our friendly technicians can help you find exactly what you are looking for.

So make the most of our Mid-Month Mayhem and save on your delivery costs, but remember this offer is only running for one week!


Click Here to Start Shopping…

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Podcast – How to Convert SCART to USB
 March 17th, 2010
Cable Guy Clive

Cable Guy Clive

Hey Guys, Thanks for dropping by again.

Since my arrival here at Cables and Leads, I have been looking forward to getting stuck in to creating Podcasts for our customers to download, and have an audio version of some of our articles and popular technical questions.

Today see’s the first of these Podcasts being launched, and first up it’s Scart to USB Kits.

You may have wondered if it is at all possible to convert SCART to USB? well the answer is yes! with the use of one of these clever little SCART to USB video capture Kits.

To Listen to the How to Convert SCART to USB podcast, simply press the play button below. U hope you enjoy the Podcast, and be sure to drop by soon for more useful broadcasts from me, Cable Guy Clive.

 
icon for podpress  How to convert SCART to USB [2:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (432)

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Customer Questions – Ask Cable Guy Clive
 March 16th, 2010
Cable Guy Clive

Cable Guy Clive

Hi, I’m Cable Guy Clive.

Over the coming weeks we will be giving you the opportunity to submit any cable related questions you may have.

Each week your questions will be included in a Q & A post and will also be include in our Podcasts.

It doesn’t matter how silly you may think your questions is. The chances are if you’re thinking about your gripe, that someone else is too.

So whether you are looking at converting SCART to USB or information on How to connect a laptop to your TV, I have the answers. If you need to know more about HDMI or are unsure about what a DisplayPort Cable is, then drop your comment in below.

And of course if you needed advice before I post your questions, feel free to call me on 0845 009 9134.

If you would like you question posting simply fill in the comment form at the bottom of this post. However, please do not place any links back to your website, as these comments will not be allowed. This is due to the large amount of spam we are getting.

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Cables & Leads Welcome Cable Guy Clive to the Team
 March 11th, 2010
Cable Guy Clive

Cable Guy Clive

We have a new member of the team here at Cables & Leads.  Clive Johnson or Cable Guy Clive as he has been aptly named, will be joining the technical department as a customer support technician.

Clive has over 5 years industry experience and brings an expertise in cabling and connectivity. Cable Guy Clive will be on hand to answer customer queries. He will also be taking over the technical side of the blog. Clive will be helping us provide even more of our popular “how to guides“ and will allso be producing video guides and a podcast.

To make Cable Guy Clive feel at home, we have had a cartoon image of him created. Any post you see from now on with Clive’s cartoon on will be one of his posts.

I am sure you will join all of us here at Cables and Leads in wishing Cable Guy Clive all the very best in his new role. As long as he has a sense of humour and can make a good cuppa, he’ll fit in just fine.

If you have any technical queries you can email Clive directly on clive@cables-leads.co.uk

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USB Frequently Asked Questions
 March 8th, 2010
Cables & Leads

Cables & Leads

Continuing on in our series of FAQ’s to help you, our customer, gain a better understanding of the technicalities of your equipment we have our USB faq.

USB was developed to be a simple and easy to use way for people to connect devices to your computer. Prior to USB it was necessary to power down your computer to connect or disconnect devices. Not only that but a lot of them came with complicated set up procedures all of this was one of the things that was seen to holding back people from fulling utilising their home computers. At the time of writing USB is now at version 3 and is probably the most popular way to make these connections and has met all of it’s original goals of being a simple and easy to use way to connect and use devices on your computer.

What does USB stand for?
USB is an acronym for Universal Serial Bus.

What is the biggest USB flash drive?
This is impossible to answer as it seems like every month something newer smaller and bigger comes along and the information I put here would be out of date. But at the time of writing the biggest USB flash drive is 256gb.

How does a USB flash drive work?
USB flash drives are used by most people in the same way that we used to use floppy disks. They have the ability to store thousands of times more information than floppy disks and are much easier to store and and format. Simple plug them into a available USB Port and transfer the files you like to it or manage existing files that are stored on it through your operating system.

Can I connect my laptop to my desktop with USB?
Yes it is possible to connect two computers together using USB as long as you are within the length constraints of a USB connection. Even though it is possible to connect your laptop to your PC in this way there are other options available.

What is a USB dongle?
A small device such as a flash drive that plugs straight in to a USB port.

How to use a USB flash drive?
Once it has been connected to the computer via a USB slot you can work with it much like you do your hard drive on your computer move, delete, open them etc..

What is a USB connection?
A simple and easy to use interface that allows you to easily add or remove devices without having to power down your computer.

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