HDMI is a great technology, but if you have to run the cable over long distances they're not the most reliable. Ethernet cable (or, more correctly, Cat5e/Cat6 cable), on the other hand, is better at traveling many feet. It's also cheaper. The solution? Use an Ethernet cable to extend your HDMI connections. All you need is this little adapter.

As Apartment Therapy Tech points out, the cost of running HDMI over long distances is about 80 cents per foot, whereas Cat5e/Cat6 is only 15 cents. Seems like a pretty good deal.

UPDATE: Some people feel it's better to just pay up for the expensive, lengthy HDMI cables, and here's why . We're not saying one way or the other is correct/best, but just want to provide you with both sides of the story so you can make an informed choice.

HDMI Extender Using Cat5e or CAT6 Cable ($18) | Monoprice via Apartment Therapy