cat5

How do I get HD from one source to multiple TVs? (Morrison's Mailbag)

CNET reader Will asks:

When considering acquiring a second HDTV, I discovered that my satellite box cannot send such a signal over the house cable system. In fact, the box has only one HDMI port, so a new distribution system is required to get the HD signal throughout the house.

What are the best options for distributing HD signal from a provider's receiver? Should we just rent multiple boxes or buy a new system?

A complex question, but multiple easy answers.… Read more

How to make your own Ethernet cable

Sure, you can buy Ethernet cables from the store, but where's the fun in that? If you want to make custom cable lengths or crossover cables, or repair a broken connector, why not do it yourself? Here's how.

Before you get started, make sure you have the necessary tools, and decide whether you're going to use Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cables.

What you'll need:

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) patch cable Modular connector (8P8C plug, aka RJ45) Crimping tool Cable tester (optional, but recommended)

There are four pairs of wires in an Ethernet cable, and … Read more

Gadgettes 178: The Nerdvana Episode (podcast)

This episode had a number of potential titles. Nerd Alert, Nerd party, Nerdgasm... but we honed in on the one that really encapsulates the sheer nerditude of stuff covered in today's show. Let your inner nerd shine through.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 178

Nerdgasm: HTC Evo 4G

Pong and BSOD belt buckles

Cell Mate headset heads-on

Binary Flow, officially the hardest watch to read ever

Sticker pockets change everything

It’s About Time, Best Edition Evar. Luxury watch made from dinosaur crap

What a Concept Heatswell coffee cup grows a sleeve when hot liquid is poured in… Read more

How to pick the right cables for your home network

Every so often, we get questions from people who plan to install Ethernet cable in their homes. The most frequent question we get is, "what's the difference between Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable, and which should I use?"

Here's what you need to know.

Around your house, you probably have either Cat 5 or Cat 5e wire. Cat stands for category. Cat 6 is cable that's more reliable at higher speeds than Cat 5 or Cat 5e. They look pretty much the same; in fact, Cat 6 is backward compatible with Cat 4, so … Read more

Cat 5 marriage starts on shaky ground

Far be it from us to dispense advice regarding nuptials, but if someone pops the question to you with one of these rings, we suggest running as fast as humanly possible in the opposite direction.

Not only is this "Cat 5 Compliant Wedding Set" frighteningly geeky (and not in a good way), but it's not even all that original. At least the USB engagement rings we saw recently have some practical purpose, such as it is. We do admit, however, that there's something telling in Etsy's description of the male ring as being "dramatically … Read more