What To Know
- HDMI wall plates allow HDMI cables to be run behind walls, making the cables invisible and creating a neat
- There are mainly two types of HDMI wall plates: single-port and dual-port, which accommodate different numbers of connections.
In this guide, we’ll delve into how HDMI wall plates function, their advantages, and the setup process.
Let’s clarify the setup.
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What are HDMI Wall Plates? How Do They Work?
![Buyer's Point HDMI Wall Plate [UL Listed]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lqzKA5J+L._SL500_.jpg "Buyer's Point HDMI Wall Plate [UL Listed] with 6-Inch Pigtail Built-in Flexible Hi-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet, 2-Piece Decora, Single Outlet Port Insert, Perfect for Home Theater Systems(White)")
An HDMI wall plate, as the name suggests, is an accessory that goes into your walls to help create a clean, clutter-free HDMI port solution for your setup.
When routed via a wall plate, the HDMI cable that is otherwise out in the open becomes invisible.
Even the HDMI port in the wall plate remains inconspicuous.
An HDMI wall plate negates the need to connect a source and display device directly. Instead, the devices are hooked to each other via a cable that runs between two HDMI wall outlets.
The setup makes it plausible to connect your devices even if they are in different rooms in your house. The rear side of the wall plate or the one hidden behind the wall mirrors the front of the plate.
HDMI Wall Plate Types
HDMI wall plates are pretty straightforward and don’t come in a wide range of skews. However, there are two major types.
Single-Port HDMI Wall Plate
A single-port HDMI wall plate has one HDMI 1.3 jack in the front that connects to a rear-positioned port. The front and rear ports are attached with an extension cord called “pigtail”, usually a few inches long.
The following are some single-port HDMI wall plates with a pigtail for your consideration:
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Paid Link.
The single-port wall plate could also have a three-component RCA port. The RCA ports have identical jacks behind the wall plate. Here are some product recommendations:
![Buyer's Point HDMI Pigtail RCA Wall Plate [UL Listed] with Single Gang Low Voltage Mounting Bracket Device](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-7r6HmEQL.jpg)
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Paid Link.
You can use the RCA video jacks to transmit signals to your HDTV if the HDMI jack breaks or, for some reason, doesn’t work.
You can use the HDMI and RCA video ports simultaneously. The RCA ports are typically set up beneath the HDMI jack and used for all analog A/V connections.
Dual-Port HDMI Wall Plate
A dual-port plate has a couple of HDMI 1.3 ports instead of one to enable two discrete HDMI connections.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Paid Link.
When buying an HDMI wall plate, make sure it has the number and kind of ports you need.
Though not essential, look for plates with gold-plated connectors, so there are minimal corrosion concerns and the connection is secure at all times.
Benefits of HDMI Wall Plates
Though a couple of the benefits of HDMI wall plates have been briefly discussed above, we’ll throw in some more advantages of using these in-wall outlets and also slightly expand on the points mentioned earlier:
Plug and Play
An HDMI wall plate makes connecting HDMI straightforward. In other words, it brings the convenience of the conventional electrical outlet, which you use to plug in your appliances, to HDMI.
Similar to a power outlet, HDMI wall plates make connecting your HDMI-supporting device quick and easy. You need not fiddle with cables and terminals anymore. You will no longer be stripping cords and attaching connectors.
Affords a Cleaner Look to Your Space
Wall plates help conceal the relatively long HDMI cables that would otherwise be running behind furniture, across the floor, along baseboards, etc., connecting different components.
The wire-free look not just affords your space or set-up an overall cleaner and professional appearance, but it also doesn’t come in the way of any interior design plan.
Irrespective of how well-designed the room is, a few cables out in the open can give the space a college dorm vibe.
Negates Cable-Tripping
An HDMI wall plate can be an excellent solution for people who tend to trip over cables lying on the floor.
On the other hand, babies and pet animals fancy playing with cables, not realizing the potential danger in tow.
Wallplates prevent those untoward incidents from happening, too, or just don’t give the not-so-aware lives cords to nibble on.
Enables HDMI Cable Setups Across Rooms
An HDMI wall plate helps link devices from different rooms in your house without leaving behind a cable trail.
For instance, some route HDMI cords from their DVD/Blu-ray player, situated in their bedroom, to their high-definition TV set up in their living space.
Generally, HDTVs or any other output device are positioned close to their input source so that the stock HDMI cable can link the two. When HDMI wall plates are used, the video source could be placed much further.
Also, you can easily switch between a gaming console, streaming video box, satellite box, etc., for a video source with an HDMI wall outlet.
Protects Cables and Enhances Performance
Since the HDMI cable is run behind the walls or is not exposed, the chances of the cord getting worn out due to regular plugging and unplugging and losing its efficiency are considerably low.
Backward Compatible and Futureproof
The wall plates work with all HDMI versions, right from HDMI 1.0 to HDMI 2.1. That essentially means the affixed plate is not rendered obsolete whenever a newer generation of HDMI comes along.
The advanced or specific audio and video features could be missing if you connect an HDMI 2.1 TV with a 1.0 in-wall cable. In other words, your 4K TV may output visuals at a slightly low refresh rate.
But there would never be a scenario wherein the signals just do not go through.
How Do I Install an HDMI Wall Plate?
Installing an HDMI plate is no different from setting up a power outlet, except for the fact that you’re not dealing with active current or electricity with HDMI.
Before getting to the installation process, the following are the things you’ll need to get rolling:
- HDMI wall plate
- HDMI cord
- Outlet box
- Stud finder
- Oscillating tool
- Fish rod
Once you’ve got the necessary tools handy, start to cut out the drywall for the wall plate placement.
- Mark the area in the wall with a pencil or any marking instrument of your choice.
- Cut out the marked borders with the oscillating tool.
Repeat the procedure for the other HDMI wall outlet.
Once the drywall has been cut out, start fishing the wires between the two outlets. If you’re not sure how it’s done, here is a video demonstrating it:
After fishing the wires or successfully running the cables through the two outlets, screw the two outlet boxes into the wall.
Next, place the wall plates onto the screwed-in outlet boxes — after, of course, having pulled the cable through the plates.
You are now done and ready to connect your devices to the wall. Do some cleanup before that to make things look tidy.
FAQs
1. Do you need special cables to use with an HDMI wall plate?
Because the cables used with a wall plate need to travel behind a wall, the cord must be of good quality. Look for CL2 or CL3 rated cables as they’ve been made to use inside a ceiling or wall safely or run through studs.
Those cables will not fray or expose bare wire when pulled through a wall, thanks to the thicker cable jackets. Also, they are doubtful to catch fire.
If you’re not sure which cable to pick for the setup, the following are some solid CL2/CL3 HDMI cable options of different lengths:
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Paid Link.
Last update on 2023-12-06 / Paid Link.
Other types of ratings for HDMI cables include VW-1, Plenum, CMP, CMR, etc.
2. Is it safe to run HDMI cables through walls?
Since you’re not dealing with electric cables, running HDMI cables through walls is relatively safe. You just have to ensure the cord is built to specifications or does not fray or break easily, which could lead to poor or no performance over time.
Detecting issues with an HDMI cable that’s out in the open is much easier than guessing something could have gone wrong with the in-wall cord. Therefore, buying the cables fit for the job, like mentioned above, is highly advised.
3. Do HDMI wall plates come bundled in with cables?
Unlike most HDMI-compatible devices, HDMI wall plates do not come with a cable as they are merely enablers and do not have any unique functionality. As a result, you’ll have to shop for in-wall rated cables yourself as you do for other HDMI accessories.
If your wall plate comes with the cables, you can pretty much rest assured those cords are appropriately shielded for use behind a wall. However, to confirm things, just do a cross-check or check whether the cable is rated for in-wall use.
Conclusion
You don’t “need” an HDMI wall plate. Several HDMI cable users do just fine without one.
But if you have usage for multiple or lengthy HDMI cables and, as a result, are left with a cable mess in your place, an HDMI wall plate would undoubtedly make your life easier.
Just make sure the cables you use with the plates behind the wall are compliant with the electrical and fire codes in your place.
Catherine Tramell has been covering technology as a freelance writer for over a decade. She has been writing for Pointer Clicker for over a year, further expanding her expertise as a tech columnist. Catherine likes spending time with her family and friends and her pastimes are reading books and news articles.