There’s nothing quite so frustrating as trying to set up a project and not being sure where to even get started. It is the hardest part aside from finishing, after all, and some people will stop before they even begin. When it comes to crafting the ultimate work station or entertainment system, a good start is all you need to get a high quality result. Whether you’re thinking of freelancing from home or want a nice entertainment system to look forward to when you have free time to spare, learning your cables will help immensely with the hardest part. The list below will walk you through the function of CAT cables, bulk USB cables and HDMI cables to help you stop fussing and get you on the right path.
HDMI Cables
Not sure what HDMI cables are used for? You’ve come to the right list. HDMI cables are the basics for any set-up with a television and Internet. You have plenty of options to choose from, as well. There’s the HDMI Standard, the HDMI Standard with Ethernet, the HDMI High Speed and the HDMI High Speed with Ethernet. Which one is best for you depends on what you’re using your station for. Do you regularly check e-mail? How about streaming videos and movies? These questions will help you spend your money wisely as well as save it in the long term. We’ll get to that later, though, as you need to know about the function of CAT cables and what they can offer your set-up.
CAT Cables
Do you stream a lot of videogames, shows and movies? You might want to check out the CAT5e or CAT6 cable models. While CAT5 can get the job done fairly well for most stations, the CAT5e and CAT6 are both incredibly capable for high speed and can provide some of the most impressive streaming options around. Remember that the CAT6 cables can be a little difficult for the new do-it-yourself home guru, however, and the CAT5e can make for a good compromise between compromise and accessibility.
USB Cables
If you’re thinking of getting some bulk USB cables, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Whether you want to charge your iPhone or tablet while you’re watching television or working at the computer, the cables you use can save you money as well as keep you safe. The USB 2.0 specification was released all the way back in 2000 and increased the bandwidth from 12 Mbit/s to a stunning 480 Mbit/s — while you can get USB 3.0 cables for USB 2.0 devices, the performance of these connections are only as fast as they would be at the 2.0 level. Remember to throw out any frayed or damaged chargers, as they pose a major fire hazard that can put you and your family at risk.
Surge Protectors
It’s not just the bulk USB cables you buy. It’s what you buy to keep them safe. When a power outage or storm can put your entire set-up at risk for frying or data loss, a surge protector can save you literally thousands of dollars in light of an accident. A surge generally measures at 500V and lasts two seconds or less, with a spike reaching thousands of volts and causing everything from lost hardware to even a fire hazard. Whole house surge protectors can keep your work safe, save you money and give you peace-of-mind.
Work Stations And Entertainment Systems
There’s no need to go all out. What you use your work station and entertainment systems for should dictate the equipment, allowing you to use your money wisely and get the most bang for your buck. For those that regularly multitask through the Internet for work purposes a higher Ethernet speed is a must, while those who want to stream movies and games should have faster speeds to avoid interruptions and freezing. A surge protector, especially, can reduce stress and keep your work safe with little effort on your part. Your project doesn’t have to sit around and collect dust. Get the right bulk USB cables, HDMI cables and watch everything fall into place.