When planning a professional event setup — whether it's a concert, trade show, broadcast, or LED wall installation — selecting the right type of cable can make the difference between a smooth show and a technical nightmare.
With so many types of cables out there, it can be tricky to know which one is the best for your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common AV cable types used in event production: CAT6 Ethernet cables, HDMI cables, and fiber optic cables, and help you determine when and why to use each.
🔌 CAT6 Cables – Reliable for Control and Data Transmission
CAT6 cables are commonly used for data communication, especially in AV systems for signal control, lighting networks (Art-Net/DMX), or audio-over-IP solutions like Dante.
When to use CAT6:
-
Connecting LED display controllers (sender to processor)
-
Lighting and audio systems (Art-Net, MA Net, Dante)
-
Short to medium-distance runs (typically under 100m)
-
Locations with minimal EMI (electromagnetic interference)
Best Options:
-
CAT6 UTP for basic control
-
CAT6 SFTP for environments with high interference
-
Multi-channel CAT6 snakes for reducing cable clutter on stage
💡 Pro Tip: Choose CAT6 cables with TPE jackets for flexibility and better handling during setup and teardown.
🎥 HDMI Cables – High-Quality Video & Audio
HDMI cables are the go-to choice for transmitting uncompressed high-definition video and audio, typically from a media player, switcher, or laptop to an LED display or monitor.
When to use HDMI:
-
Short-distance media connections (under 10m)
-
Connecting laptops to LED processors or switchers
-
Simple booth setups with media loops
However, for longer distances, especially over 10 meters, consider HDMI AOC (Active Optical Cable) — especially versions with K-LOCK heads, which provide a secure, anti-loosening connection in stage or mobile environments.
Recommended for:
-
Trade shows
-
Video walls
-
Stage visuals and projection
🌐 Fiber Optic Cables – For Long-Distance, High-Speed Transmission
Fiber cables are essential when you're working with long-distance signal runs, especially over 50 meters or more, or when you need complete immunity from EMI — such as in large venues, outdoor shows, or complex LED installations.
When to use fiber cables:
-
Signal runs over 50–100 meters
-
Environments with lots of interference (power cables, wireless mics)
-
Linking remote FOH (front of house) with stage LED processors
-
Touring events where durability and reliability are critical
Top Choices:
-
Tactical fiber cables with TPU matte jackets for outdoor and stage use
-
HDMI fiber cables for high-res video transmission
-
DP, DVI, USB AOC for specialty equipment
✅ Durability note: Look for armored or 5-layer protected cables with bend-resistant cores for frequent use and harsh environments.
🧰 Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Build for Performance
The right cable isn’t just about getting signal from A to B — it’s about ensuring signal integrity, reducing failure points, and making your event setup more efficient. Here's a quick summary:
| Cable Type | Best For | Max Distance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT6 SFTP | Control, network, audio | ~100m | Shielded, flexible, cost-effective |
| HDMI AOC (w/ K-LOCK) | Video, LED display | 30–100m+ | High-res, secure fit, no signal loss |
| Tactical Fiber | Long signal runs, stage | 100m–500m | EMI-proof, rugged, multi-core |
Whether you're setting up a large-scale concert stage, a corporate event, or an exhibition booth, LEDadvices provides field-tested, high-quality cable solutions to keep your show connected — always.
Need help picking the right cable?
Contact our team or visit our product categories to explore our full selection of CAT6, HDMI, Fiber, and AV accessories.