Hack #28 HDMI outlet for TV.

We often watch movies we saved to our laptop and even stream when the WIFI is good enough. This means using an HDMI cable for a good picture. I also use a wireless mouse so I can control it all from the comfort of the reclining seats.
I have always hated that unsightly/bothersome HDMI cable hanging down from the back of the TV when we leave it all plugged in for long stays.
I remedied this very easily with a few simple parts.

First, drill a starter hole, off to one side, up through the bottom of the TV area behind the valance using a very long drill bit. Position it in front of the shade and as far to one side as possible but be sure it will be into the TV cubby area. I chose the left side
Use a large bit to enlarge the hole big enough for the end of an HDMI cable to pass through but no bigger than needed. This may have to be drilled from the top.

Take care not to keep drilling too far and damage the curtain.

Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the TV and pass the other end down through the hole.

Secure, and cover, the HDMI cable inside the window valence with a plastics wire run. Cut it 3 inches shorter than the distance up the side of the window.

The cable will end in an HDMI Female to Female Coupler Adapter. I got mine from Amazon. This gets glued into place so be sure to remove any tabs that interfere with it fitting flat against the inside corner of the valance.
Insert the HDMI cable into the straight end of the plug.
Place the cable into the cable run.
Remove the tape from the cable run sticky backing.
Stick the run into the inner-front corner of the valence leaving plenty of room at the bottom for the connector to be hidden too.

Position the HDMI cable so that it is pushed into the channel as far as you can.
Pull the extra length of the cable back up into the TV cubby while making sure it it front of the shade.


Glue the HDMI adapter into the inner-front corner of the valence just inside the bottom but out of sight. I used Gorilla glue. Clamp into place to dry over night.

Once the glue has dried completely, remove the clamp and it’s ready for use.