In my experience most monitors don't have display ports, so that rules out most longer installation. Secondly, I can't find longer display port cables that review well, so that's another issues. We mainly use HDMI/converters, although I did just have a color issue with that combo last week. As far as the baluns go, yes. We use good Snap or Atlona baluns, and typically run them with shield cable, and honestly don't experience many issues. My experience in the AV industry taught me early: HDMI baluns are one of the ultimate "get what you pay for" items. If you want monthly service calls throw in a $99 vanco, you want years of trouble free performance get high quality HD-BaseT baluns.