HDMI Cables

What is an HDMI Cable?

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are used to transmit high definition video and audio data. They are used for various purposes, such as connecting computers or gaming equipment to televisions, audio sources to computers, or connecting speakers.

HDMI Ports and Connectors

Understanding how to hook up your audio or video components requires that you are able to distinguish which type of HDMI cable you need. There are three types of ports and connectors available in different combinations to connect a variety of components.

Standard HDMI (Type A)

The standard HDMI Type A has 19-pin connectors and are most widely used with various audio and video devices. Compatible HDMI Type A ports are most commonly found and are visually the largest of the HDMI connection types.

Mini HDMI (Type C)

The Mini HDMI (Type C) has all of the capabilities of a standard HDMI cable, but its smaller and more compact port is commonly used on smaller devices. You might find Mini HDMI cable connecting ports on cameras, tablets, connection adapters, and more.

Micro HDMI (Type D)

The smallest connection type is the Micro HDMI Type D. Like its mini counterpart, the Micro HDMI has all of the capacity of a full-sized HDMI connection. Its small connector is designed for use with the smallest devices, which typically includes smartphones.

HDMI Cable Types

HDMI cables come in various types, with different resolutions and bandwidth capabilities. A standard Category 1 HDMI cable has 1080i or 720p resolution and 4.95 Gb/s bandwidth. High speed or Category 2 HDMI cables offer 1080p of 4K at 60Hz resolution and 10.2 Gb/s. Category 3 HDMI cables offer 4k or 8k resolution with 18-48 Gb/s. Your ideal HDMI cable type selection, therefore, depends on the capacities of your audio and visual components to get the best possible results.

Benefits of High Speed HDMI Cables

High Speed HDMI cables can make a noticeable difference in your audio and video quality. These types of cables can transmit 4K resolution data at 60 frames per second, which means that they can deliver high-definition audio and video to your HD device. If your devices are capable of higher resolution and speeds, using a standard HDMI cable could mean you’re compromising on quality. High Speed HDMI cables ensure that you are getting the best quality out of your connections.

What is HDMI with Ethernet?

HDMI cables with ethernet have the ability to transmit audio, video, and internet connection all in a single cable. This can help reduce cable clutter and keep connections simple while delivering internet functions at 100Mbs speed. This is often used in connecting gaming consoles and internet-capable TV streaming devices.

HDMI Cable Features

When data of any kind is transmitted over a distance, the risk of losing signal increases with the length of the cable. For this reason, most quality HDMI cables will have Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS), which prevents signal loss using twisted pairs and differential signaling. In short, the internal structure and wiring design of your HDMI cables can affect their performance. This internal feature, along with Display Data Channels (DCD) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) allows you to use your cable in various capacities with automatic display compatibility and multi-device remote control operation.