Marking of hdmi cables. Which HDMI cable is better to choose for your TV. Let's find out what an HDMI cable and its components look like

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input or output is a mandatory attribute of modern AV equipment. No display, AV receiver, laptop or game console can do without this connector. HDMI can be called an integrated interface, a kind of AV “postman”. With its help, you can easily send high-resolution video with multi-channel HD audio in one package. Of course, today all cable manufacturers - from major brands like Monster to the most rootless non-names - offer a scattering of HDMI connectors in their product range, but to understand the technological difference, you should look into history.

In December of this year, this standard is preparing to celebrate its 14th anniversary, and the number of devices sold is in the billions. Seven “parents” were involved in the emergence of HDMI, including Panasonic, Hitachi, Toshiba, Silicon Image, Philips, Sony, Thomson/RCA. The goal of this sister alliance was to create a digital replacement for analog interfaces such as SCART. At that time, only DVI transmitted digital video. And besides, both mentioned connectors were quite massive. To prevent the connection from falling apart, the DVI plug, as well as the computer RGB, were equipped with screw fasteners. Plus for audio it was necessary to draw another line. Decidedly inconvenient!

HDMI cables: how they're made

HDMI cables use 19-pin connectors of three types: the most popular full-size HDMI (type A), mini-HDMI (type C) and miniature micro-HDMI (type D), which is used to connect compact devices. Sometimes you can find type “B” with 29 pins for connecting to ultra-high-resolution displays, as well as moisture/dirt-resistant connectors of type “E” with a lock (they are often used in cars).

A standard HDMI cable typically includes 4 twisted pairs (each with an impedance of 100 ohms, its own shield and drain conductor) that carry data and synchronization signals. Unshielded twisted pair cable - DDC protocol for transmitting service data between the video adapter and the TV/monitor. Separate wires are used for power and control signals, and additional lines can be used for optional chips like ARC and the HEC Ethernet channel (HDMI Ethernet Channel, 100 Mbit/s).

HDMI port pin distribution diagram

For packing and transporting AV parcels, i.e. To encode and transmit information, the TMDS transition-minimized differential signaling protocol is used here. The “postal couriers” are protected by a professional “bodyguard” - HDCP technology (High-bandwidth Digital Data Protection Protocol) borrowed from Intel Corporation, which protects content from copying, i.e. piracy.

Traditionally, conductors are equipped with a dielectric made of polypropylene, HDPE, etc. This entire structure is wrapped in a shield made of aluminum foil or aluminized Mylar, and a copper shielding braid and protective sheath are placed on top. For example, in Monster HDMI cables, the conductors themselves are made of highly pure OFC oxygen-free copper, and 4-level shielding is designed to eliminate any external interference. Gold plating of connections is also considered good practice. In this place it is usually customary to laugh at the “golden wires”, but in fact the reason for the gilding is extremely banal. Gold, being inferior to copper in conductivity, during long-term operation behaves absolutely inertly and does not oxidize.

Let's return to the history of HDMI. The first version turned out to be a prodigy with very useful talents: a fairly miniature connector, the ability to simultaneously broadcast HD video and multi-channel audio, as well as high-quality transmission of the YCbCr color space. As a bonus, there was a CEC control protocol that could combine multiple HDMI devices into a single managed system. Simplicity and ease of use, as well as support for transmitting digital HD audio and HD video with one cable, have turned HDMI into a real hero of our time.

Traditionally, the HDMI port is attached to the board itself, so it is highly undesirable to move the connector to the sides when turning the cable on/off

The bandwidth indicator divides HDMI cables into standard (Standard, “category 1”, does not transmit images higher than 1080i and 720p resolution) and high-speed (High Speed, “category 2”, transmits 4K and 3D). The length of an HDMI cable is usually from 1 to 3 meters, but can reach even 15 m if high-quality materials and construction elements are used, and, most importantly, thicker conductors.

Follow the designations: 24 AWG - indicates a cross-sectional area of ​​0.205 mm2 (This is very good! Such a cable can transmit a signal over a length of up to 15 meters), and 28 AWG - only 0.081 mm2 (traditionally up to 5 meters for category 1 cords). Please note that AWG is an American system for marking wire thickness, and the lower the number, the thicker the cable. However, if you use longer cables, you will need to use a signal amplifier to obtain images without artifacts and distortion. High-speed cables can transmit video at the highest resolution, but over shorter distances.

HDMI progress: how it works

Since then, HDMI technology has been developing quite rapidly. It is enough to compare the basic standard 1.0, introduced in December 2002, with its maximum throughput of 4.95 Gbit/s, and version 2.0 of 2013, with its stated 18 gigabits per second. “Unit” supported Full-HD video at 60 Hz and 8-channel LPCM audio (24 bit/192 kHz), and version 2.0 already opens access to UltraHD transmission (4K, 4096x2160p/60 Hz), 3D video with 25 frames per second and 32-channel audio.

The Monster HDMI adapter is very useful when you need to route the cable away from the connector without bending the cable itself.

Other features of 2.0 include support for a video signal with an expanded color space BT 2020 (aka Rec. 2020), which is reflected in the display of more colors and shades, the Dual View function (paralleling several images on one screen) and audio standards DRA and HE- A.A.C. In addition, via HDMI 2.0 it became possible to work with 21:9 format displays, support for HD audio with a frequency of 1536 kHz, and much more.

In April last year, the standard was updated to HDMI 2.0a, which included the concept of HDR video (High Dynamic Range). The HDMI 2.1 interface is planned to be released, ready to work with dynamic data in HDR, which distinguishes it from the static nature of the previous version. Essentially, the magic of the new 2.1 interface is that the TV/projector settings can now change on a frame-by-frame basis according to the nature of the current scene. So far, this technology is only available in the Dolby Vision format, but it should also be included in HDR10, which today only supports static metadata (i.e., specified values ​​for the entire film).

As for sound, back in the 2009 version of HDMI 1.4, ARC (Audio Return Channel) appeared - a reverse audio channel capable of sending audio in both directions. This handy thing allows you to get by with a single HDMI cable when you need to output audio from your TV to an AV receiver.

In addition, the HDMI port gets along with the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) interface. Now the whole gang: video cameras, tablets and smartphones can be easily connected to displays and AV receivers and run media content, while simultaneously charging the battery. The latest version of superMHL goes even further and even works with 8K resolution and HDR.

Full overclocking

I will look at the features of HDMI standards using the example of the largest cable manufacturer Monster. According to its developers, the best option with a reserve for the future will be the HDMI cable that will provide the highest possible signal transmission speed, i.e. will be able to transmit large amounts of information in a short period of time.

Such models with serious potential include the flagship Monster UltraHD Black Platinum, which is capable of broadcasting media content at a speed of 27 Gbps. This is quite enough not only for TVs with a resolution of 4K (Ultra HD), which are demanding on the speed of transferring large amounts of data, but also for the absolutely fantastic 8K screens that will appear in the near future. The model supports frame rates of 60 and 120 Hz and has a color rendering depth of 8 to 16 bits. In this regard, on the UltraHD Black Platinum packaging there is a neat Ultimate High Speed ​​icon (“maximum maximum speed”), indicating that this is the fastest HDMI cable in the branded line.

HDMI cable Monster UltraHD Black Platinum

For the most distrustful, there is a Black Platinum modification with a trio of LED bandwidth indicators built into the plug body, corresponding to 4K (Ultra HD), HD (high definition) and SD (standard definition). As a bonus, the cable provides an Ethernet connection. The special V-Grip technology ensures that the plug does not accidentally slip out of its socket during intensive cleaning.

The company notes that if the top-end Monster cannot cope with the new HDMI device in terms of bandwidth, the user will receive a decent free replacement that will solve all the issues.

A few years ahead

More thrifty connoisseurs of 4K x 2K projectors and displays should choose the Platinum cable, which differs from its older brother Black Platinum in having a slightly lower data transfer rate to 22.5 Gbps. The marking in this case is indicated as Ultra High Speed. The model also covers the HDMI 2.0 standard and 4K x 2K resolution, but is inferior in frame rate: 30 and 60 Hz, respectively, versus 60 and 120 Hz for the Black Platinum. The ability to transmit color depth here is 8-14 bits. For current content these are still prohibitive numbers, don’t worry.

HDMI cable Monster Ultra HD Platinum

The remaining characteristics coincide with the parameters and design of the flagship. The model also works with an Ethernet connection, has a lifetime warranty and will be replaced without additional payment if equipment appears that it cannot work with.

By the way, Monster claims that the 24-karat gold-plated plugs can withstand up to 10,000 connections without any damage. Although at home there is no need to switch the cable frequently, this once again confirms the reliability of the coverage.

Here and now

For confident work with equipment that supports Full HD resolution, the Gold model, which ranks third in the table of ranks of the new Monster HDMI line, is quite suitable. Its packaging is marked with the inscription “Advanced High Speed”, i.e. “increased maximum speed” of signal transmission. The “golden” cord guarantees a data transfer rate of 18 gigabits per second, works with a resolution of 1080p+, 3D video, a frequency of 30/60 Hz and supports color reproduction of 8-12 bits. 7.1-channel audio content with support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio is also transmitted.

Monster Gold Advanced High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

The cable will be a good link between the TV and media player, satellite TV system, laptop, game console, etc. The Gold model also boasts a lifetime brand warranty, the cable uses V-Grip technology for reliable fastening in the connector, gold-plated plugs and a protective shell made of elastic, wear-resistant material Duraflex.

The most inexpensive cable in the line of the American company - Monster HDMI 700hd Advanced High Speed

Of course, not everyone needs HDMI cables that can handle 4K resolution. The entry-level model Monster Essentials High Performance also has a flowery name, but is much cheaper and transmits media data at a speed of 10.2 Gbps - this is standard HDMI 1.4. In principle, this version supports 4K with a maximum frequency of 30 Hz, but Monster does not consider this cable as a means for fully displaying 4K images. The cable is suitable for connecting a signal source (Blu-ray player, satellite tuners, laptops, etc.) to a TV or monitor whose resolution does not exceed 1080p. That is, we are talking about the vast majority of users.

Hello, friends.

From this article you will receive basic useful information about HDMI, what it is, where and why it is used, what characteristics it has and what types there are. Why should you know this?

Nowadays, most multimedia equipment is connected through this interface, and it is possible that you also use it, perhaps without knowing it. Also, after reading the article, you will be able to correctly select cables for connecting devices.

Introducing HDMI

This abbreviation means the phrase “High Definition Multimedia Interface”, which exactly translates as a high-definition multimedia interface. It is used to send high-resolution digital video signals. As well as multi-channel digital audio, copy-protected.

Simply put, it is a channel for transmitting digital images and sound from one high-definition device to another. This process is carried out using appropriate cables. They can connect video cards and monitors, home theaters/game consoles and modern TVs, tablets/phones and computers, etc.

By the way, the connectors for the above gadgets differ in form factor (size): large equipment is usually connected, mini-HDMI - smartphones and some tablet models, micro-HDMI - laptops, tablet PCs, etc. equipment. Each port contains approximately 19 pins.

Characteristics

Let's look at the main features that distinguish this interface from others:

• Data transfer speeds range from 4.9 to 48 (new for 2017) Gbit/s.
• Capable of transmitting uncompressed high-definition video, 3D TV signals, as well as 8 channels of digital audio.
• Displays high-quality images on screens with an aspect ratio of 16:9, resolution 1920×1080 pixels and higher (up to 4K). So that you can compare: TVs that were outdated by today's standards had the corresponding parameters of 4:3 and 704x480 pixels.
• The frequency of supported resolutions in modern interfaces varies from 50/60 to 100/120Hz
• Supports Ethernet connection at speeds up to 100 Mbit/s.

About cables

Cable cross-section includes:

• External covering;
• Wire braid for shielding with the addition of a bare copper core for soldering;
• Another shielding layer of aluminum foil;
• Sheath made of polypropylene;
• Twisted pairs of the 5th category with a resistance of 100 Ohms, which are intended for transmitting information;
• Shielding of the specified twisted pairs from external insulation and wire for soldering;
• Another twisted pair without shielding, tailored for SDA SCL signals;
• Additional conductors for control signals and power.

Length

The standard cable length is 10 meters. But you can extend it to the required size using external or built-in repeater amplifiers. They are not installed at the signal output, but closer to the receiver.

To avoid interference, some manufacturers equip their products with ferrite rings on one side and the other.

And keep in mind that the longer the cable, the more massive the conductor should be.

Types

There are 5 types of HDMI cables:

• Standard. Looking for a budget option? Standard - for you. Used to connect not too demanding household appliances (DVD player, satellite receiver, plasma and LCD panels, etc.).

It doesn't have super high-quality work. Judge for yourself: it transmits an image with a resolution of 1080i or 720p, the maximum throughput is 4.9 Gbps, the frequency band (video stream transmission) is 165 megapixels, and the color depth is 24 bits.

• High speed. Do you own a Blu-ray/HDD player, widescreen screen or other upgraded equipment, or are you simply a connoisseur of high-quality images? How to distinguish it from the usual one? Pay attention to the inscription “High Speed” on the plug or on the cable itself.

Interacts with any formats, including Deep Color and 3D. It features support for Audio Return Channel technology, which allows you to transmit audio without another cable. Note that receiving devices must also support it. These are usually marked ARC.

It has the following parameters: it works with a resolution of 1080i and higher, the same number of bandwidths (in megapixels), a speed of 10.2 Gbps and a color depth of 48 bits.

• Standard with Ethernet. The same as in the first paragraph, only in addition there is an option to connect to the Internet.
• High-speed Ethernet. I think it's clear without explanation.

• Automotive version (Standard Automotive). A separate type of cable used to connect devices to a car media system.

Difference between HDMI and DVI

The predecessor to HDMI was the . Most likely, you also dealt with it when you connected a monitor to your first computer. But only video was transmitted through this channel. As you can already conclude for yourself. The main improvement of the HDMI interface is that it can also transmit audio.

But this is not its only difference from DVI. Another modern port is smaller in size. It also transmits only digital signals, unlike its older brother, which can also handle analog data. The bandwidth of HDMI is also higher than that of DVI (the latter operate at a speed of 3.4 Gbps).

That's all.

I look forward to seeing you more often on my blog.

Thanks to modern technology, we have many useful and convenient products for various needs: from cooking to comfortable cleaning of the room. Television equipment does not stand aside either, which began to be equipped with the HDMI standard, which has become commonplace today. And lately it has only been gaining popularity. What such a cable is and what versions of HDMI exist today will be discussed in this article.

What is HDMI?

Old analog TVs have long been a thing of the past, although some still have them and work properly. Nowadays, stores often display modern and beautiful digital panels of various sizes and formats. Actually, the HDMI standard was created just for such TVs that produce a higher-quality image in contrast to the analog signal.

This connector is not only common among home theaters and game consoles, it is also more common on Blu-Ray players, laptops and even computers. This interface stands for what can be translated as a high-definition multimedia interface.

But in addition to the video signal, any version of the HDMI cable is capable of transmitting audio data, and also of high quality, which is an invaluable advantage over analog cables. And now it is difficult to find any multimedia device without an HDMI interface. And modern TVs have at least 2 such connectors.

A Significant Advantage of HDMI

How do such cables differ from other analogues and why are they so popular? The answer is simple - video over such a cable can be transmitted in high resolution 1080p (Full High Definition). And at the moment it is the highest quality format, and therefore widespread.

Perhaps some of us still remember the S-Video interface and composite cable, because relatively recently we used them to enjoy our favorite films, TV series and concerts. And the picture quality suited us quite well. The emergence of a new standard and various versions of HDMI meant a serious step into the future in comparison with the listed analogues.

Without a doubt, the new technology provides a better picture, although most people do not see the difference between digital and analogue images. But if the video is initially not of very good quality or even very bad, then it is more pleasant to watch it through old interfaces.

As for the audio signal transmission, it is also of high quality. Thanks to the HDMI interface, you can transmit up to 8 channels of 24-bit audio at 192 kHz. This allows you to fully enjoy formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Identical sound can only be achieved by using as many as 8 analog cables! It is unlikely that any music lover would want to bother with wires that are constantly getting tangled and causing interference.

Types of HDMI

Due to the wide range of these cable products, many people have a reasonable question about how to find out the version of an HDMI cable. To answer this, it's worth considering exactly what types have already been created. We owe the emergence of a new high-definition standard to HDMI Licensing LLC. In turn, it was formed thanks to the efforts of several companies:

• Sony;
• Panasonic;
• Philips;
• Thompson (now Technicolor);
• Hitachi;
• Toshiba;
• Silicon Image.

The HDMI interface was created with the goal of replacing the already outdated one that many still remember. And he coped with the task very well.

Essentially, HDMI is a collection of 19 wires assembled into one braid that has several insulating layers inside. The minimum throughput is 4.9 Gbps (version 1.0). The transmission of a digital signal is not accompanied by its compression, which is the reason for its high quality.

The very first version of the HDMI cable was first introduced in 2002, and the product soon became firmly entrenched in its niche. However, its development did not stop, and a new version appeared almost every year, and at the time of 2013 there were already 10 of them:

1. HDMI 1.0.
2. HDMI 1.1.
3. HDMI 1.2.
4. HDMI 1.2a.
5. HDMI 1.3.
6. HDMI 1.3b.
7. HDMI 2.0.

However, each version has its own differences: as a rule, everything went towards increasing throughput and adding many useful functions.

It’s easy for the average consumer to get confused in such diversity, so after the release of HDMI 1.4, HDMI Licensing LLC, with the support of many manufacturers, decided to move away from digital classification. Now everything is much simpler:

• 2 ordinary standards (category 1);
• 2 high-speed interfaces (category 2);
• one specialized protocol for vehicles.

Thus, all the variety of versions was reduced to 5 standards. It is worth considering them in more detail, and then the differences will reveal themselves in all their glory. More on this below.

HDMI standard

A lot of time has passed since the HDMI 1.0 cable appeared, and now the usual standard can already be equated to version 1.3. Such cables are suitable for almost all household home devices, be it DVD players, satellite television receivers, plasma or liquid crystal panels.

The image is transmitted in 1080i or 720p format, sometimes they can support 1080p, but there are no guarantees here. This option is suitable in cases where there is no need to transmit high quality image and sound. It is characterized by a throughput of 4.9 Gbit/s, a clock frequency of 74.25 MHz with a color depth of no more than 24 bits.

Through such a cable, simple signals can be transmitted between simple devices. There can be no talk of high gearing here, and accordingly there is no detailing here either. Therefore, those for whom it is important to get a high-quality picture from the screen should not choose such a cable.

HDMI with Ethernet standard

Everything here is the same as listed above (resolution 1080i or 720p, etc.). The only difference is that there is an additional Ethernet channel with a speed of up to 100 Mbit/s. Of course, this is not yet a full HDMI 1.4, but it is enough for home use.

The interface will function fully only if both connected devices support this function - that is, they are equipped with an Ethernet HDMI connector.

In addition to what the cable provides, at the same time it is possible to distribute data received from the World Wide Web between all connected devices. In addition, there is another additional feature that is not included in the standard cable - Audio Return Channel technology.

Car version HDMI

It is a new development that was created specifically for use in vehicles. The cable can work in the most difficult conditions:

• high level of humidity;
• strong vibrations;
• temperature changes.

With its help, you can connect the on-board computer, which is present in almost any modern car, to various multimedia devices that have a micro-HDMI connector. And at the same time, despite all these harsh conditions, the signal will remain of the highest quality. The standard is most common among specialists in the installation of car audio systems, as well as lovers of good car audio.

The cables are equipped with an E-type connector with a special lock, which allows for better fixation of the convector in the socket. As a result, disconnection of devices during their use is eliminated.

High Speed ​​HDMI

These are exactly the cables that allow you to enjoy the pleasant spectacle of what is happening on the screen in all its glory! The list of connected devices is much wider if we compare it with the regular interface:

• Blu-ray players, including those with 3D function.
• HDD players.
• Satellite television.
• Plasma or LCD TVs.
• Game consoles.

That is, it is practically an HDMI 2.0 cable, since it is possible to transmit images with a resolution of 1080p or more. That is, formats such as 3D, Deep Color and 4K (4096×2160, 24Hz) are supported. The maximum throughput is 10.2 Gbps with a color depth of 48 bits and a clock frequency of 340 MHz.

In other words, connection is possible between absolutely any devices. In addition, this interface is compatible with all types of HDMI, only if an A-type connector is used.

However, compared to the conventional HDMI standard, the distinctive features do not end there. And it’s all about not only the cross-sectional dimensions and material of the twisted pairs, but also the quality of their dielectrics, as well as shielding methods.

Ultimately, this results in a cost that is higher than that of standard cables. However, you can only enjoy high-quality content with the help of a slightly more expensive analogue. Therefore, it is better to overpay a little, but watch full-fledged three-dimensional films, rather than then think for a long time about how to connect an HDMI cable to the TV.

High Speed ​​HDMI and Ethernet

The parameters are the same here, only an additional Internet channel with a speed of 100 Mbit/s has been added. If all connected devices support Ethernet HDMI, then the functionality is fully realized. This option is the best alternative available today. This is a universal HDMI standard that has all the necessary functionality. Such cords are relevant for the future.

Connector types

In addition to the varieties listed, HDMI cables can have connectors of different sizes:

• Type A is a standard connector that is widely used among many household devices (TVs, players, projectors and the like).
• Type B - this HDMI has a wider video channel, its resolution significantly exceeds the 1080p format.
• Type C and D - micro-HDMI and mini-HDMI fall into this category, respectively. Using these cords you can connect tablets, smartphones and cameras.
• Type E - this variety has already been discussed above and belongs to the automotive standard, equipped with a special lock.

For all types, with the exception of B, the number of contacts is 19, but this one has more - 29. In order not to miscalculate exactly which connector is needed for each specific device, it is worth looking at the documentation, which is always included in the kit.

Of course, if it is not purchased secondhand on the secondary market. In this case, whenever possible, you should not use adapters. The fewer “intermediaries” there are, the better.

Connecting to old TVs

At the beginning of the article it was mentioned that some people still have old televisions that are still working. And here a situation often arises when it is necessary to connect some device to it. How can this be done, or should we use one? This question haunts many “antique dealers.”

At first glance, it seems that this is impossible to achieve and it is easier to buy a new TV. However, not every person has such means, even though flat panels have dropped a little in price.

In fact, this is a doable task that can be solved by purchasing an HDMI to RCA converter. With its help, you can connect not only a computer to an old TV, but also a DVR, laptop, modern game console, media console and any other device with HDMI.

Users on the Internet are often offered so-called HDMI to RCA adapters, but such devices are not suitable for the simple reason that the supplied digital signal needs to be converted to an analog form that will be understandable to older TVs. But passive adapters cannot do this, so it is necessary to give preference to converters.

Many similar devices (HDMI "tulip") support 480P,720P,1080P,1080I formats with a scaling function. The output provides a signal of 480i (720x480, 60 Hz) and 576i (720x576, 50 Hz), which corresponds to the NTSC and PAL standards, respectively. There is a switch to select the desired color. To power the converter, a USB cable is included in the package.

Phone-TV

In some cases, you may need to connect your phone to the TV, which is doable. However, there is an opinion that it is enough to purchase a micro-USB-HDMI adapter. But in reality it is not so simple. It is possible to connect your phone to your TV, but for this both devices must have MHL support. That is, the TV must have an HDMI/MHL port, which is not relevant for all models.

If this is the case, then all that’s left is to buy the right cable. But there is one nuance here: some gadgets, such as Samsung, have 11 contacts, while other models have only 5. This also needs to be taken into account, but otherwise it is the same cable, with micro at one end -USB, and on the other - HDMI. There is no need to make any settings; just switch to the desired mode through the signal source menu.

But the following situation also happens: the phone has MHL support, but the TV does not. This is where you can’t do without a special USB to HDMI adapter, although it’s even more of an adapter that allows you to convert the MHL signal into a stream that can be understood by a TV with regular HDMI. And since this device is active, it definitely needs power, for which any standard charger will do. It looks like a box with the necessary connectors.

It is important to know

There is one important point regarding the length of the HDMI cable: the longer it is, the thicker the cord should be. For example, for 5 meters it is 7 mm, which is designated as 28AWG. This is how the wires are calibrated according to the American system. A table of other lengths for different HDMI versions is shown in the table below.

Greater cable thickness means the use of larger cross-section wires, as well as improved insulation. All this allows you to transmit a signal without loss. And when it comes to compatibility, newer generation HDMI versions work great with older standards.

All the advantages of transmitting digital video content via an HDMI cable are obvious. Perhaps in the near future such an interface will combine even more functions. In addition, work on a new video resolution does not stop and there is already talk about the 8K format. What will happen next? Wait and see.

06.06.2015 Frank 0 Comments

An HDMI cable is used to transmit digital audio and video. For example, DVD, satellite TV, HD-DVD or TV to computer

This is an interface for transmitting multimedia content in high definition format. It was founded in 2000 in the Silicon Image laboratory.

Important parameters and functions of an HDMI cable when choosing for a TV

Since the introduction of this standard, the ability to playback on HD displays has increased dramatically.

The first was version 1.0 - the current version is 1.3. It increased the maximum resolution of the transmitted image from 1920x1200 pixels to 2560x1600.

So, when choosing an HDMI cable for your TV, the first important parameter is its version. The latest 1.3 can deliver images with higher resolution and color if it is compatible with xvColour, also known as Deep Color.

In addition, the new versions perform bidirectional data transfer between devices without loss of quality, and are fully compatible with Dolby Digital True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

They also have a new, smaller slot type designed for mobile devices.

The HDMI port is found not only on televisions, but also on HD camcorders, digital cameras, game consoles, as well as laptops, computer monitors and video cards.

There are two main types - standard and high-speed, characterized by high-speed data transfer.

The standard model has a resolution of 720p and 1080i signal, and the high-speed model has a resolution of 1080p and an expanded color palette.

• By the way, by clicking on the link ahead you can find out

HDMI cables also vary in workmanship and connector design. When choosing a home theater, it is important that it is version 1.3.

When choosing an HDMI cable for your TV, look at its length, but it is not recommended to use high-speed ones longer than 7.5 m, as well as standard ones longer than 15 meters.

If you need ranges up to 30 meters and want to maintain good call quality, consider using a separate amplifier that connects between two short cables.

Distances of up to 50 meters are achieved using an adapter, usually used to create a computer network.

The maximum you can send a signal via an HDMI cable is at a distance of 100 meters, but in this case a converter is used - a coaxial cable or optical fiber.

Popular HDMI cable manufacturers and their products

HDMI cables are available for sale from different manufacturers, differing primarily in price and standard.

Most of the low price segment, having about 2 meters, will satisfy the requirements of 1080p.

The more expensive ones include the Alphard Da Vinici model and are distinguished by exclusive packaging.

One of the longest commercially available cables is the Profigold PGV 10002.

Strict quality standards, has Wireworld Starlight 5, Wireworld Chroma 5 HDMI and HDMI Oehlbach.

Frequently asked questions before choosing an hdmi cable

How to choose an HDMI cable for your TV

When choosing an HDMI cable for your TV, determine whether the standard is 1.0 or 1.3. Also look at the distance to the TV.

Cheap provides worse quality

Generally yes, but sometimes a cheap one will provide better digital signal reception than an expensive one if it's well made.

What does length matter for transmitting data to a TV?

If the cable must be longer than, for example, 10 m, special devices must be used.

They connect short elements, then the images and sound on the TV or computer will remain in excellent quality.

Quality largely determines the image you get. But it is not always profitable to choose a more expensive one - a cheaper one can give exactly the same quality. Good luck.

We know firsthand that this HDMI cable is for high-definition multimedia, allowing you to transmit high-definition digital video data and multi-channel digital audio signals.

We know that HDMI cables vary greatly in price. Let's try to figure out what we need and how much to buy.

We are interested in two HDMI cable standards...1.3 old and 1.4 new standard.

The main difference between HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 1.3 is support for 3D images. So if there is a prospect of buying a 3D projector, TV, or receiver, then HDMI 1.4 is necessary.

I’ll say right away that you will see an HD picture on 1.3 HDMI, but the developers say that the 1.4 HDMI standard is more reliable.

And so about the HDMI cable itself.

The HDMI cable looks quite intimidating in cross-section, but do not forget that, in addition to the video signal, audio also passes through it, plus it has now become fashionable to pass it through HDMI Ethernet (up to 100 Mbit/s in version 1.4).

Most users of modern multimedia equipment associate this standard (1.4) only with 3D support.

And this is understandable:

The current generation of the HDMI standard requires that all cables meeting version 1.4 specifications be capable of delivering 10.2 gigabits per second of bandwidth.

The reality of the current market is that when choosing cables (purchase), you simply cannot find ones that do not support HDMI 1.4.

In other words, if a cable is compatible with the HDMI 1.4 standard, it means that it passes through all the signal necessary for full and high-quality playback of video and audio content.

Important…

For the vast majority of consumer electronics configurations capable of playing high-definition video, it makes absolutely no difference whether the components are connected using a $3 noname HDMI cable purchased on eBay or a $120 purchased at a high-end electronics store. .

Because all the most stringent tests did not reveal absolutely no difference in the image quality produced by the cheapest and most expensive cables...

The most important feature of a twisted pair HDMI cable is that it is simply not designed to transmit a wideband signal over significant distances ( according to specifications - no more than 10 meters without repeaters-amplifiers).

Don't be confused... any packet that does not reach the recipient on a computer network can be resent. And the video signal in an HDMI cable (as in DVI) ... is a unidirectional stream that flows continuously, without any pauses to check and correct transmission errors.

The stream simply flows to the recipient, and flows very quickly, regardless of what comes out at the end.

Speaking of DVI... An adapter is required to connect a DVI device to HDMI. DVI, by the way, can also transmit HD video of maximum quality (1080p60 – 1920×1080 pixels at 60 full frames per second), channel speed is 5 Gbit/s.

We came across (DVI) in, and nothing, the picture is excellent.

In addition, in an HDMI cable, the signals do not travel in series, but in parallel. Three color signals travel along three pairs of wires, and the fourth pair carries a clock signal.

For high-quality image transmission, these signals must in no case fall out of synchronization with each other and with the clock frequency.

For short transmission lengths this is relatively easy to achieve, but as the cable length increases and at very high signal frequencies, ensuring such synchronization becomes extremely difficult.

In other words, inevitable interference and failures appear here too. However, an important circumstance that needs to be noted is that interference in digital and analog cables... are significantly different things in terms of the external result.

A damaged digital signal can be easily identified at first glance even by the most inexperienced viewer... by the appearance of characteristic artifacts (stripes, squares) on the screen or simply by the scattering of the picture.

We can say that here we are not talking at all about whether the picture is better or worse, but whether the cable works as it should or not.

It should also be noted that there are only four types of HDMI cables, if you do not take into account special versions and different types of connectors.

• Standard cable (category 1)
• High speed (category 2)
• Standard cable (category 1) with Ethernet link
• High-speed (category 2) with Ethernet link

Standard cables are designed to transmit a high-definition 1080i TV signal, although, as a rule, they also support 1080p, but they do not guarantee this.

Standard— Supports video resolutions of 1080i or 720p and is designed to connect any home devices with undemanding parameters (DVD players, satellite TV receivers, plasma and LCD panels...).

A budget option for conventional signal sources and receivers. Suitable for those who do not require high quality image and sound.

Maximum throughput: 4.9 Gbps
Maximum bandwidth: 165 Mpixels (video streaming)
Maximum color depth: 24 bits

High Speed— Supports almost all video formats, including Deep Color and 3D (here read about how 3D technology works on TVs).

Supports Audio Return Channel technology, which makes it possible to transmit audio data without using any S/PDIF audio connection (no additional cable).

Of course, the connected devices (TV, home theater) must support this technology. These devices are sometimes abbreviated as ARC to help them be easily identified.

Designed for connecting high-quality devices (Blu-ray and HDD players, plasma and LCD panels, satellite TV receivers). Capable of transmitting image signals with resolutions of 1080p and higher (4K x 2K - 4096x2160).

Maximum throughput: 10.2 Gbps
Maximum bandwidth: 1080 megapixels
Maximum color depth: 48 bit

Standard with Ethernet— Has all the listed advantages of a Standard HDMI cable and has an additional Ethernet HDMI data transmission channel.

Provides bidirectional data transfer at speeds up to 100 Mbit/s. This cable feature will be available only if the connected devices support Ethernet HDMI.

This connection allows the device to receive a high-speed Internet connection and at the same time distribute the received content from the network to other devices connected via HDMI. It is worth noting that, unlike the Standard cable, it supports Audio Return Channel technology.

High Speed ​​with Ethernet- Backwards compatible with all types discussed, has all the capabilities of a High Speed ​​cable and has an Ethernet HDMI data link with speeds up to 100 Mbps.

This is a universal cable with maximum capabilities that the HDMI 1.4 specification represents.

There is also a very interesting cable:

Automotive standard (Stansart Automotive) is a special type of cable that makes it possible to connect external HDMI devices to a car media system. Mostly used by car audio installers.

We found out that the High Speed ​​with Ethernet type in specification 1.4 is more technologically advanced in all respects, and now let’s talk a little about the existing HDMI cable connectors.

According to the specification, the types of HDMI connectors are designated by Latin letters (A, B, C, D, E) or the words mini and micro.

Type A (standard HDMI)- a standard connector that is most often found in digital technology.
Type C (micro HDMI) and Type D (mini HDMI)- reduced types are usually found on tablets, cameras, laptops, camcorders and various mobile and portable devices.
Type B- has an extended video channel for transmitting images with a resolution above 1080p (less popular than previous types).
Type E— the connector has a lock that ensures reliable fixation of the connector with the socket during operation of the device (used in cars to connect multimedia devices).

As you understand, the characteristics of the cable directly depend on the material from which it is made, but it is almost impossible to check its physical properties.

It turns out that when buying an HDMI cable you have to rely on the conscience of the manufacturer, and then test it yourself and draw a conclusion about the quality of playback from your personal feelings.

And all this regardless of the cost, if the cable is high-speed, it is obliged to do this.

Otherwise, it is defective or manufactured in violation of production requirements.