Which hdmi cable? Choosing an HDMI cable

There are a lot of rumors and pseudoscientific facts swirling around the world of wires, but the HDMI cable has the worst of it. Each manufacturer manages to swear that it is their product that promotes higher resolution and quality sound, and can also exorcise the evil spirits haunting your equipment.

In reality, almost any HDMI cable - from the cheapest to the most expensive - will offer you approximately the same image quality, because each of them must meet certain production criteria. However, just because they meet the same requirements, you cannot assume that all HDMI cables are the same.

There are standard and high speed cables. Older models conforming to standards 1.0 to 1.4 offer much lower transfer speeds (1.3 Gbps, up to 10 Gbps for high-speed). Later HDMI 2.0 cables reach 18 Gbps, but they are more intended for future technologies. In addition to these differences, it is worth paying attention to durability, reduced interference and other characteristics. To make your choice easier, we have highlighted 5 best HDMI cables.

Pros: LGC conductors
Cons: high price
Is it possible to get the same picture and sound quality with a cheaper cable? Undoubtedly. If you plan to run the cable among other wires or near powerful devices, keep in mind that there is a high probability that the signal quality will drop and interruptions will occur. This same type uses long grain copper, which preserves the signal.

Price: 1400 rub.


Pros: very durable
Cons: thick, difficult to bend
It is carried out once and for all, often inside a wall. Able to cope with emergency situations behind the scenes. In the event of a cataclysm, the cable will be the last item destroyed. The use of elastic PVC materials prevents rodents from chewing the cable, and it will not be damaged even if a flood occurs. While it's as tough as a pair of work boots, the BlueRigger has all the makings of a good HDMI cable. So meet the HDMI 2.0 standard with a transfer rate of 10.2 Gbps for 4K and 3D TVs and an Ethernet connection.

Price: 260 rub.


Pros: Low risk of rapid wear or tear
Cons: simple look
Commonly used inside walls due to its low risk of fire. A great option if you need something a little thicker and more durable. You'll get a clearer picture from a distance than with many other types of cable. Moreover, the quality will not decline. This helps Monoprice work with older PS3, Xbox 360, tablets, Chromebooks or early DVD/Blu-Ray players, giving you maximum clarity across the room. 3D and 4K compatibility allows you to watch all the latest films in the world of cinema in the best quality. Everything is qualitatively isolated in a certain way.

Price: 527 rub.


Pros: ready for new technologies
Cons: Overkill for most buyers
Even if you hook the Ultra up to a hot gaming laptop or top-secret TV, you still won't get the most out of it. Buy it if you are confident in the coming scientific breakthrough. HDMI 2.0 suits the latest 4K TVs that offer 60fps. 18 Gbps transfer speeds and Ethernet are worth the small price of the Ultra. 28 AWG wires are made of pure copper. This is a monster for gadget lovers who want the best here and now.

Hello, friends! Today we'll figure it out how to choose HDMI cable. Using the latter, almost all household appliances are connected. Basically this is most likely. In previous articles we already discussed using an HDMI cable.

As always, opinions were divided regarding the choice. Some say that simple cheap cables for 400-500 rubles (100-125 UAH) are enough. Others insist that there is a significant difference between cheap and expensive ones, and if you want high-quality images, or especially 3D and excellent sound, you should look at a cable that is at least an order of magnitude more expensive. Let's look at the arguments of some and others.

The part of the population that recommends simple HDMI cables is driven by the fact that the standard for digital data transmission is strictly regulated. That is, the cable either transmits data or not. And if it’s an HDMI cable, it doesn’t matter how or by whom it was made. It either works or it doesn't. There is an interesting point in favor of these arguments.

For those who will not read, I will tell you the essence briefly. Gamers conducted an experiment on the effect of the price of an HDMI cable on image quality. They purchased several cables, from the cheapest ones for $5 to quite expensive ones of about $100. Using these cables, they brought out the same image either to or to the TV and made it. For verification accuracy, we calculated them. These amounts matched. This means that the screenshots are completely, 100% identical. Therefore, why pay more?

There is one nuance in testing. Only video was tested. Nobody said anything about the sound. In the same article about HDMI cables on 3D News, another study was conducted. We also took a bunch of wires, 2 meters long, from cheap to expensive, and tested them. We didn’t take the mega expensive ones at $700 because it’s stupid to pay for cable as for the TV on which all this will be tested. All cables passed the tests perfectly. There is also one nuance here. Allegedly, on the most expensive HDMI cable the image was slightly better than on others. It is these two nuances that the other half clings to, recommending more expensive cables for purchase.

They justify their choice in favor of more expensive HDMI cables by the fact that manufacturers make the wires thicker, the insulation is more advanced and, accordingly, there is less interference and the picture is of higher quality.

I (probably like most) am not good with microcircuits, signals, and I saw an oscilloscope once in a physics lesson, so when I read one, I am with both hands with them. I’m starting to read others, it also seems to be true.

For myself, I decided that when choosing an expensive HDMI cable, it will be much better in terms of reliability and ease of use. That is, it will be more convenient to connect, disconnect, fold and carry. If this is important to you, then listen to this guy.

and choose a good HDMI cable. If you, like me, need to connect it once and forget it, then you can choose rubles for 400-500.

When watching the video above, it is clear that the store needs to increase sales and naturally they will offer more expensive cables since there will be people who are willing to pay that amount for them. But, if you are interested in the question of choosing an HDMI cable (and you are interested in it since you are reading this article), you are clearly not one of these people. Therefore, I propose to buy a normal cable, the shorter the better, for 500-1000 Russian rubles and enjoy the content in the same way as those lucky ones who paid many times more.

There is another way to be convinced by your own experience. Using the consumer rights law, you can buy a cheap cable and an expensive one. Try both on your equipment and keep the one you want.

HDMI cable version

Once we have decided that a cheap cable is enough, we need to pay attention to the version. Currently common: 1.4, 1.4a, 1.4b and 2.0. There are no 2.0 cables on sale yet, but there are old HDMI cables version 1.3. They're good too, but why buy an old one when you can add a few bucks and get a more modern version. If you have a TV or support 4K UltraHD or 3D resolution, then at least 1.4. You can read the capabilities and characteristics for each standard on Wikipedia.

With the release of HDMI version 1.4, 5 cable standards appeared:

I thought not to give this classification of cables, but after I myself came across a cable marked as above

I decided to write.

If you need a long HDMI cable

In this case, it is advisable to pay attention to the thickness of the cable. Recommendations on the Internet are as follows. The longer the HDMI cable, the thicker it should be

5m - 7mm (28AWG)
10m - 8mm (26AWG)
15m - 9mm (24AWG)
20m - 10mm (22AWG)

AWG is American Wire Gauge. The higher the value, the thinner the cable. That is. The thicker the cable, the more likely it uses thicker wires and/or more sophisticated insulation. As a result, the signal can be transmitted further without loss.

The thicker the better. At least more reliable).

HDMI cable connectors

At the moment, 4 HDMI cable connectors are common.

Standard or full size - Type A, Type C mini and Type D -micro. The fourth is Type E used in the automotive industry.

Conclusion

When choosing an HDMI cable, we decide on the connectors, what would happen without adapters. Select version 1.4 and higher or High Speed ​​type. We calculate the length more accurately, since the cost of the cable greatly depends on this, and we buy thicker cables for reasonable money.

Using long HDMI cables is not always advisable. The specification usually does not specify the maximum length of an HDMI connection, but signal attenuation (depending, among other things, on the conductor material and cable quality) is often a consequence of using a cable that is too long.

Let's first consider the operation of HDMI cables version 1.4 of two categories.

  1. "Standart" - represented by cables tested in operation at a frequency of 74.5 MHz, operating with 720p and 1080p image resolution.
  2. "High Speed" are cables tested at 340 MHz, operating at 1080p and 2160p resolution.

In our catalog you can buy an HDMI-HDMI VCon cable; to transmit a signal over a longer length, you can use a cable that has built-in signal amplifiers.

Different categories of cables are characterized by certain indicators, including attenuation, noise immunity, and differential impedance. Therefore, a 5 m "Standard" cable can be manufactured inexpensively from 28 AWG or 0.081 mm2 conductor. If you use more expensive materials and an improved design, with a 24 AWG or 0.205 mm2 conductor, the cable length for maximum efficient signal transmission can be 12-15 meters. HDMI cable 15 meters.

If the cable length is more than 15 m and there is no sound or image when connecting HDMI, it is worth using additional technologies and devices. The most common of them, when there is no signal when working with HDMI, are signal restorers, equalizers, amplifiers, and fiber optic cables.

The signal restorer synchronizes the signal coming from the device, bringing it to the original HDMI specification. To work, you need to connect the restorer to the end of the HDMI cable (directly next to the display). The device is small in size, but provides 1080p signal restoration (the signal is improved even if the HDMI cable does not support this bit rate) and can be used with cables up to 40 m long.

Signal amplifiers (signal extender and signal booster) - in the case when there is no signal when connecting HDMI or it is not strong enough, the devices allow you to increase its power, which makes it possible to transmit information via an HDMI cable up to 30 m long. Often amplifiers are built into long cables by the manufacturer. HDMI cable 30 meters.

For high-quality signal transmission over a distance of several tens of meters, equalizers can also be used. The device not only amplifies the incoming signal, but also eliminates unwanted interference, while maintaining vibrant colors and without distorting the dynamic characteristics of HD technologies. If there is a need to transmit an HDMI signal over very long distances (100-500 m), it is advisable to use a fiber optic cable.

One can conclude that HDMI technology is either all or nothing. With a sufficiently strong signal, a high-quality image is guaranteed, but if there is no signal or it is very weak when connecting to HDMI, the image will either not be there at all or will have noticeable distortion. To solve the problem of insufficient image quality, the methods listed above or replacing a cable with inappropriate length and characteristics can be used. You can purchase all types of HDMI cables from our company, which represents products from trusted manufacturers.

HDMI is a technology for wired transmission of digital signals, which are subsequently converted into images, video and audio. Today it is the most common transmission option and is used in almost all computer technology that provides video output - from smartphones to personal computers.

The port has 19 pins in all variations. The connector is also divided into several types, based on which you need to buy the required cable or adapter for it. The following types are available:


Types of ports can be distinguished from each other by appearance or by special markings in the form of one Latin letter (not found on all ports).

Cable length information

For general consumption, HDMI cables up to 10 meters long are sold, but they can also be up to 20 meters, which is quite enough for the average user. Various enterprises, data centers, IT companies can purchase cables of 20, 50, 80 and even more than 100 meters for their needs. For home use, you should not take a cable “with a reserve”; a 5 or 7.5 m option will be quite sufficient.

Cables for home use are made mainly of special copper, which easily conducts signals over short distances. However, the quality of playback depends on the type of copper from which the cable is made and its thickness.

For example, models made of specially treated copper, marked “Standard”, with a thickness of about 24 AWG (this is a cross-sectional area equal to approximately 0.204 mm 2) can transmit a signal over a distance of no more than 10 meters at a resolution of 720x1080 pixels with a screen refresh rate of 75 MHz . A similar cable, but made using “High Speed” technology (you can see the designation High Speed) with a thickness of 28 AWG (area in diameter 0.08 mm 2) is already capable of transmitting a signal in quality 1080 × 2160 pixels with a frequency of 340 MHz.

Pay attention to the screen refresh rate of the cable (it is indicated in the technical documentation or written on the packaging). For comfortable viewing of videos and games, the human eye needs about 60-70 MHz. Therefore, you need to chase the numbers and quality of the output signal only in cases where:

  • Your monitor and video card support 4K resolution and you would like to use their capabilities 100%;
  • If you are a professional video editor and/or 3D renderer.

The speed and quality of signal transmission depend on the length, so it is best to buy a cable with a short length. If for some reason you need a longer model, then it is better to pay attention to options with the following markings:


HDMI Versions

Thanks to the joint efforts of six large IT companies, HDMI 1.0 was released in 2002. Today, almost all further improvements and promotion of this connector are carried out by the American company Silicon Image. In 2013, the most modern version was released - 2.0, which is not compatible with other versions, so it is better to buy an HDMI cable of this version only if you are sure that the port on your computer/TV/monitor/other equipment also has this version.

The recommended version to buy is 1.4, which was released in 2009, as it is compatible with versions 1.3 and 1.3b, which were released in 2006 and 2007 and are the most common. Version 1.4 has certain modifications - 1.4a, 1.4b, which are also compatible with 1.4 without modifications, 1.3, 1.3b versions.

Cable types version 1.4

Since this is the version recommended for purchase, let’s take a closer look at it. There are five varieties in total: Standard, High Speed, Standard with Ethernet, High Speed ​​with Ethernet and Standard Automotive. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Standard – suitable for connecting undemanding devices for home use. Supports 720p resolution. Has the following characteristics:

Standard with Ethernet - has identical characteristics to the standard analogue, the only difference is that it supports an Internet connection, capable of transmitting data at a speed of no more than 100 Mbit/s in two directions.

High speed or Speed ​​High. It supports Deep Color, 3D and ARC technologies. The latter needs to be considered in more detail. Audio Return Channel – allows you to transmit full audio along with video. Previously, in order to achieve excellent sound quality, for example, on a TV connected to a laptop, it was necessary to use an additional headset. The maximum working resolution is 4096×2160 (4K). The following specifications are available:

  • 5 Gbit/s – maximum throughput threshold;
  • 24 bits – maximum color depth;
  • 165 MP is the maximum allowable frequency band.

There is a high-speed version with Internet support. Internet data transfer speed is also 100 Mbps.
Standard Automotive - used in cars and can only be connected to E-type HDMI. The specifications for this variety are similar to the standard version. The only exception is the increased degree of protection and the built-in ARC system, which is not included in the standard wire.

The performance of the cable is influenced not only by its characteristics, material of manufacture, but also by the build quality, which is not written anywhere and is difficult to determine at first glance. Use these tips to save some money and choose the best option. List of recommendations:

  • There is a common misconception that cables with gold-plated contacts conduct signals better. This is not true; gold plating is applied to protect the contacts from moisture and mechanical influences. Therefore, it is better to choose conductors with nickel, chrome or titanium coating, as they provide better protection and are cheaper (with the exception of titanium coating). If you use the cable at home, there is no point in buying a cable with additional contact protection;
  • Those who need to transmit a signal over a distance of more than 10 meters are advised to pay attention to the presence of a built-in repeater to amplify the signal, or to buy a special amplifier. Pay attention to the cross-sectional area (measured in AWG) - the smaller its value, the better the signal will be transmitted over long distances;
  • Try to buy cables with shielding or special protection in the form of cylindrical thickenings. It is designed to maintain optimal transmission quality (prevents interference) even on very thin cables.

To make the right choice, you need to take into account all the characteristics of the cable and the built-in HDMI port. If the cable and port do not match, you will need to either buy a special adapter or completely replace the cable.

The IT technology industry does not stand still, but, on the contrary, is developing dynamically. Almost every day new devices appear that make everyday tasks much easier. Particular attention should be paid to the synchronization of television equipment and computer equipment.

To connect a laptop or PC to a TV, the HDMI interface is often used. This TV cable is significantly superior to other available cords, such as VGA or tulips.

Despite the fact that this method of synchronizing a laptop and TV has been used for quite a long time, few people know according to what criteria an HDMI cable is selected. In fact, it is extremely easy to get confused and make mistakes. Especially if you have no idea what the meaning is behind this English abbreviation.

High Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI is a multimedia interface that provides the transmission of the highest quality video content and multi-channel digital audio signals.

The terminology is, of course, good, but let’s figure out how HDMI is better than conventional tulips. The fact is that using old interfaces, you will not be able to broadcast images with maximum quality to the TV screen. Therefore, to watch movies in Full HD, you should use HDMI and not any other cable.

If we compare this interface with DVI, it will also be more advantageous. Firstly, it is compact. Secondly, it is equipped with copy protection.

We are convinced of the relevance of the cord, but how to choose it? Let's consider the main criteria:

  • version;
  • price;
  • length;
  • thickness;
  • material.

In the future, we will consider these criteria in detail and give specific recommendations for choosing a wire, but now we will analyze the areas of use of the cord.

Where are HDMI cables used?

The purpose of the interface is to transmit high-quality content. This cord is mainly used to connect laptops and TVs, but you can also use it to connect a smartphone, tablet and other devices.

Bandwidth capacity – 18 Gbit/sec. This protocol was created in 2002 and began to be actively used. The HDMI cable provides high-quality image transmission and clear sound from your computer to your TV. The interface is unique in that it replaces 5-6 cords at once.

What does the wire look like? In appearance it is not much different from its analogues. Modern models are available in a fabric shell. Their advantage is that they are better resistant to mechanical damage.

We list the main functionality:

  • image transmission in Full HD resolution;
  • clear sound;
  • copy protection;
  • displaying pictures on a large screen;
  • connecting game consoles;
  • watching films, TV series, TV shows;
  • playback content from Blu-ray players.

If the laptop is connected to the Internet, then you can watch your favorite movies or TV series online. How does the cable work? Elementary, just connect one end of the wire to the laptop and the other to the TV. Then select the appropriate signal source. After this, the desktop will be displayed on the monitor.

Types and versions

Several well-known companies worked on the creation of the interface: Thomson, Sony, Philips, Hitachi and others. As a result, in 2002 the emergence of a new standard was officially announced. For more than 15 years, HDMI has held a significant position in the digital technology industry. The developers do not stop there, constantly improving the cable.

To determine your HDMI version, check the specifications. Let's briefly look at the distinctive features of all existing versions:

  • Version 1.0 appeared in 2002. Maximum throughput 4.9 Gbps.
  • Two years later, modification 1.1 appeared. The developers have managed to improve sound processing for DVD-Audio playback.
  • In 2005, the interface underwent major changes. Release 1.2 included a wide range of innovations:
    • Supports 1-bit audio.
    • Using a uniform color space.
    • Interaction with low-voltage signal sources has been established.
    • The remote control protocol has been added.
  • 1.3 – 2006. The clock frequency has been increased to 340 MHz. The interface began to support deep color, color rendering was improved to the xvYCC standard.
  • 1.4 – added support for playing content in 4K format.
  • Latest version 2.0. The developers have increased the resolution to 3840x2160 pixels. Supports up to 32 audio channels.

HDMI 2.0 4K 3D UHD CABLE

We have sorted out the versions; this factor must be taken into account when choosing a cable. After all, if you buy a cord for playing video in 4K format, but it is the first version, then nothing will come of it.

Now let's talk about the types of HDMI cables, there are also a lot of them. The high-speed cord specification identifies 5 types. Let's look at all the varieties and their specific features.

Standard

Standard View supports 1080i (Full HD) or 720p (HD) video content. Used to connect all kinds of home appliances with minor parameters: DVD, satellite receiver, plasma, LCD and LED screens.

This is a budget option designed for household devices. Suitable for users who are undemanding about high quality picture and sound. Characteristics:

  • The maximum throughput is 4.9 Gbit/s.
  • Video transmission frequency – 165 MP.
  • Color depth – 24 bits.

That's all the average user needs to know.

High Speed

The high-speed type features support for almost all video formats, including 3D and Deep Color. Specifications:

  • The maximum throughput is 10.2 Gbit/s.
  • The video stream transmission frequency is 1080 megapixels.
  • Color depth – 48 bits.

Support for reverse audio channel is implemented, which ensures the transmission of the highest quality audio without the use of additional cords. Naturally, connected devices (home theater or regular TV) must have this technology. Transmits a video signal with a resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels.

Standard with Ethernet

Standard + Internet is absolutely no different from the first type cable, except that it is equipped with an additional channel for transmitting Internet data at speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s. The function will only be available if the connected device supports Ethernet HDMI technology.

This type of connection makes it possible to establish a high-speed Internet connection and distribute the received data to other devices connected via the HDMI interface. Audio Return Channel support is also implemented.

High Speed ​​with Ethernet

By and large, this is an improved version of the previous type. As for the specifications, they correspond to the parameters of version 1.4. A universal cable that is suitable for receiving and broadcasting content with an Internet connection.

Automotive Standard

A special type that allows you to connect external HDMI devices to car media systems. Experts use this cable when installing an audio system in a car.

HDMI cable connectors

Previously, it was determined that the most progressive type is the High Speed ​​with Ethernet cable in specification 1.4, and now we will talk about modifications to the connectors. Absolutely all types of HDMI are designated in Latin letters. Let's look at popular connectors:

  • A – standard interface; this is the connector that manufacturers often equip digital equipment with. Suitable for connecting TVs.
  • C (micro) and D (mini) – reduced HDMI connectors. Used to connect smartphones, cameras, laptops, tablets and other portable devices.
  • B – the connector has an expanded video channel for broadcasting content with a resolution of more than 1080p. It is less popular than the previously listed types.
  • E – equipped with a special lock that securely fixes the connector with the port when connecting the device. Used in cars when connecting audio systems.

How to choose the right connector? Consider the connection features, the size of the connector connector, as well as the goal that you set for yourself. For example, Type A is suitable for TVs, and C or D for smartphones.

HDMI cable length and thickness

Surely many users are wondering what length of HDMI cable is best to purchase? According to regulatory documentation, the maximum wire length is 10 meters. There is no such information in the specifications, but often this parameter varies from 75 centimeters to 10 meters.

It is possible that you will be able to find a longer wire. However, it is absolutely not necessary to buy a cord, which is called “with a reserve”. Dimensions that do not comply with regulated standards may later become a catalyst for problems during operation. For example, attenuation or distortion will appear - all this will negatively affect the quality of the broadcast picture.

The quality of transmission depends not only on the size, but also on the material from which the cord is made. For testing, let's take the standard view of version 1.4. These cables are often constructed using 24 AWG oxygen-free copper. As for the High Speed ​​type, it is created from a similar material, but the thickness is 4 AWG greater. This comparison clearly demonstrates that the quality of the material and its thickness directly affect the functionality and service life of the conductor.

It should be emphasized: if a standard cable is made of really high-quality material, then it will provide signal transmission up to 15 meters. If the length of the cord is more than 15 meters, and after connection the loss of picture quality is noticeable with the naked eye, then be sure to use special signal amplifiers.

The high-definition interface must convey absolutely all data to the receiver without any distortion. Many manufacturers note that wires made from expensive metals demonstrate the highest speed of information transfer with the complete absence of interference and failures.

It is worth considering that the use of expensive metals directly affects the cost of the wire. When choosing a cable accordingly, take into account the tasks you set for it. For example, to transfer data from a tuner or satellite receiver, a very ordinary cord will do, since the information flow is not large. Viewing 3D content will require more expensive models.

Expensive or cheap

As noted, the standards are clearly regulated. Therefore, the cable will either provide information transfer or not. Which HDMI cable is better to choose? German gamers conducted an interesting experiment regarding the effect of the cost of the wire on its operation. They purchased many different models from popular and unknown manufacturers.

Fans of video games connected a game console to the monitor and displayed the same images. Subsequently, a comparison of screenshots was carried out. For maximum accuracy, checksums were compared. These figures coincided 100%.

It would seem that the cost of choice does not affect the choice of an HDMI cable, but this experiment does not take into account sound transmission at all. Therefore, a repeat experiment was carried out. Again no difference was found. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to overpay for cable.

Note.