What is HDMI? Everything You Need to Know About Cables, Ports, and Versions

Introduction

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a type of digital interface used for transmitting both high-definition video and audio signals between different types of devices. This includes TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. It basically allows you to connect different types of devices and display content on screens such as a TV without the need for separate video and audio cables.

Benefits of HDMI

There are many advantages to using HDMI, which is why many people opt for it over other methods of transmitting video and audio signals. Here are some of the benefits.

High Quality Video and Audio

The biggest reason someone would consider HDMI is the lossless transmission they get with the method. Your high-quality video and audio are maintained during transmission as the cables can support higher resolutions and refresh rates without degradation or compression.

HDMI also supports various color depths, including 10-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit. This allows for more accurate and vibrant color representation.

HDMI also supports advanced audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, resulting in a richer and more immersive sound experience.

The latest HDMI versions also support Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). This interface transmits audio uncompressed and at a high bitrate. Options include transmitting Dolby Atmos and DTS: X over the same cable.

Convenience and Ease of Use

One advantage of HDMI cables is that they are convenient. Since HDMI transmits both audio and video signals on a single cable, there is no need for multiple cables.

We also find that the HDMI interface has wide compatibility. This makes it easy to connect various devices such as streaming devices, Blu-ray players, TVs, and gaming consoles.

Backward compatibility is also possible, as you can get HDMI adapters to allow them to connect to HDMI as well.

Advanced Features

HDMI supports HDR, VRR, ALLM, and CEC features, making it more modern than some other interfaces available.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, means you end up with better contrast and color range for the content. This results in a more realistic and vibrant picture.

VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate, is important to reduce screen tearing and stuttering while gaming. As such, it results in a more responsive gaming experience.

For ALLM, or Auto Low Latency Mode, the HDMI interface automatically switches the connected devices to a low-latency mode key for gaming, minimizing the input lag.

CEC or Consumer Electronics Control is important to allow the control of multiple HDMI-connected devices key for simplifying device management.

HDMI Versions Explained

Before you buy an HDMI cord or HDMI splitter, understand the different versions first. This can help you find the correct one for the job. Here are the main versions on the market.

HDMI 1.0 to 1.4

HDMI 1.0 was the first to be introduced. For its time, it was a good option, but now things have changed. Fast forward to HDMI 1.4, it is better as it supports 4K resolution but may have a limited refresh rate of 24Hz or 30Hz.

The version can support a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz for lower resolutions such as 1080p.

This version also introduced HDMI Ethernet Channel or HEC, which combined networking, video, and audio signal transmission over a single HDMI cable.

HDMI 2.0

This version saw more advancements in terms of the interface’s performance. It could now support 4K at 60Hz, significantly increasing its bandwidth compared to the previous versions.

You could also support up to 32 channels of audio, and HDR support was also introduced and enhanced in versions 2.0a and 2.0b.

Color depth was also better, as it could now support 12-bit color. This allows for 68 billion unique colors compared to HDMI 1.4, which could only support 16.7 million colors. Generally, you would get more color depth, meaning better video quality.

HDMI 2.1

This version has seen so many improvements. You can expect to come across features such as 8K and 10K support. This is where you get a higher bandwidth compared to the other two versions, which makes it possible to support 8K and 10K resolutions.

This version also came with a variable refresh rate or VRR, which reduced screen tearing and stuttering. This is an important feature for gaming.

You also get the eARC feature key for improved audio transmission. It is why you would use it for home theater setups to experience the best sound as well.

Types of HDMI Cables

Cables such as USB-C to HDMI, or HDMI to DisplayPort are all adapters, but not the types of HDMI cables. The cables we look at come with different speed categories, which include standard, high-speed, premium high-speed, and ultra high-speed.

Standard HDMI

Standard HDMI offers a bandwidth of 5Gbps. This is enough for most people, but some applications might need more. This bandwidth mostly supports 720p and 1080p.

The type is suitable for basic resolutions, and it is mostly used to connect older boxes to TVs.

High-Speed HDMI

The high-speed HDMI cables can do up to 10.2 Gbps in terms of bandwidth. This is enough to handle more resolutions beyond 1080p. With this cable, you can manage 4K resolution at 30Hz, 3D content, and deep color too. This is now more suitable for modern TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.

Premium High-Speed HDMI

With a bandwidth of 18Gbps, it should be able to support HDMI 2.0 version. The cable is designed to handle advanced features such as 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR, and expanded color spaces such as BT.2020, thus making it reliable for high-end entertainment systems and TVs.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI

Its bandwidth is even better at 48Gbps. This feature makes it work with the latest HDMI 2.1 capabilities, such as offering 8K resolution at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz, eARC, and Dynamic HDR. As you can see, it offers several future-proof capabilities and advanced gaming options.

HDMI Connector Types

As part of learning more about HDMI, we have to look at the connector types. In this case, we have Type A, B, C, D, and E. Each of these types will have specific features that make them suitable for certain applications.

Type A or standard connector type is the most common. You will find it on TVs, monitors, and gaming consoles.

Type B or dual-link is designed for very high-resolution displays. It was not widely adopted, so you might not always see it in mainstream products.

Type C or mini HDMI connector is the smaller version of Type A. It is commonly used in portable devices such as cameras and some laptops.

Type D or micro is even smaller than Type C. It is suitable for smartphones and other similarly compact devices.

Type E is used mostly for automotive applications. It comes with a locking tab used to secure the connection.

HDMI vs Other Cables

Yes, there are other interfaces and cables other than HDMI. This includes DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB-C, and others.

HDMI stands out for being able to carry both video and audio signals while maintaining their quality as well. This makes it quite convenient to use since you will not need to use separate cables in your setup. As much as HDMI can be good in performance, it is always limited by the bandwidth the version can handle.

DisplayPort

HDMI is good for certain use cases, but if you want better performance for gaming setups and connecting multiple monitors, consider DisplayPort. This type of cable also offers a higher bandwidth and refresh rates. This should make them good for gaming monitors and high-end graphics cards. They are, however, not as common on TVs as compared to HDMI.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

DVI supports only video transmission compared to HDMI, which supports both video and audio. However, it can support high refresh rates of 1080p at 144Hz. This is useful for older systems where audio is not needed. You would mostly use it to connect to older monitors or graphics cards that do not have HDMI support.

VGA (Video Graphics Array)

This is an older cable type that largely supports analog video connections. Expect to come across it in some older devices. The limitations are that it comes with a limited resolution and refresh rate support. It is also susceptible to signal degradation.

USB-C

This is even more versatile than the HDMI cables. The USB-C cables with newer standards can support video, audio, data, and power delivery. It makes them quite efficient for laptops and mobile devices, as you do not need to carry many cables since all are replaced by one. Take note that not all USB-C ports may support video output since compatibility varies.

Choosing the Right HDMI Cable

Just because your device has an HDMI port does not mean you should get any cable. Here are some tips for choosing the right HDMI cable today.

Check Your Device Requirements

First understand the resolution of your device such as TV or any other connected devices. After the resolution, consider the refresh rate as well as different HDMI standards that support different resolutions and refresh rates.

The bandwidth is also important. If you want to transmit higher refresh rates and resolutions, you also need bandwidth. For example, a bandwidth of 18 Gbps is sufficient for handling 4K content at 60Hz, while a bandwidth of 48 Gbps can handle 4K content at 120Hz.

Choose the Right HDMI Cable Type

Options for HDMI cable types include standard HDMI, high-speed HDMI, premium High-Speed HDMI, and Ultra High-Speed HDMI. Each type has its own unique use cases, as we have described above.

If you want a cable that can handle 8K content or any other higher resolution, consider the Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable. However, the premium High-Speed HDMI should serve the needs of most people as it still supports 4K at higher resolutions.

Cable Length and Quality

Like any other type of cable for transmitting video and audio signals, the length in this case can also affect performance and signal degradation. We recommend a cable length of 10 feet for most home setups.

As for quality, invest in high-quality cables rather than the cheapest options in the market. A cable with gold-plated connectors is often better, as they help prevent signal degradation. Also, make sure the cable is built using high-quality materials for better signal transmission and longevity.

Brand and Reputation

The brand is key to finding high-quality HDMI cables. Look at the top brands in your area known for their good performance. Reviews of the cables can help you find high-quality cables from reputable brands. Still, do not overspend, but rather make sure to understand the value you are getting for the price of the HDMI cable.

Conclusion

HDMI is an important interface that revolutionized how people enjoy high-quality content and minimized the number of cables needed for audio and video transmission. Since signal degradation is kept to a minimum, you will like the overall performance of the interface compared to others, such as DVI and VGA. So, the next time you need to enjoy 8K content on the TV, you know what you can use to connect the content source to TV. Just make sure you are using high-quality cables to enjoy all the features.

Video: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, Thunderbolt – Video Port Comparison