SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
|
|
SF Cable Blog - Get Expert Tips & Advice on Cables & AccessoriesIn our blog, we educate customers on the various types of cables, components and accesscories for computer, laptops and mobiles. Find More Blog
|
|
Every person was rejoicing after the preface of HDMI cable. They knew that now they could get rid of the bulky connectors and multiple cables. In earlier times, as we all know, one cable was used for audio and other for video was in use. In fact, HDMI brought the change, with which the size of connectors got smaller. The need of separate video and audio cable also gone astray.
Over the years, the standards of HDMI have shown fierce advances. The use and the needs of TV have shown extensive changes. Thus, addition of extra features to the HDMI cords became imminent. HDMI started inclusion of many advance provisions. High bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) and basic control of multiple HDMI connected devices (CEC) belong to the “family of change.” It safeguards the content providers from piracy. You will find a very long list of the devices for which HDMI is in use. The devices include – HD and ultra HD TV’s, video and desktop monitors, video projectors. HDMI cord also coects home theater receivers, home theater in-a-box system and sound bars. The list goes on to further include media streamers and network media players. The newest and the most useful is the usage in connecting HD cable and satellite boxes. As newer versions of HDMI became available, the list of devices got thicker. Each version had something better than the previous. In most of the cases, the physical connector remains the same. However, the capabilities of the HDMI wire keep evolving. The purchase time of a HDMI supporting device would determine the type of HDMI cable you may have. HDMI cables are backward compatible. It means that you would not be able to access all the features of a newer version. However, if the HDMI component were new, it would work with the older devices. Let us check out the different versions of HDMI Cords – HDMI 1.0/ 1.1/ 1.2/ 1.3 In 2002, the world first got their hands on HDMI. HDMI 1.0 could send digital video signals. It was a two channel audio signal over a single cord. HDMI 1.1 (May 2004) went a step ahead with the ability to transmit a bit more. That more was Dolby Digital, DTS etc. HDMI1.2 has the potential to carry SACD audio signals in digital form. Of course, it needs a compatible player and a receiver to achieve this. HDMI 1.3 (launched in 2006) brought the increase in bandwidth and transfer speed. It coincides with the introduction of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Further, the screen resolution came up with some positive changes. It could support resolutions above 1080p but below 4k. The audio support also saw an increase. It could accommodate the Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD surround audio sound formats. HDMI 1.4 The year was May 2009, when HDMI 1.4 hit the market. It had wide range of functionalities to its name. It had internet and Ethernet connectivity to HDMI. Yes! Both Ethernet & HDMI became available in the same bundle of wire. However, the most practical application of HDMI 1.4 was the audio return channel. This feature enables a single HDMI connection between TV and home theater receiver. Suppose, you are listening to audio accessed by the TV’s tuner. Then, you would not need a separate cable connection for the home theater receiver. It means that, you do not need separate cable for TV and home theater. HDMI 2.0/ 2.0a/ 2.0b HDMI 2.0 (launched 2013) expands the 4k (2160p) resolution of 1.4/1.4a to accept frame rates of 50/60Hz. It can also accept 32 simultaneous channels of audio. In addition, it also supports an impressive surround format. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D Audio. Moreover, it has the capability to send up to four separate audio streams for viewing on the same screen. It enhances the HDCP copy protection (HDCP 2.2). HDMI 2.0a (introduced in 2015) adds support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies. For the consumers, this meant that 4K ultra HD TVs that incorporate HDR technology can displays a much wider range of brightness and contrast. This makes the colors look more realistic. HDMI 2.0b (March 2016) extends HDMI support to the Hybrid Log Gamma format. HDMI Specification 2.1 Launches In the later part of 2017, the HDMI Forum announced the release of Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification. The news of the spec release has brought in the attention everywhere around the world. It supports high resolutions and refresh rates such as 4K120 and 8K60. The resolution is up to 10K. Along with this, a series of features for enhancing smoother and faster viewing were also in the cart. It would introduce interactive gaming experience. With this, the future of entertainment industry is going to be super-immersive and stunningly beautiful.
0 Comments
HDMI, DisplayPort Cables and DVI. If we mention these names in front of you; you would know that they are electronic cables. But you might not know their features, functionalities, pros, and cons. Out of these three cables, apart from VGA, all connections fall within the digital territory. So, even if the pixel resolution changes with the type of connection, the quality remains the same.
A 1080P/60 HDMI will give the same result as HDMI, DisplayPort. It is not the cables that make a difference but the technology which is used to build them. Let us understand each of these cables and their workings. DisplayPort Cables Best known for establishing computer connections, DisplayPort cables can provide a resolution of up to 2160P at 60 FPS if you have DP 1.2 along with the feature of multi-stream transport. You do not need to use Displayport Cables unless you want your monitor to push more than 60FPS. If you want to indulge into gaming, you might want to use DVI-D cable as it can work better at higher resolutions. DisplayPort Cables costs nearly the same as HDMI cables. HDMI Majorly all of computer monitors and TVs you come across have HDMI capabilities. These cables are extremely easy to use and can carry audio too. When it comes to plugging cords in, HDMI cables are the first choice. They can be used at several occasions and are also considered as the primary input type for numerous devices. There are certain drawbacks to HDMI cables though. They might have limitations on FPS over high resolutions. HDMI works well in most of the cases and is available at cost-effective prices, you might want to use DisplayPort cables when you want to push FPS at the resolution of your choice. DVI DVI is almost like HDMI but the maximum resolution of the cable depends on the type of equipment you use it with. The only limitation of DVI is that it cannot handle audio (well, some of them). And even if they did, you would not want to use them for TVs as you would not be very happy with the results. HDMI cables are affordable and can also handle video along with the audio. Why Is It Better to Buy DisplayPort Cables Over HDMI? If you want to use your desktop or laptop with camera or a high-resolution digital video device, HDMI is the right choice. However, if you want to use a cable for a commercial computing application, it is advisable to go for DisplayPort. Full-size DisplayPort connectors come with a locking facility that prevent sudden disconnections that happen when there are heavy cables involved. Also, DisplayPort offers long cable lengths (up to 15 meters) if the video source is compatible with DisplayPort. However, you must remember that bigger the cable length, lesser the video resolution. Can You Convert These Cables into Another? Yes, it is possible to convert some of them. For example, you can convert HDMI and DVI with the help of a simple adapter. Some DisplayPort connections might also work with DVI and HDMI if there is an adapter. But there are exceptions to it. Concluding… Out of the above given three types of cables, HDMI is the best option. However, for 4K gaming monitors, it is advisable to go for DVI-D or DisplayPort. Furthermore, you must conduct research to find out which technology suits the best for the kind of application you need. High resolution monitors and displays need better connections coupled with the right technology. We hope that these explanations gave clarity about all the cables and their functionalities. There are several online firms that sell these cables at the most cost-effective rates. You just need to provide specifications for the same.
“Do you think I need a new HDMI Cable?” if you ask this question and you always hear a “Yes” from cable vendors; there’s bad news. They are taking you on a ride. The truth is that you do not always need a new HDMI cable. Several companies force sell HDMI cables under the pretext that the customers need to buy latest versions, new features etc. We are here to save you from falling into traps and help you understand when to buy and not to buy HDMI cables.
When Not to Buy HDMI Cables? 1.Every time a new version comes up Each time a new HDMI version comes up, customers ask questions like “I have a 1.3 version. Can it handle 1.4?” Here is an answer for them. Up through version 2.0, all the traditional HDMI cables have a similar inner structure. It is possible that its construction may change based on the company that makes it. But just so that you know; until now there has been only one update with the architecture – which is 1.4’s addition of Ethernet over HDMI feature. When this happened, it became a huge point of discussion amongst different users. However, it is important to remember that there isn’t anything drastically different about cables that were introduced after 1.3. The construction of all cables is the same and you can also connect the pins in the same way. Remember… that HDMI Licensing – the body that provides licenses and creates policies for HDMI specification, forbids HDMI Adopters to designate cables by spec version. 2. When vendors entice you with different features “This HDMI cable has Dolby surround standards.” “It can handle 4K video and color spaces of later spec versions.” When you go for buying HDMI cord, you will often hear such things from the vendors. They will glorify different features and get you into buying one. Well, for your knowledge, spec version isn’t a reason enough for you to need a new HDMI cables. Their potential to support different set of features remains the same irrespective of the version you buy. In fact, the way in which they work depends on the source or devices that you connect them with. 3. When There Are Bandwidth Confusions See the package of HDMI cables and you will read different bandwidth standards including 15, 20, 24, 33.6 and 36 Gbps. Now, the question is, are these standards important? Yes, they are. They depict the bandwidth of the HDMI cables. But that is all they do. They do not mean anything. This might come as a shock to you as you might have thought that it is an electrical measurement and it holds some significance. To understand this better, you need to understand what exactly Bandwidth is. Bandwidth is cable’s ability to transmit the signal over frequency range within the spectrum of signals. This frequency range, when measured in units, is known as bandwidth. So, do the vendors know that the bandwidth measurements stand of little or no importance? Well, sometimes they do and sometimes they do not. Whatever the reason may be, do not let the bandwidth influence your purchase of cables. So, Do I Even Need HDMI Cables? Yes, of course you do. And there are ways in which you can check that. If you make some changes to your configurations and need more bandwidth for your cable, you can plug the cable, change the settings to the highest supported resolution and color depth combination. After doing this, if your picture looks good, you are sorted. And if your cable fails to handle fast signals, you will experience the following:
We hope that the above explanations are enough to solve your dilemma of buying/not buying HDMI cables. Do you have any questions about them? Feel free to share with us or comment down below.
Walk into any home and you will find long, black cables that enable the audio and video devices to interact with each other. Known as High Definition Multimedia Interface – HDMI; these incredibly powerful electronic cables take your home/office visual experience to a whole another level. Since its arrival, it has replaced five outdated cables. Search for “best HDMI cable” on the internet and you will find many to choose from.
We understand that buying the right high speed HDMI cable to suit your needs can be overwhelming. But, if you buy it from a trustworthy online resource, it should not be very difficult. SF Cable, your electronic companion is here to help you get over your HDMI shopping bewilderment. So, let us untangle different types of HDMI cables, their types, and functionalities for you.
1. HDMI Male/Male Cables
How would you define a visual experience that is a marvel? Perhaps, the one that makes you glee every few seconds. The one that enhances important details and makes them more visible than ever! An HDMI male/male cable enables you to connect your latest Laptop, game console, DVD Blu Ray players to your HDTV projector or monitor. These HDMI cord gives an incredible 4k resolution and helps you replace HDMI cables that offer 720p/1080i. Visit SF Cables website and you will find M/M cables of different lengths that serve different functionalities.
2. HDMI DVI Cables
The abbreviation DVI stands for – Digital Visual Interface. When you want to convert the DVI output on your computer to your TV, HDMI to DVI-D cables come of great help. However, some of these cables might not be able to support the audio when you convert DVI to HDMI. So, before you buy one for your needs, it is better to check with your providers. Also, you must ensure that all these cables are eco-friendly and RoHS compliant. Check out HDMI DVI cables/adapters of different types and length on our website. Most of these are ready to ship and come with a money back guarantee.
3. Panel Mount HDMI Cables
The plug in and plug out irregularities, stamping on cables and other damages can make your systems inoperable. Hence, it becomes very important to protect the wear and tear of HDMI ports. This is when Panel Mount HDMI Cables come of help. You can utilize them as extension cables and they are compatible with different HDMI peripherals. As these ports have a double shielding, you will never cringe at the possibilities of signal loss. After all, an uninterrupted and ultimate visual experience is what you need. Get in touch with us to find HDMI cables having a hi-speed ethernet.
4. Micro HDMI Type D Cables
If you want a portable HDMI Lead that can connect two devices with an HDMI output, Micro HDMI Type D cables can be of good help. They seamlessly work with your laptops, mobile phones, and cameras. You can avail these cables in different lengths for different purposes from SF Cable. We also provide HDMI Male to Micro RedMere slim cables. 1.5ft HDMI To Micro HDMI Cable, 3ft HDMI to Micro HDMI Cable, 6ft HDMI to Micro HDMI Cable and 10ft HDMI to Micro HDMI Cable are some of our bestsellers. You can read about the features and functionalities of these cables on our website.
5. Mini HDMI Type C Cables
Thanks to the Mini HDMI Type C Cables, you can bid goodbye to the lengthy and space occupying cables. These cables are perfect for small devices like laptops, cameras, camcorders, and you can carry them along wherever you go. When it comes to compatibility with HDMI, these cables will never create problems. It is just that they come with a connector of different size. Whether you want to buy high speed HDMI- male/mini-male cable with Ethernet or HDMI male to mini RedMere slim cables of various lengths you can buy them at SF Cable.
Testing HDMI Cables
So, how do you know if the cable that you have bought is of good quality or not? How do you check its continuity and output? HDMI cables testers will help you do so. All you need to do is plug in your cable into these testers and they will provide you with the results of the continuity test. At SF cable, we provide HDMI Cable Testers that test HDMI Type A and C cables without adapters. As ISO 9001-2000 registered manufacturers make our products, they are completely safe to use.
Now that you have understood the types of cables along with their functionalities, let us look at some of the frequently asked questions on HDMI cables. The experts of SF Cable have answered them for you.
FAQs On HDMI Cables
Now that you have understood about the different types of cables we provide at SF Cable, look at some of the frequently asked questions about HDMI Cables:
What Is AWG?
AWG is an acronym that stands for “American Wire Gauge”. It is a unit for wire measurement. For HDMI cables, it refers to the size of conductors that are inside the cable. But remember, the smaller the number of wire gauges, the larger the wires. So, a 24 AWG cable comes with a thicker conductor as compared to a 28 AWG cable. A thicker conductor can transmit HD signals at remote places effectively.
What Is 1080p?
1080p is an HDTV format having 1080 horizontal lines of resolution. Here, the “p” stands for progressive scan.
What Is The Meaning Of Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate depicts the number of times per second that your device retrieves the data you transfer.
What Does Plenum Rated Mean?
Plenum is the air handling space above the ceiling and below the floors. In some buildings, there is a need for Plenum rated cable in some buildings as these cables burn slower when there are fire accidents.
Do you have any other questions about HDMI cables or want to know which HDMI cable would be suitable for your needs? Get in touch with our experts on [email protected]. We will try our best to choose the right one.
At SF Cable, you can find a variety of HDMI accessories including HDMI adapters, HDMI splitters, HDMI switches, HDMI cables testers, HDMI extenders, HDMI converters, HDMI matrix, Keystone Jack, Micro and Mini HDMI cables, panel mount HDMI cables and more.
Watching Videos has been a piece of human development. The video seeing knowledge has been advancing since its innovation. Today, we appreciate recordings in top notch. Be that as it may, it was not generally like this. Prior to the top quality age, there were numerous video associations accessible for TV, VCR, DVD, HDTV, and Monitors. This worked rather on simple signs or both like the Digital Video Interface (DVI). The most regularly utilized screen link was the Video Graphics Array (VGA) link.
Let us see the progress of these cables in brief.
VGA – Video Graphics Array
IBM presented Video Graphics Array (VGA) in 1987. VGA was a standout amongst the most regularly utilized video link for connecting screens with the focal preparing unit of a PC framework. It was fit for supporting determination up to 640×480. What’s more, it had a scope of 16 Colors. The scope of hues was straightforwardly corresponding to the determination. That is, you could change the determination up to 320×240 for expanding the scope of hues.
This was a very useful function in use for gaming back in the last decades of the 20th century. Its name was Mode 13h. Analog video signals were in use for transmission in VGA. It faded away after the new technical developments of the digital age. It consists of an arrangement of 15 pins in three rows. Here, each row is in connection with the three different color channels for use in display. Namely, red, green, and blue are the colors.
Composite Video
The most popular home video component for audio and video devices that was evident in earlier times was Composite Video. It had three distinct set of cables, the trio of – the red, yellow, and white of the RCA connector. RCA refers to the metal connectors found at the end of these cables manufactured by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). It had a very important role in popularizing this connection type.
Its basis is analog television signal. Later it modulates onto the RF carrier. The transmission of video signals is over one cable with a single set of composite analog signals. The process further involves demodulation of the modulated composite analog signals. The final video display in the TV introduces several losses due to this. Moreover, the conversion itself produces noise.
Digital Video Interface
The Digital display working group launched DVI in 1999. The introduction of DVI in the market was after 10 years of IBM’s innovative VGA cable. Digital video interface is capable of transmitting both analog and digital video signals. It can convert the analog signals into digital and vice versa. This made it easier for accommodating both digital and analog monitors.
It consists of a single plug, carrying the legacy of VGA. It introduced the new digital only plug connector. It can handle bandwidths in excess of 160 MHz and can support HDTV and UGXA. The cable generally consists of 28 pins. Out of these, 24 are in use for the digital signal and the rest for analog signals. The DVI dual link supports resolution up to 2560 by 1600 pixels.
These are few technologies of the earlier times. This is the age of high definition. High definition and higher transmission speeds. Moreover, least amount of noise while connecting the video viewing screens with the central processing units of a computer. The new modern cables are the high definition multimedia interface.
Let us find out!
High Definition Multimedia Interface
HDMI Cables brought the dawn of the new digital. It is a technology, which came into the market within the first two years after jumping into this millennium. HDMI Cables use a technology, which combine digital video signals and multi channel audio signals into one suitable cable. This eliminates the maze that you assemble around your setup! The set up becomes less complex, it reduces the cost, and managing of the cables can be convenient.
Higher Transfer Rate
First, HDMI Cables are capable of sending uncompressed digital video and audio signals. It sends these signals at a very high transfer rate up to 5 gigabytes per second. In simpler terms, it has the capacity to send large amount of data across a long stretch of wire. Moreover, it can accomplish this task at a very high speed. As you would know, the high resolution and high definition videos need sampling at a very high rate. This makes the output sharper and clearer than the analog signal interfaces.
Enlarged Compatibility
With the earlier introduction of Digital Video Interface (DVI), you had to plug in the audio cable separately. The requirement of two cables was, as it could carry only the digital video signals. Its length too had a limit of around 16 feet. Above this limit, the quality underwent a compromise. You do not need to worry! HDMI Cable is also compatible with your pre installed DVI. This eliminates the need of immediately upgrading the existence cables and components.
Enhanced Quality
HDMI Cables are the first and foremost interface to carry high definition video of the likes of 720 & 1080 resolution. Along with this, they also support multi channeled surround sound signals. It can be as long as up to 40 feet while still maintaining the optimum quality.
Control Entire System
Another key feature of HDMI Cables is that it provides the ability to control the entire system of components and display by using a single remote control.
Newer Versions
Today, there are many versions of HDMI available in the market. They are compatible with the new generation TV, receivers, and other gear. The versions are HDMI 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0b, and 2.1. Depending on the resolution, you can choose the version. HDMI 2.1 is the latest update. It supports a maximum frame rate of 120Hz and supports dynamic metadata. You must control your excitement and know the purpose of choosing the higher versions.
In general, all the devices, which support HDMI, are of the HDMI 2.0 version. It supports a maximum resolution of 4k. It has a frame rate of 60Hz. However, it is not HDR or WCG compatible. Here you can choose HDMI 2.0a or 2.0b in accordance of your need. You must also understand that not all the computers and TV monitors resolution as high as that of the likes of 10k. Moreover, not all of those devices support a frame rate of 120Hz.
The basic knowledge of these cables is must before opting for an upgrade.
The video and picture viewing expertise has improved over time. Since the start, analog signals have been the principle technology. Through the years, it evolved to both analog & digital signals together. Now the technology has finally paved its way into the zone of digital signals.
Not just the technology but also the cables which carry these signals, evolved over the time. From the monitor of a computer to a Television set or, even a home theatre system; they all feature different sets of connecting ports. These ports allow the usage of different types of cables and support different set of signals. Driving force behind this change is the growth in scientific developments.
It was the question of survival for many companies. They had to provide the users something new for staying in the aggressive market. The companies finally could take a step forward after investing ample amount of hard work. So did the buyers. The 21st century is arguably the spark plug of the digital age. The video viewing technology is the driving forces behind this.
Before this high definition age, there were many video connections available for TV, VCR, DVD, and HDTV & Monitors. They all operated on analog signals. The most commonly used monitor cable was the Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable. Further developments popularized the Digital Video Interface (DVI). It operated on both analog and digital signals. They all had certain limitations and the latest High Definition Video Interface overcame them all.
Let us check out this new technology.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
HDMI brought the dawn of this new digital age. It is a technology, which came into the market within the first two years of this millennium. HDMI Cables operate this technology, which combines digital video signals and multi channel audio signals into one convenient cable.
How does this differ from earlier cables?
Well for a start, this can eliminate the maze of wires that use to assemble around your earlier setup! It aids in convenient management of cables as it reduces the complexities and cost.
Quality With More Flexibility
With earlier technology of Digital Video Interface (DVI), you had to plug-in the audio cable separately. As it could carry, only the digital video signals, it created this limitation. If its length was more than 16 feet, it compromised with the quality. The usage of HDMI eliminates this hassle. It can be as long as up to 40 feet while still maintaining the optimum quality.
In addition, you do not need to worry if you are looking for an upgrade! HDMI cables are also compatible with the DVI. Hence, it eliminates the need to upgrade immediately your existing cables and components.
Higher Resolution And Remote Control
HDMI is the first and foremost interface to carry high definition video of the likes of 720 & 1080 resolution. It also brings in the multi channeled surround sound signals.
Another key feature of HDMI Cables is that it provides the ability to control the entire system of components and display unit using a single remote control.
Higher Transfer Rate
Above all, HDMI Cable is capable of sending uncompressed digital video and audio signals at a very high transfer rate up to 5 gigabytes per second. In simpler terms, it has the ability to send large amount of data across a long stretch of wire and that too at a very high speed.
As you would know that the high resolution and high definition videos sample at very high rate, the output is sharper and clearer than the analog signal interfaces and the conversion from analog to digital signals can have room.
How much do you spend on cables in an entire year? You might not be keeping a record but you know it’s a lot. We know because we were also doing so as well, till a while back. Undeniably, gadgets and electronic items surround our life up to a substantial extent. Most probably, you have at least a couple of them around you at this very second of you reading this. Different cables are lifelines to all these electronic gadgets and hence you end up buying some every other day.
Well, this isn’t to lament about the same but bring about a possible solution. Is there a way to save costs on cables? Yes, there is. And that’s to go smart about your investments. In this blog, we have mentioned some tips on how you can choose cost-effective cables to facilitate various connections and data transfers.
Prioritize Quality
We often end up applying the ‘low to high cost’ filter even while shopping offline. Though there’s no harm in observing the price range, it shouldn’t be your priority. Buying quality cables is one definite way to save a lot of cost on cable investment. How?
Well, buying quality cables in the long run means buying fewer cables. While cheap cables can go off within a week, a good quality cable has the capacity to work for years without fail.
Source Them from Manufacturers
Cables aren’t that costly as the price tag says. What? Yes, you read that right. The price tag is for retail shops while the manufacturers sell the same product(s) at very reasonable rates. So, always buy your cables from manufactures.
Just ensure that the manufacturer is ISO certified and produces safe electronic supplies. Cost saving in lieu of hazardous supplies is not at all motivated.
Shop in Bulk
How many USB and HDMI cables do you require in a year? Home and office included, the quantity is quite significant. And if you are buying them one at a time as per your requirements, you are spending a lot of money that you could have saved for a holiday. Okay, exaggerated, but at least a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant.
Make an estimated list of how many USB cables and other supplies you might require within the coming year. You can always team up with your friends and colleagues to increase the number. Shop in bulk and you will absolutely save a lot on your cable expenses.
Explore Online
Now you might say, “The last two points do seem to be nice options in theory but how do I buy supplies from manufacturers? Moreover, the bill is same if I buy even 20 or 50 cables from our local shop.”
Well, good question. Did you know they are even easier to get than buying them from your local electric supply store? Many reliable manufacturers now offer their products online at very competitive prices and also provide huge discounts on bulk orders.
That’s it! Yes, it’s not a very tough task to save on your cable costs, but just being a little sharp with your decisions is all that you need.
In the year 2002, renowned electronic manufacturers like Sony, Philips, Toshiba and Hitachi introduced High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). For those who are unaware, it is an all-digital interface that carries video and audio signals and is backward compatible with video digital interface DVI. HDMI has always kept on evolving with various standards and protocols. This year, a new cable connection standard known as HDMI 2.1 introduced. High Bandwidth cables of 48G belong to this category.
New standards in HDMI, always bring up a common concern. “If I buy a new TV or other device with this standard, do I have to upgrade your current HDMI cables?” The answer to this question is mostly “No”. And at least with HDMI 2.1, you don’t have to worry about upgrading your cables at least for the next couple of years.
However, there are certain scenarios wherein you might have to consider buying 48G cables. Here’s an insight into these possibilities:
Running 4K Resolutions:
When it comes to running 4k resolutions, new HDMI cables are a major need. Computers have the potential to send maximum resolution and frame rate in the current HDMI spec. Also, they are an exclusive resource that can handle any resolutions in the upcoming HDMI 2.1 spec.
If your computer is robust and you want to connect it with a UHD TV, it is advisable to go for a Premium Certified cable as non-certified cables might not work. You can choose to buy 48G cables once they come out but they would be more useful for a television that can handle higher 4k frame rates.
For A TV That Works, But Doesn’t Work
While watching TV, you might have experienced sudden flashes, blinks or image distortions. This generally happens when your HDMI cable is old and overused (due to over plugging and unplugging). The cheapest solution to this problem would be replacing it with another HDMI cable. But if you have a new TV that doesn’t show 4k resolution, you can spend a little more and buy a premium certified HDMI cable. Thereafter, such problems might stop occurring.
For A New 4K Streamer, A Console (With HDR) Or UHD BD Player
UHD BD players, superior quality media streamers and consoles like PS4 Pro and Xbox One S can give an output of 4K HDR. Check the length of your HDMI Cables when you connect them with the above mentioned devices.
If the cables are a few feet long, it shouldn’t be a problem. But if they are longer than that, they might not be able to handle 4K, HDR data. In case your TV is not able to display HDR even if its source and content is HDR, there might be something wrong with your HDMI cables.
The high-speed HDMI cables are specially created to take care of 4k resolutions. But that in no way means that they can also handle higher data versions like or higher frame rates. It is difficult to send high resolutions to remote place. Which means if you have a 15ft/3m cable which was compatible with all your 1080p gear, there is a possibility that it will not work with 4K HDR.
We hope, this brings much clarity on upgrading HDMI cables. For more information, stay connected to us!
High Definition digital content is on the rise and given the number of options available for monitor connections, it can be cumbersome and confusing to decide multiple interface standards for your monitor or television screens. Some of the old interfaces included VGA, DVI, Component, etc. but they no more pass up as preferable interfaces for HD content.
HDMI and DisplayPort are the interfaces developed for the modern age electronics display. But choosing among these two also depends on your usage whether you are a gamer or a movie buff. Let’s try to unravel which displayport cable suits your requirements better:
What Is HDMI 2.0?
High Definition Multimedia Interface or commonly known as HDMI can easily be termed as the most popular interface connections today recommended and found on all monitors, laptops, television screens, and other similar electronic products. HDMI 2.0 is the standard video interface used for 3820 x 2160 content.
The HDMI port’s features include the consumer electronic control which facilitates remote signal to be sent through HDMI. Using this, you can use your television remote to control the receiver cable box through your interface connection. Noting the typical features of HDMI 2.0, it provides 18Gbps of bandwidth and can support 4K resolutions.
Though mostly the film content shown on television is shot at 24fps, the increased FPS is useful for self recorded videos, gaming, or future television content that can be filmed at higher FPS. The color gradient and range is also favorable with HDMI 2.0.
Even though it’s the most popular, there are some features wherein DisplayPort offers to be unique and differing in utilizations. Let’s have a look at them.
Understanding DisplayPort 1.4
Quite recently, a new display interface was designed with quite similar features as of the HDMI. It’s still a less popular interface when compared to HDMI but is usually found in high resolution monitors developed in the recent years. Coming to features, DisplayPort 1.4 can transmit as much as 32.4Gbs bandwidth which is more than what HDMI can offer. The resolution offered by DisplayPort 1.4 is also much higher than that of the HDMI.
One of the salient features of this interface is that it allows multiple independent displays to be connected by a single port. So, it definitely is more desirable and recommended option for those who work with multiple displays.
DisplayPort is also a better option for users interested in PC gaming paired with NVIDIA’s G-sync and AMD’s FreeSync technology. The use of sync technology is important to protect the screen from damage.
Conclusion
When it comes to balanced compatibility, it is recommended to use the displayport cable that comes along with your display output device. Most consumer products sync with HDMI but if you are looking for a comparatively better resolution and for multiple display at one go, you should go for DisplayPort interface connected with quality Displayport Cable.
If you are an avid buyer of electronic products, you must know about HDMI cables. HDMI is an abbreviated form of High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a single cable that helps to transmit high definition video and audio. There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding these cables. Here’s an insight to these myths along with the explanations and clarifications to each one of them.
1. There are hundred types of HDMI Cables
This one is a huge myth. You will find several electronic shops that try to sell you an array of HDMI Cables. But in reality, there are only four major types of HDMI cables.
Standard speed has 1080i resolution whereas high speed is rated to 1080p and higher. The Ethernet feature is an extra one and is needed only if your equipment needs Ethernet-over-HDMI compatibility.
2. You should consider ratings like 15.8 GB/S and Made for 240Hz
Sometimes, you will be forced to buy an expensive cable under the pretext that it will easily be able to cope with your HDTV speed. However, you must know that such things stand of least importance. Equipment like DVD players have a maximum resolution of around 1080p/60. Most new television has the capability of converting any signal and matching it with the Hz to provide you with clear picture quality. So if your equipment isn’t specifically related to the higher specs (which is rarely the case), do not to pay much heed to the cable mentioning the above specifications.
3. Picture Quality will Depend on the Signal
This is a huge misconception. HDMI is different as compared to the old video/audio analogs. Either you get complete signal or no signal at all. With the previous cables, weak signal affected the picture quality. But with HDMI if that is the case, you will not be able to see anything at all. So beware of the cables that claim to provide you with a better picture quality and end up coaxing you to spend a lot of money.
4. Expensive HDMI Cables are of good quality
Last but not the least; it is one of the most misleading myth that expensive HDMI Cables are of good quality. Remember that by paying extra bucks on HDMI cables, you may be able to buy good looking physical features, a fancy brand or fine packaging but the working of any HDMI cable remains the same. If you want to buy an expensive cable anyway, go for it but remember that it will provide the same audio and video quality as any other HDMI cable. All you need to do is choose a cable that goes with your system and test it after you plug in. This way you will save money and get better picture quality.
Above mentioned are some of the most commonly known myths about HDMI Cables. So before you make your purchase, go think it through and then make a decision.
|
Author
Archives
October 2022
Categories
All
|