HDMI cables connect the components of high definition TV systems.
Along with the development of high definition television and large screens came the requirement for cables to carry more complex information without distortion. Also with the development of new sources to produce signals such as Blu-ray and 3D, came the need to find a standard connection method. Developers hope that high definition multimedia interface will fill the cable needs of present equipment and that of the future. Manufactures produce HDMI cables of varying quality.
HDMI
To provide a single-cable connection port for the components of high-definition television systems, manufacturers developed HDMI to provide an all-digital interface between any signal source and an HDTV set. The signal carries video information for a variety of screen qualities, along with up to eight channels of audio and an additional Ethernet channel to provide Internet for any device on the system that uses it. HDMI ports appear on computers, cable and satellite receivers, DVD and digital recorders and players, game consoles and a variety of viewing screens.
HDMI Cables
Various cable manufacturers produce HDMI cables of varying length with different types of connectors. The standard connector fits most home entertainment system products. The mini connector fits into laptops and video cameras and the micro connector fits cell phones, portable media players, and digital cameras. An automotive connector links components in recreational vehicles. All equipment that uses HDMI has specific bandwidth recommendations for the cables, and manufacturers produce them with a variety of bandwidth specifications.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth of an HDMI cable determines how much information it can carry and is expressed in gigabits per second (Gbps) or megahertz (Mhz). HDMI specifications require category 1 or standard cables to carry a bandwidth of 2.25 Gbps or 75 Mhz for DVD players and cable and satellite receivers. Category 2 or high-speed cables must carry a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps or 340 Mhz for advanced technologies such as Blu-ray and 3D. Manufacturers, in anticipation of future equipment that will need higher bandwidth for larger screens, produce cables capable of 16 Gbps or more.
Quality
Although bandwidth defines a major cable quality issue, other factors also contribute. Gold plating the pins on the connectors retards corrosion and makes a better electrical connection. Larger gauge wire makes the cable stronger and less likely to have conductors break. Better shielding reduces interference from other signals. More durable materials in the cable covering and connectors resist damage from misuse, or from stepping or setting furniture on them, or damage from pets, heat or water.
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