How to pick the right HDMI cable
Have you recently purchased a new TV, Blu-ray player, or soundbar and find yourself staring at the countless options for an HDMI cable? This article will help you to understand what some of options are on the market today, why you might need something in particular, and if you feel like splurging, make some recommendations on some higher end options.
What do you need to know when selecting an HDMI cable?
Different HDMI cables can have varying data transfer capacities. Opting for the cheapest cable might limit your desired capabilities, e.g. a cable with less than 40Gbps data transfer rate won’t allow for 4K 120Hz gaming. The following are the different types of cables that the HDMI Certification Program have established:
Standard HDMI® Cable – The Standard HDMI cable is designed to handle some earlier consumer applications, and is tested to reliably transmit 1080i or 720p video. Most of these cables have been replaced by the High Speed HDMI Cables but there are still some in the marketplace and consumers should note while fine for some uses, they don’t support the later resolutions, refresh rates and bandwidth requirements.
Standard HDMI® Cable with Ethernet – This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the Standard HDMI Cable, plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.
High Speed HDMI® Cable – The High Speed HDMI Cable is designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond with support up to 10.2Gbps bandwidth, including advanced display technologies such as 4K@30Hz, 3D, and Deep Color. If you are using any of these technologies, or if you are connecting your 1080p HD display to a 1080p HD content source, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, this is the recommended cable.
High Speed HDMI® Cable with Ethernet – This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the High Speed HDMI Cable with an additional dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.
Premium High Speed HDMI® Cable and Premium High Speed HDMI® Cable with Ethernet – Premium HDMI Cables are a special certification for High Speed HDMI Cables that have been designed and certified for ultra-reliable performance for 4K/UltraHD at up to 18Gbps bandwidth including advanced features such as 4K60, HDR, and expanded color spaces including BT.2020. They have low EMI and are identified by HDMI LA’s Premium HDMI Cable Certification Label for authentication and in-field verification.
The Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable – This latest HDMI Cable is the only cable that complies with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for all HDMI 2.1a features including uncompressed 8k@60 and 4K@120. The cable’s bandwidth supports up to 48Gbps, it is backwards compatible with existing HDMI devices, and features exceptionally low EMI which reduces interference with nearby wireless devices. For verification and authentication the cable packaging is required to display the Ultra High Speed HDMI Certification Label which includes the Cable Name Logo printed on it.
Is it worth it to buy Premium/Ultra Certified HDMI Cables?
Most HDMI cables at retail indicate if they’re basic, High Speed, or Ultra High Speed, but not all have received official certification from the HDMI Licensing group. While uncertified High and Ultra High Speed cables still work, for added assurance, look for cables that have passed the High and Ultra High Speed compliance tests. Official certification is especially recommended for cables over 5m. The HDMI Licensing Group offers a “Premium Certified” badge for cables passing its 18Gbps tests and an “Ultra Certified” badge for cables passing its 48Gbps tests. These certified cables can display the HDMI Licensing group’s logo and QR code at retail. The first Ultra High Speed HDMI cable received official certification in September 2020, almost 3 years after its first release.
How much should I spend on an HDMI cable?
Expensive HDMI cables are not necessary, even for short lengths. In digital world, cables either carry the required zeros and ones for a video signal or not. Some high-priced cables may offer added features like durable mounts or flat profiles for under carpets, and may be better for long runs and high resolution screens. Certified cables from HDMI Licensing may also cost slightly more, but premium options don’t have to cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.
With this in mind, there’s not a specific need to buy especially expensive HDMI cables, just be sure to avoid ones that are especially cheap, and therefore, poor quality.
Best HDMI cables to buy in 2023:
This gold plated HDMI cable is capable of 4k transmissions and provides functionality for ARC & Ethernet. Works well with Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS5, PS4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, computer, laptop, monitor, projector and more. A great basic cable that comes in 13 different lengths. Note: Braided HDMI cables are not rated for in-wall use.
Maxonar’s Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable provides 48Gbps bandwidth, supports resolution up to 7680 x 4320, refresh rate up to 10K@60Hz, 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, transmission speed up to 48Gbps ultra high speed, HDCP 2.2&2.3, & Dynamic HDR. Ultimately, anything you could want to do with HDMI is supported by this cable, so if you need something that supports 8K resolution, this is the one for you. Note: Braided HDMI cables are not rated for in-wall use.
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