Where to buy HDMI Cables

HDMI Cables

The HDMI interface allows a port to send high-resolution digital video, theatre-quality sound and device commands through an HDMI connector and down a single HDMI cord, each designed to support a video resolution and features in the HDMI specification.

HDMI connectors are available in three sizes: standard, mini and micro.

There are also different types of HDMI cable. Not all cables use the logo but the cable specifications should indicate whether it is Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed or Ultra High Speed. If the type is not indicated, assume Standard. The HDMI interface allows a port to send high-resolution digital video, theatre-quality sound and device commands through an HDMI connector and down a single HDMI cord, each designed to support a video resolution and features in the HDMI specification.

HDMI Features

  • Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) – When digital data is transmitted, especially over long distances, it is susceptible to noise and signal loss. TMDS is a way of encoding an HDMI signal to protect it from interference as it travels from source to receiver.
  • Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) – This feature allows a user to control up to 15 connected HDMI devices using one remote controller. Most TVs and streaming devices support CEC but it may be turned off by default. Manufacturers sometimes refer to CEC using their own branded term (e.g. Anynet+, Viera Link) so it may not be apparent that your device supports it.
  • High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) – this authentication protocol allows a sending and receiving device to verify each other’s credentials (stored on each device’s Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) chip) and, if every checks out, create a shared key that is used to encode and decode the data passing between them. This process, known as a handshake, happens almost instantaneously at the beginning of a session and ensures that an unauthorized device cannot intercept the data as it travels between two devices. In the United States, HDCP support is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • Display Data Channel (DDC) – The HDMI interface includes support for VESA DDC, a set of protocols that allow a source (a computer’s graphics card, for example) to ask a monitor what audio and video formats it can handle, and adjust settings on the monitor, such as brightness and contrast. The information exchanged by a source device and a display is called Extended Display Information Data (EDID) and is transmitted through the Display Data Channel.
  • Chroma Subsampling – Chroma subsampling is a form of video data compression. It reduces the amount of color data in a video signal in such a way that there is little or no visible impact on image quality.
  • Color Spaces and Deep Color – A color space is a defined range of colors that can be represented in an image. The two primary color spaces used to represent digital video are RGB and YCbCr. Two important characteristics of a color space are Color Depth and Gamut. Color Depth is the number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel and determines the amount of shading or gradation. Gamut refers to the number of colors available.
  • Audio Return Channel (ARC) – Most TVs connect to a sound bar or AV receiver using an optical cable. ARC enables a TV to send audio back to a sound bar or AV receiver through the same cable that delivered the HDMI signal to the TV. In other words, video and audio to the TV and audio back to the sound bar (the “return” part). The benefits of ARC include fewer cables, use of the TV remote to control sound, and the ability to transmit higher resolution audio, such as Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio, to your sound bar or receiver
  • HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) –First introduced in the HDMI 1.4b specification, HEC allows Ethernet-enabled devices to share an Internet connection. It combines the features of an Ethernet cable into the HDMI cable, thereby avoiding the need for a separate Ethernet cable. Xbox 360 and Roku are two examples of devices that can take advantage of HEC to connect to the Internet.
  • Dynamic HDR – High Dynamic Range (HDR) is achieved by sending additional information with the video signal that tells the TV or monitor how to display the content. It results in greater brightness, contrast, and better color accuracy as compared to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). Dynamic HDR simply means the dynamic range can be set on a per-scene basis (or frame-by-frame in the case of high-end TVs).
  • Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) was introduced in HDMI 2.1 and provides support for higher-quality audio bandwidth and speed. eARC requires a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet or an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. eARC is not backwards compatible with ARC but some products may support both eARC and ARC.
  • Display Stream Compression (DSC) – HDMI is uncompressed audio and video. The higher the resolution, color depth and frame rate, the more bits need to be transmitted until the maximum bandwidth is reached. Then, the only way to transmit more bits is to add more lanes to the cable or compress the signal.

Benefits

  • A single cable for a dual purpose

An HDMI cable can transmit both audio and video signals. You don’t need to have a different adapter for a seamless experience viewing any of the above. A video, either 4K or Full HD, else multichannel audio is transmitted with minimum or no data loss in transit.

This way, an HDMI cable helps you get rid of multiple cables. One gadget serves the purpose of connecting different devices.

  • A cable offering the power to view programs on a big screen

A cable that connects your laptop/tablet/phone and a projector/monitor for enjoying a big-screen viewing experience is always welcomed, isn’t it?

Almost all the devices today are smart and are compatible with the HDMI interface. There is no need to buy a separate connector. Just plug the cable into both the source and the output device, and there you go!

  • A cable providing a better audio/video quality

An HDMI cable helps you view the audio/video content with much better quality. The underlying technology here is the ability to automatically configure the best audio formats and the best video resolution for a delightful viewing experience.

The text in the video appears with much more sharpness as compared to when viewing on your smartphone/tablet. This way, you do not need any mediating device for configuring the quality.

  • A cable that maintains the encryption and authentication of data

An HDMI cable ensures that the data transmitted is authenticated and encrypted during transmission. Also, the signal transmitted is not tampered with or altered. It is received as sent, maintaining the signal integrity.

The HD signals are transmitted with no compression, hence no derogation of the signal quality.

  • A cable compatible with varied types of devices

If you feel like going on a gaming spree and looking out for an Ethernet cable to connect your gaming console with your laptop, your search is over!

An HDMI cable is your go-to product. Just connect your cable with your laptop and the gaming console, HDTV, or a DVR, and enjoy the 3D and 4K display.