Find the Proper HDMI Cable Type
Purchasing an HDMI cable can be confusing because there are so many on the market. It’s important to understand exactly what type of cable you need and the specific cable requirements of the equipment you own and wish to connect. As technology continues to produce smarter TVs, cable requirements, features, and characteristics change, too.
High-Speed HDMI Cables
An HDMI cable is meant to connect HDMI-compatible devices to each other, such as home theater devices, including HDTV receivers, A/V receivers, and HD DVD players. Audio and visual data are transferred within one cable at resolutions of up to 1080p. This is the most basic of available cable types and is currently one of the most common.
High speed HDMI with Ethernet Cables
These cables offer a faster speed transfer because of their Ethernet capability, which allows you to share web browsing across multiple devices. Resolution can be up to four times faster than those required for 1080p, refresh rates are faster, gaming is faster, and they will also support Deep Color. These cables are great for gamers.
HDMI Cables for In-Wall Installations
There are times when you will need to run a cable through a wall and to maintain audio and visual quality should be UL certified. These cables are usually very high speed as well so that picture and sound quality are not compromised. They can sometimes come with an Ethernet capability as well and provide locational installation flexibility.
3D Compatible HDMI Cables
This cable is a good example of how TV technology has surged ahead while cables have had to catch up. If you have a 3D TV, you will need a 3D-compatible cable, which falls under the newest 1.4 standard. These cables are high-speed, Ethernet-enabled, and forward-compatible with likely imminent technological advances.
Micro HDMI Cables
A micro HDMI cable is a purpose-specific cable designed to allow you to show videos and photos taken with your phone on another HDTV HDMI-compatible device. One end of the cable will have a regular HDMI connector, and the other will be ‘micro’ sized to connect to your phone.
You should purchase the HDMI cable that is compatible with your equipment in order to achieve the best results. This is the key to deciding which cable to purchase. So, if you have a 3D TV, you will need an HDMI cable that is 3D compatible and, because it falls under the new 1.4 standard, will also be forward compatible—for a while at least.