HDMI cable are used to connect device and to transmit digital video and audio signal from one device to another. The HDMI cables that connect the devices must have the same capability as those devices. If the HDMI cable doesnt have enough bandwidth to handle the data from the devices, the HDMI cable will cause the video quality to decrease or cause the video to stutter.
HDMI technology has change over time to accommodate the demand of new devices. Bandwidth allow for devices to have more higher resolutions or refresh rate. The different version of HDMI cables have different amount of data that they can carry.
How to Choose the Right HDMI Cable
The amount of data that an HDMI cable can carry is referred to as the bandwidth of that HDMI cable. HDMI bandwidth are measured in gigabit per second. Higher bandwidth allows HDMI cables to support display with 4K resolution and 8K resolution.
For instance, if an individual use an old HDMI cable with a new 4K television, the HDMI cable may not be able to handle the resolution of the television. As a result, the individual may experience issue with the video quality from the television or experience visual error on the television. HDMI cables come in different category: standard, high-speed, premium, and ultra high speed HDMI cables.
Ultra high-speed HDMI cables have the most highest bandwidth, and may be required for displays with 4K resolution at 120Hz. The size of the HDMI connector will determine the device that can utilize those HDMI cables. HDMI cables have Type A connector that are full size and used for devices like televisions and gaming console.
Additionally, there are Mini HDMI and Micro HDMI connector that are smaller in size and used for devices like camera and phone. The HDMI connector for the cable must match the HDMI port on the device to which it is to be connected; the HDMI connector will not fit into the HDMI port if there sizes dont match. HDMI 2.1 has advanced feature for gaming and movie.
One of the feature of HDMI 2.1 is Variable Refresh Rate technology. Variable Refresh Rate technology synchronize the refresh rate of the television screen with the gaming console output to prevent screen tearing. Another feature of HDMI 2.1 is Auto Low Latency Mode.
Auto Low Latency Mode automatically put the television into game mode so that the viewer doesnt have to manually change the television setting. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 has Enhanced Audio Return Channel technology, or eARC. Enhanced Audio Return Channel technology allow HDMI cables to transmit audio of high quality and without loss from the television to a soundbar.
HDMI 2.1 eARC technology provide more bandwidth for audio format like Dolby Atmos than the older ARC technology. High Dynamic Range, or HDR, technology can improve the visual quality of the video signal. HDR technology provide better contrast between the bright and dark portion of the screen; the bright portion of the screen will be brighter and the dark portion will be darker.
Additionally, some version of HDR contain high bandwidth requirement; for instance, versions like Dolby Vision require high bandwidth. As a result, HDMI cables used with televisions with HDR technology must be high quality to view those HDR feature. If the HDMI cable doesnt contain enough bandwidth to handle the demand of HDR technologies and format, the HDR feature will not function properly with those televisions.
In order to create a properly functioning home theater cable setup, each component must be compatible with the others. Each component of a home theater system include the device to be connected by the HDMI cable, the HDMI cable, and the display device. If any component have less capability than the others, that component will limit the performance of the other component of the system.
For these reason, it is important to ensure that the HDMI cable has at least the same capability as the device to which it will be connected.