Understanding HDMI cables

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BEFORE YOU START
  • There are often two or more different ways to connect audio-video devices. All work but some provide better sound or image quality .
  • The below information is kept simple on purpose for everyone to understand what these RCA cables are used for.​
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How to use HDMI cables for both Video and Audio

Use HDMI cables to directly connect your SAT receiver, DVD reader or PlayStation / XBox, etc. to your TV or screen. The HDMI cable will transfer both high quality picture and sound, i.e. video and audio.

Using HDMI cables for Video only

In case you're connecting your audio/video eqipment to an Audio and Video Receiver, the HDMI cable will then have to be used only for the Video transmission. A separate optical S/PDIF cable is to be used for sound.
The below shows how an Xbox is connected to the AVR (Audio Video Receiver) via two separate cables:
  • HDMI for the Video
  • Optical for the Audio
Buy your HDMI or Optical Audio cable here:

Standards and types of HDMI cables

HDMI which stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, is fully regulated by the hdmi.org organization and there are standards in place to differentiate the HDMI cable performance depending on application:

Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable

  • Supports HDMI 2.1b features
  • Uncompressed 8k@60
  • Uncompressed 4K@120.
  • Bandwidth capability up to 48Gbps.
  • HDR
  • VRR
  • eARC
  • Low EMI 
  • ​Any Length as long as it passes the above performance tests
Make sure of the label on the pack when buying, below image courtesy of hdmi.org

Premium High Speed HDMI® Cable

  • 4K/UltraHD 
  • 4K@60Hz
  • BT.2020
  • HDR certified
  • Full 18Gbps bandwidth
  • EMI test to ensure cables minimize interference with wireless signals.
  • ​Available with both HDMI Type-A and Type-D Connectors ​​
  • ​Any Length as long as it passes the above performance tests
Make sure of the label on the pack when buying, below image courtesy of hdmi.org

High Speed HDMI Cable

  • 4K
  • Deep Color
  • ​3D
  • Up to 10.2 Gbps
  • May support 4K60.
  • Any Length as long as it passes the above performance tests

See also...