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HDMI and HDMI cables

In just a few years, HDMI has become the standard audio and video connection for high-definition home theater gear. Every new HDTV has at least two HDMI inputs, and gadgets such as DVRs, DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and computers feature HDMI outputs to deliver audio and video. Having a single cable handling both images and sound has the potential to make home theaters much simpler, but that's not always the case. Faced with complex standards (HDMI 1.2 vs. 1.3), confusing buzzwords (Deep Color), and exorbitantly priced cables (Monster), many buyers may be tempted to throw up their hands and stick with the analog cables they know.

Editors' note:

The article has been updated with details on the latest HDMI 1.4 standard.

Don't panic--what seems bewildering on the showroom floor is really pretty simple. And if you get nothing else from reading this guide, you should remember one simple fact: There's no reason to pay extra for HDMI cables. Intrigued? Let's get started.

What is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and that's a pretty good description of what it is. In layman's terms, HDMI is a type of digital connection that's capable of transmitting HD video and high-resolution audio over a single cable. To do the same thing with analog cables, you'd need to connect three component-video cables plus six analog audio cables--that's a whole lot of cable clutter.

HDMI is typically used to connect a high-definition device--such as an HD DVR--to an HDTV. To make the connection, you simply put one end of the cable into the HDTV's HDMI input slot and the other end into the device's HDMI output slot. And that's it--just one cable and you're all set for the HD experience. If you have an A/V receiver, just put it in the middle of the signal chain. The output of the A/V receiver goes to the HDTV and you connect your high-definition device(s) to the A/V receiver's input.

This article originally appeared on CNET's quick quide.




Tags: cable, video, HDTV, home theater, CNET Networks Inc.
 

 
How does it compare to other cable types? »

    Talkback
gml says...
Very informative and useful. I was comtemplating getting a Philips HDMI Switcher Model SWV/6813(17 or 37) as I have only two my HDMI input at the back of my HDTV , and i would like to connect my HD set-top box, and PS3 all vide HDMI cables.
Need further advise from you. I heard that the above Philips HDMI Switcher is ver 1.1
How does this impact connectivity , example PS3 which recommends HDMI ver 1.3 to get the full features like, 1080p , color, True HD, etc.?
Thank You

Dec 03, 2008 11:16
 
 
Disbeliever says...
I agree the best value Profession silver soldered HDMI 1.3 cable is available from Play.Com for only £10 . In my opinion take no notice of What Hi-Fi ? reviews on anything.

Dec 17, 2008 14:45
 
 
dr_pairoj@hotmail.com says...
To put A/V receiver in the middle of the signal chain (between HDTV and source like DVD player) The output of the A/V receiver goes to the HDTV.... This is not a good idea. Unless you have a high end A/V receiver, the video quality will be noticeably compromised.

Jul 30, 2009 12:51
 
 
18dot says...
Found a neat looking HDMI switch kit. Check it out:

www.emsworth.com.sg...

Small, portable and no power needed.. neat!

Sep 11, 2009 17:20
 
 
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