If Your HDMI Cables Are Too Short, What Can You Do?

A pretty common problem that comes with the advent of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) becoming the new industry standard for transmitting TV signals is how to select the correct length HDMI lead. In the old days when everything was carried by RG6 Coaxial cable, it was possible to run the signal over pretty long runs and then simply cut the cable to length and fit a coax connector and simply connect it to the TV. Although RG6 cable is still used to connect the satellite dish to say for example a Freesat+ receiver, the output from the box to the TV will now invariably be a HDMI cable.
Another complicating factor is the popularity of hanging Flat screen TVs on a bare walls or over a fireplace. Obviously nobody wants HDMI cables tacked along the wall, so invariably the cables are being buried in the wall and normally run from the TV to a nearby built in unit which will house the satellite receiver. What makes selecting the correct length of lead is that it is not possible to simply extend or shorten the lead. In general there is a good selection of HDMI cables ranging from 1m all the way up to 20m, with the upper limit being due to the level of signal loss that occurs in cables that are no longer than 20m.
No matter how well you plan it there is always a possibility the the cable will too short. For example the HDMI input on your new HD TV is in a different location than you expected, or you decide to mount the TV in a slightly different location. There are 2 options when it comes to extending a HDMI cable.

The first and simplest option is to simply use a HDMI coupler which comes with sockets on both ends into which to insert HDMI cables. This option is both inexpensive, compact and does not need a power supply. It is however only suitable to use when the combined length of the 2 cables is less than 20m.
The other option is to use a HDMI repeater, which is a powered unit that both joins 2 HDMI cables together and also boosts the signal. Normally this unit is used when combining HDMI leads where the combined length is over 20m. The need to have the unit plugged in and its cost are certainly issues, but this is an essential unit on very long runs.
A final note on HDMI cables is that in general over short runs, the difference in the signal loss between a low cost and an expensive HDMI is pretty minimal. Where spending the extra money is worth while is on long runs of cable. Most of the cost lost HDMI supplier don't do budget level cables that are longer than 5 or 10m.

The Uses for Mini and Micro HDMI Cables

When High Definition video cables were created, technology was changed forever. Today, there have been a lot of advancements in the world of HD video, including the use of it on handheld devices and other small electronics. The mini HDMI cable is designed to connect to a device that can create and play HD audio and video and to a traditional HDMI input jack, such as on a television set. The mini HDMI is about 60% smaller than a normal jack, making it easier to fit into small devices like phones, cameras, and portable media players.
A mini HDMI cable is considered a type-c connector and it makes it easy for people to share their media on HDMI displays, such as in the case of DSLR cameras or camcorders that record HD video. This connector is only for portable devices, and it shouldn't be confused with the micro HDMI, which is the size of a micro USB and specifically for mobile devices. It can be hard to keep up with all the different cables out there today, but as long as you get the facts you should be fine.
Brands like Sony, Canon, Toshiba, Samsung, JVC, HP, and others are all known for manufacturing their own mini HDMI cables and adapters for various devices that they have manufactured in recent years. The different types of cables are usually based on gauge and thickness of the plastic or exterior finish, but the plugs are usually copper or gold since they are better conductors. There are a lot of variables that go into the price that you pay for your mini cables, but as long as you shop online you should be able to find the best deals and avoid being overcharged.

Mini HDMI cables are great for transmitting HD audio and video from a portable device to a traditional display. They have a lot of different styles and brands to choose from, but they're basically all similar. Different thicknesses of cables means they are rated for higher currents, but that is usually not even an issue with something like the mini cable because it is only used for camcorders and other portable devices which don't take a lot of power. Before you can go high tech and make sure that you have all the cables that you need, it's helpful to learn about the different adapters and cables so you know what you're buying.
A Micro HDMI cable is an even smaller version of HDMI, this type of cable is often used for smart phones and tablets. The small size of the device calls for a smaller plug, hence Micro HDMI was designed.

The HDMI Cable: The Future of Home Entertainment

The term HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It was developed after a consensus reached by a consortium of the big players in electronics manufacturing industries, which included Silicon Image, Hitachi, Sony, Philips, Toshiba and Panasonic. This technology allows efficient and "future proof" transmission of HD-videos as well as multichannel audio in a variety of computers, video and audio products.
The efficiency of this innovation has made over 800 electronics manufacturers to adopt HDMI as a standard for their products. The biggest benefit for the end consumer is the fact that he gets to enjoy a high quality, single cable, and all digital solution which can be used to connect all the home electronic appliances for entertainment without minding which manufacturer it's from. Also HDMI allows your electronic components to communicate with each other. This will allow you to optimize and synchronize your electronics with HDMI in a trouble-free automatic manner.
Benefits of HDMI:
• It is currently the best and efficient audio/video connection available in the market. It delivers great quality and is the only way you can view 1080p full-HD videos at home. Simply put, if you want to experience true HD on your Blu-ray players, DVD players that are upconverting and HD set-top boxes, then you must connect all these appliances with the HDMI cable.
• One Cable Convenience: Before the HDMI cable, you had to have 3 video cables, and at least one audio cable so that you can connect a single video/audio component to the TV. However using HDMI, all these signals travel just through one cable: thus translating to less confusion, and a cleaner system with fewer wires involved.

• All signals transferred are digital: The previous interconnection cables such as S-Video, component video and composite video did not carry an uncompressed, purely digital version of the data they were transmitting between components. Thus it involved a lot of analog to digital and digital to analog processing at various stages where the cable was connected on the various components, thus distorting the data especially when it moved through many components and long connections. However HDMI transmits purely digital data, thus it is never distorted during the conversion stages.
When you go to look for an HDMI cable, there are a number of things you should consider such as: construction and materials, speed ratings, bit depth rating, in-wall rating and if they support a specific feature among others. When deciding on the length of the cable, you need to know whether the length will be to connect each of your components. When it comes to HDMI being compatible to 3D, you must look for any HDMI cable with a continuous throughput of 10.2Gbps and one that can support 3D.

A Beginners Guide to HDMI Cables - Which to Buy and How Much to Pay

While HDMI cables were designed to simplify the process of connecting the various devices that make up your home theatre system, the simple fact is that many people are totally confused about what HDMI cables actually do; why some cables are so much more expensive than others, and why there are different versions of HDMI. This short guide aims to help answer these questions and highlight the factors you need to consider to ensure that you buy the right type of HDMI cable for your home theatre system.
What Is HDMI?
HDMI or 'High Definition Multimedia Interface' is a type of connection widely used in devices, such as HD TVs, satellite boxes and Blu-ray players. HDMI cables carry both audio and video signals, so instead of having to use several runs of cable you now only need a single cable in order to make a connection between your devices.
Why Are There Different Versions?
Over the years new capabilities have been added, and this has led to several different iterations, 1.0 being the oldest, through to the very latest version which is currently 1.4. HDMI is far more technically advanced than is actually needed right now, in fact, version 1.4 is able to support technologies that aren't yet found on the vast majority of home entertainment devices. Put simply, it will take years for home entertainment manufacturers to catch up, so for the foreseeable future the majority of consumers simply have no need to worry about which version number they buy, as all cables will deliver exactly the same performance.
Are There Different Types?
Most people don't realize that there are different types of HDMI cables: Type A, B, C and D. And to be honest, this is probably for the best as it leads to unnecessary confusion.

• Type A is the 'normal' type of HDMI cable; it consists of 19 pins and can be found on sale by any mainstream retailer.
• Type B was developed for professional use in the motion picture and broadcasting industry. Type B cables have a slightly different size of plug, and use 29 pins,
• Type C and D were developed using the HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 specifications respectively. They use the same 19 pin configuration as Type A, but have smaller plug sizes. Type C is intended for use with portable devices. Type D takes this further by having an even smaller plug.

The main thing to remember is that Type A is the normal cable used by practically all consumer electronics.
Does Size Matter?
As with most cables, the length of the run does have a slight affect on performance. HDMI cables generally deliver the best results with runs up to 15 feet in length. If you use a longer cable the difference in performance is so small that you probably won't notice, but it's something to bear in mind if you plan on running a HDMI cable the entire length of your house.
How Much Should You Pay?
The common misconception is that the most expensive HDMI cables deliver the best performance. This simply is not true! All HDMI cables use the same basic technology to carry the audio and video signals, so it's incredibly hard to spot the difference in performance between cables with a $100 price tag, and cables with a $25 price tag. While you should try to avoid cables that are obviously under priced - these cables tend to be made to a low standard - you should also be cautious of paying large amounts of money just for fancy packaging or a named brand.
The majority of consumers will find that an inexpensive Type A HDMI cable is perfectly sufficient for almost all home entertainment systems, and by considering the points mentioned in this guide you can ensure that you get the perfect cable, for the best price.

Get Hooked Up Digitally With HDMI Adaptors and Cables

Do you know what HDMI is? You may have seen it or heard of it lately, since it is used in many modern electronics devices. HDMI actually has an interesting history and background. It is compatible with DVI, as long as you use an HDMI adaptors. You can also use HDMI on your personal computer.
HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface. It is basically an audio and video interface that is made to transmit digital data that is not compressed. That means, if you use HDMI you can get all of your digital data transmitted from any kind of video signal, as opposed to with previous and older versions of cables that compress video, lowering the quality. Some older formats that HDMI has improved upon include coaxial cables, s-video and DVI.
The first HDMI products began shipping in the year 2003. The HDMI concept was developed in 2002, with the main idea being to make a new audio video connector that would be backwards compatible with the old DVI cables previously used for video. There were several companies involved in the development of the HDMI connector, including big names like Hitachi, Sony, Philips and Toshiba.
HDMI has gained a great deal of popularity, especially recently. More and more devices that use HDMI are constantly being released, while conversely less devices using older video connectors are being produced. Some common electronics that use HDMI are HDTVs (including LCD and plasma televisions), DVD players, Blu-ray players, video game consoles (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, etc.), and also computer devices and even digital audio devices.
As the original concept was designed for, and what actually happens to be one of the most convenient features of HDMI, is that it is compatible with DVI (digital video interference). If you use an HDMI to DVI adapter, you will not loose any quality. You can even use asymmetrical cables without any sort of problems or issues.
This backwards compatible feature of HDMI and DVI compatibility is especially useful when it comes to use with personal computers. Even the more modern graphics cards for computers still often use the DVI format. With just a simple adapter you can drive an HDMI monitor for your computer, even with only DVI connections.
If you would like to learn more about HDMI adaptors, graphics, or digital video in general, you can start by looking online. The internet is a great resource not only for finding general information, but also for troubleshooting any problems you may be having with digital video.

5 Types of HDMI Cables You Can Buy

Are you planning to buy an HDMI Cable? Not a bad idea at all. With HDMI, you can watch movies and TV shows on the larger screen of your LCD or LED TV.
Doesn't make sense? The concept is very simple really. Say you download a movie from the internet. You have two options now. Option 1 is where you watch the movie on your PC. Option 2 is where you connect your PC to your LCD or LED TV and watch the movie on a larger screen. This connection is done using an HDMI cable.
Now, there are different types of HDMI cables available in the market. Some are technologically more enhanced and some are designed for specific PCs and TVs. So, before you buy a cable, it is important that you get to know about the various types. The guide below should make it easy for you to make your purchase decision.
HDMI Cable 1.4a
This cable was released in March 2010 and has two mandatory 3D formats for movie content broadcasting and gaming. This cable requires the frame packing of 3D format at 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24. Additionally, the frame packing side-by-side horizontal should be 1080i50 or 1080i60 and the frame packing top-and-bottom should be 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.
HDMI Cable 2.0
This cable was released in September 2013 and is sometimes referred to as HDMI UHD. This cable improves the maximum TMDS per channel throughput from 3.4 Gbit/s to 6 Gbit/s. This allows for a maximum total TMDS throughput of 18 Gbit/s.
HDMI Cable 4K
This cable has a resolution of 4,000 pixels. In digital cinematography and digital television, there are many 4K resolutions. The dominant 4K standard in the movie projection industry is Digital Cinema Initiatives or DCI. 4K TVs have yet to make their mark in the mass market.
HDMI Cable 3D
This cable is compatible with 3D TVs. In a 3D TV the depth perception is better because of the use of modern techniques like multi-view display, stereoscopic display, 2D-plus-depth and other forms of 3D display. Some of the modern 3D TVs don't even need glasses for 3D effects.
HDMI Ultra HD
This cable is compatible with Ultra HD TVs. These TVs deliver eight million pixels compared to two million pixels of 1080p Full HD TVs. These TVs offer better clarity and smoothness. However, these TVs are still work in progress and it should be some time before they are released in the market. However, the cable can be used with higher-end TVs available in the market now.
Now when you search online or visit a store to buy your HDMI cable, you should know exactly what you need to buy. It is best to shop online because you get a pricing advantage. Moreover, by shopping online, you can also compare the prices across websites and choose from the best seller. And of course, as you go through the online catalog, you can also read reviews to make up your mind about your purchase.

Taking a Closer Look at the HDMI to DVI Cable

HDMI which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a system developed for transmitting uncompressed digital signals between a host of compatible audio video devices. The HDMI to DVI cable was introduced late in 2003 around about the time that High Definition Television was becoming popular.
This cable is capable of connecting DVD players, set-top boxes, Play Stations, Xboxes and Audio Video receivers to HD televisions, computer monitors and countless other AV devices.
On one cable, any PC or TV video format can be supported. This includes up to eight channels of uncompressed or compressed digital audio and a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) connection. This CEC connection has the capability of allowing various high definition devices to control one another and gives the user the ability to operate several devices using only one remote control.
Due to the fact that HDMI is compatible electrically with DVI (Digital Visual Interface), there is no need to convert the signal. There is also no degradation of the quality of the video when using the connecting cable. The high definition standard has all but replaced such diverse standards as composite video, coaxial cable, SCART, S-Video, VGA and D-Terminal.
This interface is rapidly becoming the de facto connection standard for HDTV's and according to the electronic market intelligence group In-Stat, about 90 percent of the digital television sets produced in 2007, included the connector. In-Stat also estimated that in 2008 about 229 million of the devices had been sold and the estimate for 2009 was 394 million with the prediction that by the end of 2009 all digital television sets would be fitted with at least one of these connectors.
The connector is manufactured in four different types, namely A, B, C and D. Type A has nineteen pins and is compatible with DVI-D. Type B has 29 pins and will transfer double the bandwidth of the Type A. Type C has a mini connection with 19 pins like the A type and was designed for portable equipment. Type D is a micro connector also with 19 pins but the plug has been shrunk to look more like a micro-USB one.
There are several versions of the HDMI standard with each version being allocated a number. Currently versions 1.0 to 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 are available with all of the versions using the same cable but having increased bandwidth and capabilities for each subsequent version number. Although a maximum length for the cable has not been specified, resistance in the cable and the way it has been manufactured together with the materials used, places a limit on usable lengths. HDMI to DVI cable is currently manufactured in lengths ranging between 5 and 15 meters.

HDMI Cable for a Movie Hall Experience

If you don't have an HDMI cable these days, you are missing out on a lot. Cable TV rates are moving north with each passing day and there are times when you simply don't want to pay your cable bill. On the other hand, movies and other TV programs can be easily downloaded online. With your HDMI cable, you can connect your PC or laptop with your TV and watch your favorite movies and TV programs on a larger screen.
The way these cables work is very simple. Let us say, you downloaded a movie from the internet. You decided to watch it on your desktop or laptop screen, but you didn't get that great viewing experience. Someone told you that the same movie on a larger screen is awesome. You have the solution ready for you - all you need to do is use an HDMI cable.
How do you use the cable? Simple... If your desktop or laptop has an HDMI port, you can connect the cable to it and the other end of the cable needs to go into your TV. The display on your desktop or laptop gets transferred to the TV now. As you play the movie on your computer, it displays on your TV screen. If you have a 46 inch LED TV, the viewing experience will naturally be much better. In fact, it would be awesome, as someone told you.
There are different types of such cable that you can use. Let's say you downloaded a 3D movie. You can now use an HDMI cable 3D to get the same 3D experience as you would in a movie hall. If you want perfectly sharp moving images as you watch a movie, you have an HDMI Ultra HD cable to choose.
Many people still use the older HDMI cable 1.4a. This type of cable was introduced in 2010. With this cable too you can watch excellent quality movies or TV programs on your TV. But nowadays, people tend to buy cables that were released later. Some of the cables that you find in the market today are HDMI cable 2.0 and HDMI cable 4K. Needless to say, these cables have much more advanced technology. Thus, the viewing experience is much better.
But which cable is right for you? There are certain considerations that come into play here. Your computer and TV may not be compatible with all cable types. So, how do you decide? The easiest option is to use Google to find the best cable type for your PC and TV. This way you will not end up buying a cable that is incompatible.
Of course, the manufacturer matters a lot. So, after you decide which HDMI cable to use with your PC and TV, you also need to read some reviews of the products. Choose the right product from the best manufacturer and you can catch pure HD quality movies and TV programs sitting at home. Get some popcorn going to complete your movie experience.

Optical Fibre Cable Vs. HDMI Cable for Audio Output

No matter whether you use an audio-video system for entertainment or for work, you would want it to produce top quality sound. This is possible only when you use the right kind of connection between the multimedia playing device and the speakers. At present, there are two main options - optical fibre and HDMI cable. Use this comparison of the two options to make the right decision.
The Difference
The optical fibre cable consists of numerous glass fibres or strands which are extremely thin. Light optical signal travels through the strands. The HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) cable, on the other hand, uses copper wire to transmit electrical signal. Both types of hardware can work with modern devices even though they have different construction and use different technology.
Signal Quality
There are two advantages which the optical fibre technology has to offer when it comes to audio signal quality. Firstly, you can expect better sound clarity. This is because there is no signal interference between the different glass strands. Each strand transmits light signal without affecting the neighbouring strands in any way. Copper wires, on the other hand, are more likely to create interference, even though the risk is lowered with the modern HDMI technology.
The other advantage of the optical cable is that there is lower signal loss. Less of the signal is lost so you will enjoy better sound quality in every respect. You will not have to turn the volume up. You will not hear strange sounds.
These two natural advantages of the third option lead to an important third advantage. You are able to use a longer optical cable for connecting the multimedia playing device to the speakers. This gives you greater flexibility especially when it comes to large multimedia systems set in home theatres and conference rooms.
When it comes to convenience, the HDMI cable has one major advantage over its counterpart. It can transmit both audio and video signal. This means that you can use just one piece of hardware for both. If you go for the other option, you will need a separate cable for video output.
Supported Audio Formats
Both types of cables support multiple-channel formats such as Dolby Digital. You can readily use them with 5.1 surround sound systems. However, only HDMI cables can support the latest audio formats used by Blu-ray which are Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. If you are a dedicated movie fan, this hardware option may be the right one for you.
Overall, it is up to you to decide whether to use the optical fibre or

The Uses for Mini and Micro HDMI Cables

When High Definition video cables were created, technology was changed forever. Today, there have been a lot of advancements in the world of HD video, including the use of it on handheld devices and other small electronics. The mini HDMI cable is designed to connect to a device that can create and play HD audio and video and to a traditional HDMI input jack, such as on a television set. The mini HDMI is about 60% smaller than a normal jack, making it easier to fit into small devices like phones, cameras, and portable media players.

A mini HDMI cable is considered a type-c connector and it makes it easy for people to share their media on HDMI displays, such as in the case of DSLR cameras or camcorders that record HD video. This connector is only for portable devices, and it shouldn't be confused with the micro HDMI, which is the size of a micro USB and specifically for mobile devices. It can be hard to keep up with all the different cables out there today, but as long as you get the facts you should be fine.

Brands like Sony, Canon, Toshiba, Samsung, JVC, HP, and others are all known for manufacturing their own mini HDMI cables and adapters for various devices that they have manufactured in recent years. The different types of cables are usually based on gauge and thickness of the plastic or exterior finish, but the plugs are usually copper or gold since they are better conductors. There are a lot of variables that go into the price that you pay for your mini cables, but as long as you shop online you should be able to find the best deals and avoid being overcharged.

Mini HDMI cables are great for transmitting HD audio and video from a portable device to a traditional display. They have a lot of different styles and brands to choose from, but they're basically all similar. Different thicknesses of cables means they are rated for higher currents, but that is usually not even an issue with something like the mini cable because it is only used for camcorders and other portable devices which don't take a lot of power. Before you can go high tech and make sure that you have all the cables that you need, it's helpful to learn about the different adapters and cables so you know what you're buying.

A Micro HDMI cable is an even smaller version of HDMI, this type of cable is often used for smart phones and tablets. The small size of the device calls for a smaller plug, hence Micro HDMI was designed.

The HDMI Cable: The Future of Home Entertainment

The term HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It was developed after a consensus reached by a consortium of the big players in electronics manufacturing industries, which included Silicon Image, Hitachi, Sony, Philips, Toshiba and Panasonic. This technology allows efficient and "future proof" transmission of HD-videos as well as multichannel audio in a variety of computers, video and audio products.

The efficiency of this innovation has made over 800 electronics manufacturers to adopt HDMI as a standard for their products. The biggest benefit for the end consumer is the fact that he gets to enjoy a high quality, single cable, and all digital solution which can be used to connect all the home electronic appliances for entertainment without minding which manufacturer it's from. Also HDMI allows your electronic components to communicate with each other. This will allow you to optimize and synchronize your electronics with HDMI in a trouble-free automatic manner.

Benefits of HDMI:

• It is currently the best and efficient audio/video connection available in the market. It delivers great quality and is the only way you can view 1080p full-HD videos at home. Simply put, if you want to experience true HD on your Blu-ray players, DVD players that are upconverting and HD set-top boxes, then you must connect all these appliances with the HDMI cable.

• One Cable Convenience: Before the HDMI cable, you had to have 3 video cables, and at least one audio cable so that you can connect a single video/audio component to the TV. However using HDMI, all these signals travel just through one cable: thus translating to less confusion, and a cleaner system with fewer wires involved.

• All signals transferred are digital: The previous interconnection cables such as S-Video, component video and composite video did not carry an uncompressed, purely digital version of the data they were transmitting between components. Thus it involved a lot of analog to digital and digital to analog processing at various stages where the cable was connected on the various components, thus distorting the data especially when it moved through many components and long connections. However HDMI transmits purely digital data, thus it is never distorted during the conversion stages.

When you go to look for an HDMI cable, there are a number of things you should consider such as: construction and materials, speed ratings, bit depth rating, in-wall rating and if they support a specific feature among others. When deciding on the length of the cable, you need to know whether the length will be to connect each of your components. When it comes to HDMI being compatible to 3D, you must look for any HDMI cable with a continuous throughput of 10.2Gbps and one that can support 3D.

The Technology Behind HDMI Cables

With the development and availability of High Definition televisions, HDMI (High definition multimedia interface) cables are being used to connect the signal source to the display device, usually a television or computer display. These cables carry both the audio and video signal in digital format, eliminating signal loss which are common in DVI and analog cables. As a result the images obtained using HDMI cables are clearly defined and do not have the blurs or fuzzy edges which analog video cables have. Since these cables carry digital signals, they also can be used for carrying Consumer electronic controls (CEC) digital signals for switching devices on or off.

HDMI technology has been developed by some of the largest consumer electronic companies in the world such as Panasonic, Hitachi, Philips, Sony and Toshiba and were initially used for television. Today many of these companies use HDMI as the default standard. The latest HDMI standard is 1.3 based on consumer requirements.This standard allows for cables with a bandwidth of 340 MHz (1.2 Gbps) allowing much higher image resolutions. It supports 10 bit, 12 bit or 16 bit color depths allowing the display to render up to one billion different colors on the screen. HDMI standard 1.3 also makes a provision for a connector with a smaller form factor, which can be used for connecting to compact devices such as HD camcorders and cameras.

This technology can also be classified as standard HDMI cables (category 1) with a bandwidth of 75 Mhz used for home entertainment systems and high speed HDMI cables (category 2) with a bandwidth of 340 MHz. The high speed cables are used for applications where a higher resolution and refresh rates are required like cinema theaters.

HDMI cables use copper conductors and are recommended for connecting devices at a distance of up to ten meters. For longer distances, there may be some signal degradation, so HDMI repeaters may be needed, though the quality of the transmitter and receiver in the HDTV and Device may also determine the signal quality. These cables are compatible with DVI devices, and can be used interchangeably. For short distances of less than five meters, there is little difference in the quality of images for HDMI cables of different quality. However, for longer distances, the cables quality and connectors used may make a difference.

There may be some variations in the quality of material used for cable sheath or covering. A thicker cable cover, made from fire resistant polymer compound will be more expensive. This technology has greatly simplified the installation of many audio and video devices, as the number of cables to be used is consolidated into a single cable.

All About HDMI Cables And Specifications

HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface, which is a system of connection often used with digital video and audio. A HDMI cable is a special cable that is able to transmit uncompressed digital audio and video simultaneously.
This lead is used in connecting digital input sources to other digital electronic equipment such as computer monitors, televisions and receivers. A HDMI compliant TV, cable and source are required in order to view high definition video, eight channel digital audio and Blu-Ray. HDMI cable works with any TV or PC video format, including standard and high definition.
HDMI was first developed in 2002 to fill the need for a higher quality digital visual and audio system. Many different television, computer and electronic manufacturers have adopted the HDMI specifications. These standards were introduced by an association of electronic manufacturing companies, in cooperation with major music and movie distribution firms. HDMI uses the EIA/CEA-861 standards that define video waveforms and formats, auxiliary data, transport of compressed and uncompressed audio, and also LPCM audio.
Two different types of leads are available in the market, namely category one and two. These categories only apply to versions 1.3 and higher, which were made available in 2008. Category one cables bear the standard HDMI cable label and are suitable for transmitting 720p or 1080i video and audio signals. Leads in category two are also considered fast speed leads, and can carry video and audio signals of 720p and 1080i as well as 1600p. Category two HDMI cables are the only type guaranteed to work with a cable that is greater than 16 feet long.
When choosing a lead, it is important to consider the length.
Because of signal attenuation, there is a limit to how long a lead should be. Cables that are too long transmit very weak digital signal, resulting to blinking images on the screen. The problem of loss of signal as a result of excess cable length can be taken care of by using HDMI extenders, equalizers or repeaters. These are devices that can be used to connect the cables to each other, thereby extending the cable length without losing signal strength. The maximum length that can be used depends on the cable's category. Cables in category five and six can increase the overall cable length to as much as 164 feet. If an extender used is optical fiber based, the overall cable length can increase to 328 feet.

HDMI Cable - Upgrade Your Entertainment

The old style of analogue televisions is long gone, and the only place to find them these days is in second hand stores. That's because high definition flat screen TVs are cheaper than those old TVs ever were and deliver a much greater quality image. In other words, it's easy and affordable to upgrade your entertainment system into the HD dimension.
But the TV and the HD video unit - whether it's a Blu-Ray player, PS3, or HD receiver - are only two of the requirements for getting perfect picture. You also need a good HDMI cable. There are some basic things to consider when you purchase your HDMI cable that will help ensure you get the right one.
First, you'll need to figure out which type of lead you need. The big thing to look at is what you're connecting to your TV. Standard Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, and television receivers will all use a basic cable to transmit the digital data to the TV. But if you've gone the extra step and bought 3D capable equipment you'll need a higher-speed cable to deliver the 3D images to your TV. They cost a bit more but the experience is well worth the small upgrade in price. These are commonly called HDMI 1.4 cables, so be sure that you purchase these if you're looking for a 3D experience.
Length does matter when it comes to cables, and it's important that you size your HDMI cable accordingly. Choose a lead that is too short and you may not even be able to hook up your system. On the other hand, a cable that's too long will lead to signal degradation. This is because the longer a signal needs to travel, the greater the reduction of its strength. This translates into a reduced picture quality for you. Buy the right length for your needs.
Another thing that bears a quick mention is that if you're connecting smaller HD devices like camcorders, tablet computers, and even smart phones to an HD screen you'll need to look for a mini HDMI cable. These feature smaller connectors that allow the smaller devices to connect to your entertainment system.
These are the basics you'll want to keep in mind when you begin shopping for your wire. Keep them in mind and getting the perfect image transfer for your video will be simple. There are plenty of cables on the market, and it's easy to find the one for you.

HDMI Cables - PS3 HDMI Cable Price

I am often asked about the disparity between HDMI cables PS3 branded and the normal HDMI cable price. That is usually quickly followed by the questions... "Because it's more expensive, is the branded one better?" - and - "Will a normal one work OK on my PS3?"
Let's have a look at the second question first. It can be confusing for people to understand if a non-Sony cable will work with the PlayStation 3. For the older gamer, it probably stems from the proprietary console connections used in past play station models, and for the younger gamer, brought up on brands, it is possibly as simple as not realizing there are always alternatives. Due to the technological advancements made with 1080i, 1080p, blu-ray, high definition and the introduction of industry standard connections all previous rules no longer apply.
To comply with industry standard connections, for high definition, the PS3 has to use the same "in" connection as your Blu-ray, satellite or cable box or HD-TV to receive a high definition signal. This means that any cable will fit your PS3, not just the high end, branded version as the manufacturers of these would have you believe. As most gamers are looking at a cable of around the 3-6 foot length, you need never pay over $15 and in many cases an awful lot less. You can find some of the best HDMI cable deals by following the link to my website below.
If you have been looking around pricing up HDMI cables, ps3 branded version that is, you will know that the cost is well in excess of a normal HDMI cable price. But because it is more expensive does it do it's job better than the cheaper version. The truth is this. An high definition cable, of whatever cost, delivers audio and video digitally, which it does by transmitting a signal in 0s and 1s. The type of cable is the same and the signal can not be cleaned up in any way, meaning a cheap cable performs just as good as a more expensive one.
That said, there is an exception to this rule and that kicks in with longer runs of cable. For some reason the digital signal weakens or breaks down when working with a cable in excess of an industry approved length. At the time of writing, you will not find a bona fide HDMI-cable, carrying the industry standard, that is over 50ft (15m) in length. So beware, they are about but to my knowledge they all fail to meet the required test criteria to gain accreditation. Let me know if you know different.
I hope that clears up peoples concerns. You are now aware that if you do purchase a HDMI cable "ps3" branded then you have in a small way been had, as the cheapest HDMI cable price is still going to give you many years of high definition gaming but at a quarter of the cost.

What Is HDMI and Where to Get an HDMI Cable?

What does HDMI mean?
HDMI represents "High Definition Multimedia Interface", a standard designed by a few electronics brands. It is an audio/video protocol that is used to transfer digital data. Information is transmitted in the form of 1 and 0. The benefits of transmitting data in digital format is that the data losses due to interference could be minimized. When compared with analog interfaces including S-Video, electronic interfaces have way less signal loss.
Devices Supporting This Standard
Many modern-day multimedia electronic products support this standard. For example, most video gaming units e.g. Xbox 360 (the most recently released ones) and PS-3 have an output port that conveys signal in electronic form. Almost all new video players have this port too, including Blu-ray disc readers and set-top boxes. Some computers also have this interface so that the computer screen could be outputted in digital form to televisions.
How to Purchase
To link up two devices both having HDMI interfaces, a matching cable is needed. There are several types of connectors, the most typical one is the standard type but there are some types with different sizes and forms. For example, mini-HDMI is a lot smaller than HDMI. You ought to examine your appliances before buying a cable.
These cables may be readily found in many shops selling electronic equipment. If you want to shop on the internet and getting the item delivered to your house, you could purchase it from Amazon. These cables have different lengths. Find out the separation between your machines before hitting the buy button. I often allow for a bit longer length to prepare for unexpected problems. For instance, if the distance between two devices is 6 feet, you have to purchase a cable of 9 ft long. After all these cables are not very costly, it do not cost you too much to purchase something a bit longer.
Another matter to note is the plating on the connector. A typical plating material is 24K gold. Many people believe that this coating was applied to attract purchasers. No, they aren't. The truth is that ordinary connectors have lower level of resistance to rusting, by applying an additional covering we could increase the durability of the cable. Buying a gold-plated cable does not cost too much more, but may lengthen the life of the cable. Hence you are suggested to buy gold-plated cables.
If you buy the cable from internet stores, make sure you read the appraisals left by other consumers. These appraisals are really helpful since these people bought the cable and actually tested them. Their reviews may provide some concepts to you about the product. Particularly for very good or bad items, people really like leaving comments about them.

HDMI To DVI Cable - Bridging The Gap

Television has come a long way over the last several decades, and the types of cables used to connect it to the video source have changed as well. From coaxial cable to the AVI cable, things continued to change until this latest generation of high definition televisions. While there's a chance that a new type of cable will come out in the next decade to replace them, at the moment there are two main types of video cables - DVI and HDMI. And in some cases, you may find that you need a combination of the two in a HDMI to DVI cable.
Before we discuss what a HDMI to DVI cable is, it's worth looking at the two types independently. In the case of the DVI cable, you've been using these for a long time. It's the same type of cable that connects your computer monitor to the computer tower, and is capable of handling up to 1920x1200 HD video. This 24 pin cable is very common and very affordable.
The other side of this equation is the HDMI cable. This is the type of connector used by Blu-Ray players, HD television boxes, and modern gaming consoles. It's used to connect these high-definition devices to an HD television set and provide you with the kind of high quality image you deserve. While these were initially very expensive, they've dropped in price significantly over the last few years and are now very affordable. They can stream audio and video at the same time and are simpler to use than DVI.
However, in some cases you may need to utilize an HDMI to DVI cable to solve connectivity issues. There are two prime examples of this. The first is when you have a high-definition computer monitor that you want to use to watch HD video on from a video source that uses HDMI. The computer monitor likely uses DVI, so using a HDMI to DVI cable is the easiest solution to the problem. The other situation is the exact opposite. When you want to stream video from your computer or another device with a DVI jack to a modern HD television, these cables are again the best solution to the problem.
An HDMI to DVI cable will come in various lengths but will always feature the HDMI jack on one end and the DVI jack on the other. They're easy to use and will help you make this unique type of video connection a breeze to complete.

Super Speed S3 HDMI Cables

If you are on the market for an HDMI cable, you could easily get lost into the wide variety of types and get even more confused by the recommendations of the sales clerks. There are quite a few types of HDMI leads, which are suitable for different applications, but all you need is a HDMI cable that works. There is a bit of a difference between the more expensive and the cheapest ones as the former are often thicker and could withstand more misuse and abuse, however, you are unlikely to need a super-tough HDMI lead on a first place. As long as you pick the correct model and length that works for you, you will not need to worry about its model, characteristics, or standards that the cable uses.
One of the excellent HDMI cables, which comes highly recommended is the Super Speed S3 HDMI lead - it is one, which could be used with XBOX 360, Digital Receivers, LCD TV's, BluRay Players, PS3, TV screens, computers, and laptops. It is a cable, which is as universal as they come, supports all features, including the 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 HDMI standard-using applications. Typically, the Super Speed S3 HDMI leads come with 24-karat gold plated connectors and a lifetime guarantee, which is likely to give any consumer the peace of mind that they deserve. You can find these types of HDMI cables in most of the large electronic stores or you can purchase them online from one of the specialized sites. Shopping on the Internet comes with many advantages as it allows you to place your order in a matter of minutes, have the cable delivered right at your doorstep, and you are likely to get a good price as well.
Amongst the main characteristics, which make the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables so popular are their support for all HDMI 1.3a,b,c features, HDMI 1.4 3D features, high speed Ethernet, 15.3 GBPS Bandwidth, up to 2160p resolution, audio return channel, triple Mylar shielding, 3D Over HDMI, Full Deep color, and Dual Stream 1080P. The cables are also suitable for in-wall use, which definitely adds to their flexibility. If you are on the market for a new HDMI cable, regardless of its intentional use, then make sure to ask the sales clerk about the Super Speed S3 HDMI cables and their advantages, or simply get online, and order one from the comfort of your home.

HDMI Matrix - An Easy Solution For Connecting Multiple Devices

What do you do when your high-definition television set has only one HDMI connection, but you have several HD components that you want to connect? In today's digital age people are hungry to have different components to capture or view videos or pictures, watch the latest 3D movie release, play an xBox game or revisit of the baby's first birthday. The problem is that many older high-definition televisions are designed with a single HDMI port. In order to resolve a problem where there are more connections than HDMI ports, you use a HDMI matrix.
The problem with having so many high-definition gadgets is that many HDTVs have a single port. Well, there is another problem: You've run out of space to store all this stuff in your entertainment center. The good news is that using an HDMI matrix switcher, solves both problems. Buying an HDMI switch won't send you to the poorhouse either.
An HDMI matrix acts as a hub for multiple source devices and then relays the audio and video signals to a receiver, typically an HD television. Some HDMI switch devices allow you to switch between the components using a remote control or manually pushing a button on the unit. More advanced HDMI switch devices actually automatically change over to a component when it is powered on or when another is shut down.
The basic implementation allows several HD inputs and outputs which can be conveniently selected in any combination. If you have to extend the distance between the switch box, HD components and the television then choose a more advanced HDMI matrix unit with the ability to transmit high-definition signals over a CAT5/6 cable. This cable is very lightweight and flexible making it an ideal solution for stringing through ceilings or walls. Some HDMI matrix switchers allow you to flip between different components and even select another combination of devices while the first selection is active.
There are a number of different HDMI matrix models the most popular supporting 3 inputs and 1 output. That means you can connect 3 HD devices and switch between each to view on a single output, your television. There are several other input/output configurations available including 4x2 (4 inputs/ 2 outputs), 4x4, 8x8 and even 16X16.
You don't have to be a high-end technology business to benefit from these solutions. Small businesses and the home gadget experts benefit from using HDMI matrix units offering simple and reliable HDMI distribution.

Extending Display Capabilities Via a USB to HDMI Converter

For some people, having multiple displays can make them more efficient in operating computer systems. Furthermore, sophisticated tasks such as stock trading, graphic design, 3D rendering, and video editing are generally more convenient when done on wider screens. Unfortunately, many laptops and desktops these days still don't have the capability to extend their screens beyond one display. This is mainly due to their built-in video card. The card simply doesn't have the hardware component that enables the screen to be extended to a second or third screen.
Filling The Need
Since just about every modern computer has USB ports nowadays, getting data from the USB port and then converting it to some other form of data is sensible and seems more practical. For instance, a laptop that has no extra video output interface but has several USB ports can be turned into a makeshift home cinema appliance by using a USB to HDMI converter. Another scenario wherein the converter can be utilized is when in the middle of a client meeting, the laptop screen has to be extended to a larger screen such as an HDTV for better viewing. To some extent, a USB to HDMI converter is just more economical than obtaining a new laptop or a second display device.
How It Fills The Need
The USB to HDMI converter is essentially a video card which provides the missing video interface that the computer lacks. In this case, it provides an HDMI component to the computer. A second video card implies that the computer screen can then be cloned and sent to another compatible display device. As an added feature, the converter also supports functions that will either extend the screen or mirror it.
Shortcomings
Although the idea of a USB to HDMI device is nifty, it has some setbacks. Compatibility is a major issue in many multi platform devices such as the AT-HDPiX2 converter from Atlona. Problems vary from incompatible and outdated drivers to inaccurate display resolutions. Nevertheless, a driver update will often solve the problem. The software included with the product also supports online updates for convenience. Another problem is hardware potential. Since the converter acts as a second video card, it draws computing power. This means that a computer with a 128 MB video memory will get a considerable performance hit when displaying the screen to multiple display devices than one with a 512 MB video memory. Aside from video memory, the computer's random access memory and central processing unit also play an important role in determining hardware potential. In any case, a computer with at least a dual core processor that's clocked at 2 GHz or above, 2 GB RAM, and a discrete nVidia GeForce 9 series or AMD/ATI Radeon 3000 series video card is recommended.
Moving Forward
Generally, a USB to HDMI converter is a device that stretches the useful life of a laptop or a desktop computer that would otherwise be outdated and under powered. Power users and gaming enthusiasts may have moved on with other solutions that do the same thing and more efficiently. One notable solution is AMD's Eyefinity technology which allows up to six simultaneous displays off of a single video card. For the rest of the community though, the converter is a reminder that this kind of device exists and works as expected.