Why are there different versions of HDMI?
There are different versions of HDMI and HDMI cables because the HDMI standard has been updated over time to include new features and capabilities. These updates have resulted in new versions of the cables, e.g. B. HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, which support different video and audio resolutions, frame rates and other functions. Older or cheap cables do not have all 19 connector pins connected together. Not all functions are then possible with such cables.
Which HDMI versions are there and which is the latest?
Since the standard's inception in 2002, there have been several versions of the HDMI standard. This was accompanied by new requirements for the HDMI cable. Above all, additional communication channels were created and the bandwidth constantly increased. Some of the most popular versions are:
- HDMI 1.0: The original HDMI standard that supported 1080i video resolution and 8-channel audio.
- HDMI 1.1: Added support for DVD-Audio.
- HDMI 1.2: Added support for multiple audio formats and one-way communications to control consumer electronics.
- HDMI 1.3: Increased bandwidth to support higher video resolutions, e.g. 1080p, and additional support for Deep Color and xvYCC color spaces.
- HDMI 1.4: Support for 3D video, 4K resolution and an Audio Return Channel (ARC).
- HDMI 2.0: Increased bandwidth to support 4K resolution at higher refresh rates, added support for a wider color gamut and HDR, and enhanced audio capabilities.
- HDMI 2.1: Increased bandwidth to support 8k resolution and 4K at 120Hz, added support for Dynamic HDR and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), and Auto Low Latency Mode.
The latest version of HDMI cable is HDMI 2.1.
Why shouldn't the HDMI cables be labeled with version numbers?
The HDMI organization does not want HDMI cables to be labeled with version numbers, as this could confuse consumers. A cable's version number is not necessarily indicative of the capabilities of the cable or the devices it connects to. For example, just because a cable is labeled "HDMI 2.0" doesn't mean it supports all the features of HDMI 2.0 or will work with all HDMI 2.0 compatible devices. Also, a cable's version number does not indicate the quality of the cable or its ability to carry a signal. A cable labeled "HDMI 2.0" can still be poorly made and not transmit a signal properly, while a cable labeled "HDMI 1.4" can be high quality and work perfectly.
Instead, HDMI cables should be labeled with their capabilities, e.g. B. at the maximum resolution and refresh rate they support or data rate they have been tested for. This would give consumers a better understanding of the cable's capabilities and help them make an informed purchasing decision. We think that's technically correct, but not very transparent and user-friendly.
These are the "official" names for HDMI cables:
HDMI high speed:
High Speed HDMI cables are rated for resolutions up to 1080p and can transfer data at speeds of 10.2 Gbps. So this corresponds to HDMI 1.4. They also support 3D video and audio return channel (ARC) and an Ethernet channel (HEC). They're the simplest HDMI cables on the market, and they're usually the cheapest too.
HDMI premium high speed
Premium High Speed HDMI cables support resolutions up to 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz and can transfer data at speeds of 18Gbps. This is sufficient for all HDMI 2.0 applications. They also support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, increased color depth and HDR (high dynamic range) video.
HDMI Ultra High Speed
Ultra High Speed HDMI cables support resolutions up to 8K (7680x4320) at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz and can transfer data at speeds of 48Gbps. They also support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Quick Media Switching (QMS) for smoother transitions between video sources, and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These latest generation cables are required for HDMI 2.1 transmission.
What is HEAC (HDMI Highspeed with Ethernet & Audio Return Channel)?
HDMI High Speed with Ethernet & Audio Return Channel (HEAC) is a feature of the HDMI standard that combines the capabilities of HDMI High Speed, HDMI Ethernet Channel, and Audio Return Channel (ARC) into one cable.
HDMI High-Speed is a version of the HDMI standard that supports higher video resolutions, such as 4K, as well as 3D video and Deep Color.
HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) is a feature that allows a wired Ethernet connection to be shared between devices connected via HDMI. This specification was never implemented, but the planned lines are still used for ARC or eARC.
Audio Return Channel (ARC) is a feature that allows audio signals to be sent back to the TV from a device that is connected to the TV via HDMI (e.g. a soundbar or AV receiver), simplifying the audio setup and the Number of required cables reduced.
HEAC combines these functions into a single cable so that a single cable can be used for both high-definition video and audio, CEC control, and the audio return channel. This makes it a convenient and efficient solution for connecting devices that support these features, such as Smart TVs, soundbars and AV receivers.
How can I identify a good HDMI cable?
There are a few ways to recognize a good HDMI cable:
Check the connector: Good HDMI cables should have connectors that are precisely designed and securely attached to the cable. Also, they should be snug when plugged into a device to ensure a secure connection.
Check the cable material: Good HDMI cables are usually made of high-quality materials, such as copper, which ensure reliable signal transmission. Avoid cables made from cheap conductor materials such as aluminum, as these may not provide reliable signal transmission.
Check the diameter: A good HDMI cable should be as thick as possible. The diameter of each wire is often given in AWG ( American Wire Gauge , code system for the diameter of wires). The lower the AWG number, the thicker the conductors. Thin cables are not recommended for longer distances. We recommend AWG30 or lower, the overall cable outer diameter is then larger than 7mm. With AWG30, the individual conductors inside the cable are only 0.25 mm in diameter. This is very sensitive and the damping is quite high, but okay for short distances. AWG26 with an outer diameter of 8-9.5 mm is well suited for medium distances. AWG24 with an approximate outside diameter of 9-10.5 mm is best. On the one hand, the individual inner conductors then have a larger cross-section and less electrical resistance. On the other hand, one can hope for better shielding of the individual inner conductors.
Check the shielding: Good HDMI cables should have adequate shielding to protect the signal from interference. Look for cables with a braided shield and a foil shield (double or triple shielded).
Check the length: Make sure you choose the right length for your application. A longer cable can degrade the signal, so it's better to go with a shorter cable than a longer one.
Read reviews and compare prices, especially for longer cables. Pay attention to the ratings of other users and compare the prices of different providers before you buy a product. This will give you a better idea of the quality of the cable and if it offers value for money.
Look for certification: HDMI Licensing LLC, the organization that administers the HDMI standard, has a certification program for HDMI cables. A certified cable is not necessarily better and quite expensive, but it has defined and tested properties.
Keep in mind that having an HDMI cable that meets all of these requirements is no guarantee that it will work perfectly with all devices, but it's a good start to getting a quality signal.
Why are there so few HDMI cables that are certified?
Certified HDMI cables are few and far between, as the certification process is costly and time-consuming for manufacturers. In order to obtain certification, a cable manufacturer must have its cables tested by an authorized testing agency and pay licenses, which is very expensive. In addition, the testing process and production is very time-consuming, since the cables have to be constantly checked for compliance with the HDMI standard and certain performance criteria.
Therefore, many manufacturers choose not to go through the certification process, preferring to invest their resources in other areas such as service, branding or marketing.
It is important to know that the lack of certification does not mean that a cable is of poor quality. You can get a better idea of cable quality by looking for cables with good connectors, cable material, shielding, and length/diameter, and by reading reviews.
Why are some HDMI cables equipped with gold-plated connectors?
Some HDMI cables have gold-plated connectors because gold is a highly conductive metal that can improve signal transmission. Connector gold plating is a thin layer of gold applied to the connector that provides a strong and stable connection between the cable and devices. Gold plating can also help prevent oxidation, which can degrade signal quality over time.
Also, gold plated connectors are often seen as a sign of higher quality and can be used as a marketing feature for HDMI cables. It is important to note that the gold plating of the connector is not a guarantee of the quality of the cable, it is just one of the characteristics that can indicate good quality. It is important to also check the other characteristics of the cable such as the cable material, shielding, connector quality and length.
How do hybrid HDMI optical cables work and what are their advantages?
Fiber optic HDMI hybrid cables are cables that use a combination of copper wires and fiber optic cables to carry the HDMI signal. With these cables, fiber optic cables are used to transmit the high-frequency signal (video & audio data), while copper cables are used to transmit additional data (copy protection and control commands, audio return channel) and for the 5V power supply.
The advantage of fiber optic cables is that they can carry the signal a much longer distance than copper cables without experiencing signal loss or degradation like copper cables. Also, they are resistant to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), which can further improve signal quality.
In addition, fiber optic HDMI hybrid cables support higher bandwidths, which means they can support higher resolutions and refresh rates, e.g. B. 8K resolution at 60 Hz and 4K resolution at 120 Hz. This makes them suitable for use in professional applications such as broadcasting and digital signage, where long cable runs and high video quality are required.
Another benefit of hybrid HDMI fiber optic cables is that they are much thinner and lighter than traditional HDMI cables, making them easier to route and install in tight spaces.
It should be noted that these cables are slightly more expensive than conventional HDMI cables and that there are no advantages in transmitting the audio return channel (HDMI-ARC / eARC). Due to the necessary conversion, the energy requirement increases by approx. 1 watt and handshake problems can occur in configurations with several displays. A soundbar should therefore not be connected with fiber optic hybrid cables. For long distances, the cable diameter should be larger.
