What Is HDMI Connector?

HDMI is a popular interface that provides simultaneous picture and sound transmission. This connector is used with modern equipment, such as TVs, game consoles, laptops, and PCs.

How do I choose a suitable HDMI cable? To make a competent and informed decision, I carefully studied the features of this interface.

Table of Contents

Features HDMI

The HDMI connector is used by TVs, monitors, laptops, media players, computers, and consoles. The interface supports the following resolutions: 1920×1080, 2560×1440, and 4K. The new version 2.1 has up to 8K resolution.

The advent of HDMI has significantly increased the functionality of technology. One of the main advantages is the simultaneous transmission of sound and picture, so there is no need to use many different cords.

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.

The interface transfers digital content with maximum resolution. Audio is transmitted through the connector. The content is piracy-proof, a step in the direction of fighting piracy. The interface is fully compliant with digital content protection regulations.

HDMI has many different types. All optimized versions have specific improvements. Therefore, the updated specifications of the connector make it a perfect product.

An HDMI cable is not always included in the essential equipment. The user may have to buy the cord separately.

What does an HDMI cord look like? It’s an ordinary cord that varies in length from 3 to 5 meters. There are also longer versions. Manufacturers offer users wires with different sheathings, such as reinforced protection against mechanical impact. Some versions are equipped with ferrite rings, which prevent interference.

History of High-Definition Multimedia Interface

The HDMI interface was officially recognized in 2002. Many popular technology manufacturers, including Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and others, worked on introducing this connector.

Why was the HDMI connector created when there were other interfaces? The main feature is that this port is 100% digital, simultaneously transmits pictures, and reproduces sound.

The new connector guaranteed the transmission of content with maximum resolution. One cable replaced several wires at once. The introduction of the new standard made life easier for users. Today, everyone knows what the high-definition Multimedia Interface connector is and what it is used for.

HDMI has very quickly supplanted other consumer electronics interfaces. And it didn’t just happen because of the maximum quality of digital video transmission.

HDMI turned out to be the easiest solution for average users. When switching, there is no need to determine which connector to plug in or select equipment that matches each other.

It became apparent quickly that 19 pins allow you to increase the number of transmitted signals to a new level.

Three years later, the HDMI CEC acronym appeared with control commands that made it possible to control any complex system like a single TV in front of you—even more straightforward, convenient, and even more popular.

In 2005, the DVI connector disappeared from all TV brands that had not supported HDMI before.

HDMI is Different From the Other Outlets

The critical difference is the improved speed of data transfer. The cable ensures that the content is transmitted in high resolution. The audio signal is transmitted through 8 channels of 24-bit sound at a frequency of 192 kHz, which indicates quality sound.

All varieties of HDMI connectors transmit pictures and sounds simultaneously.

For more information on transmitting audio in both directions with HDMI ARC.

The predecessors were used to transmit analog signals, and the transition to a digital format marked the popularization of HDMI. Today, users can purchase any size cable, making it convenient.

Cable Structure

Several components form the cord:

protection (outer sheath);
braid with copper strands;
shield made of high-quality aluminum (foil);
polypropylene sheath;
shielded twisted pairs for transmission of information;
twisted pair of two types for SDA SCL signals;
elements of control signals and power systems.

The HDMI cable consists of 19 wires. It transmits uncompressed digital signals at 4.9 Gbps and higher.

What Are the Different HDMI Cables

The interface is classified into types and kinds according to specific criteria. Let’s start with the connector types, and there are five:

The leader of popularity is type A, also quite often called Full Size. It is usually found on GPU modules, laptops, TVs, and other devices.
Type B is designed to transmit content with a higher resolution of 3830×2400 pixels but is hardly used today.
A smaller version is Type C or Mini Size. This interface is equipped with mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Micro Size is the D type. Another reduced specification of the widespread connector is used on miniature devices.
Type E is designed to connect all equipment to cars, including car stereos.

Types of HDMI connectors have been considered. As for the cables, they are classified as follows:

Standard—provides content transfer with a resolution of up to 720p, a transmission speed of no more than 4.9 Gbit/s, and a 24-bit color depth.
Standard with Ethernet support — similar to the previous type, but equipped with an additional twisted pair, which is needed to connect to the Internet.
High SpeedThis is used to transmit 4K content, has a bandwidth of 8.16 to 10.2 Gbps, and has a 48-bit color depth.
High Speed with Ethernet support: The option to connect equipment to the Internet network complements the maximum bandwidth.
Premium High Speed — can transmit data in ultra-HD (4K) resolution at 60 Hz. Speed — 18 Gbit/sec.
Ultra High Speed. It supports resolutions up to 8K. Currently, the maximum data transfer rate is 48 Gbit/sec, which supports all of the technology’s protocols.
Standard Automotive Cable is oriented to operate in non-standard conditions. Maintains operability at elevated temperatures.

These are the primary classifications of HDMI cable and connector, but several additional ways exist to divide the popular interface into versions.

Data Transfer Protocol Versions

Between 2002 and today, many versions of the transfer protocol have been released. Developers have been actively improving HDMI by enhancing certain aspects of data transfer. The following versions of the cable are available on the market today:

The very first version, introduced back in 2002, was HDMI 1.0. It was used to broadcast 1080p content and 8-channel audio.
The need for sound protection drove the emergence of HDMI 1.1. Implementing the necessary solutions allowed the playback of DVD audio.
HDMI 1.2 is implemented to ensure correct synchronization with computer system units and other equipment. The new version also expands the range of readable formats.
Upgrade by releasing HDMI 1.2a allowed it to expand the protocols for implementing an upgraded remote control system.
HDMI 1.3 again integrates new formats and eliminates audio loss. Color range and bandwidth are increased.
HDMI 1.3b was created to allow for proper control of home appliances.
The need to play 3D and 4K content appears, and two new HDMI 1.4 and 1.4a versions have been created specifically for this. A Fast Ethernet Internet connection is also introduced. After a while, version 1.4b appears with improved bandwidth.
The HDMI 2.0 version minimizes the level imbalance in the data transfer process. It also improves support for 4K and 3D and introduces new ways of transmitting sound and pictures.
The final version, HDMI 2.1, was introduced in 2017. Developers have increased the bandwidth and range of supported resolutions of playable content.

All versions are backward compatible, meaning that although they have more features, the new ones interact perfectly with earlier versions.

It is also necessary to carefully examine the types of connectors.

Mini HDMI Cable

The main purpose of the mini HDMI cable is to synchronize with portable equipment, such as cameras, camcorders, smartphones, and tablets. These devices are equipped with reduced micro and mini connectors.

These cables are similar to the standard version in terms of functionality. The only difference is the reduced size, which is an advantage.

The mini HDMI cable connector is also found in some GPU modules. The tiny interface allows developers to equip the video card and DVI input.

Miniature ports are scarce on classic media players and TVs.

HDMI Compatibility With Other Outputs and Adapters

HDMI cables can be used to connect appliances that have older interfaces. This applies primarily to DVI and VGA.

However, you will need a special adapter to connect the cable to the device. For example, there are even USB-HDMI adapters on sale. Therefore, any device can be connected to the TV without unnecessary problems. The most popular adapters:

HDMI-VGA;
DVI-HDMI;
USB-HDMI.

Users will not have any difficulties with the connection settings.

What the Quality of Signal Transmission Depends On

The data transfer rate is specified in the specifications of the interface and cable. This is affected by the length and quality of the cord.

A long length of wire requires a remarkable cross-section using copper conductors. The large diameter is another indicator of high data transfer rate.

Suppose the cable’s length is 10 meters and its thickness is 8 millimeters. These are good indicators. If the length increases to 15-20 meters, the thickness should be at least 9-10 millimeters.

Improved insulating properties and compliance with the rules of operation ensure that signal quality is maintained during transmission.

What Are HDMI Connectors’ Advantages and Disadvantages?

The list of strengths and weaknesses varies depending on the version of the HDMI connector. To summarize, the following advantages can be identified:

The transmission of pictures and sound is carried out through 1 cable;
Practicality and ease of use;
HDMI interface is equipped with many types of equipment;
Data transfer is carried out at maximum speed.

Disadvantages are virtually absent. If you choose the right thickness and length of cable, there will be no interference. Therefore, this point must be considered to ensure the reproduction of high-quality images.

The Relevance Of The HDMI Interface

HDMI output has been in demand for a long time. The appearance of new TV models only contributes to maintaining the relevance of this interface. Developers update the cable and connector, introducing valuable additions, such as support for playing content in maximum resolution.

Many users prefer this interface because it broadcasts sound and video. The availability of many adapters for synchronizing through HDMI equipment with older connectors also contributes to its continued relevance.

The Difference Between HDMI and DVI

The predecessor of HDMI was the DVI connector. Indeed, all users have heard of this output because it is mainly used to connect the system unit to the computer monitor. However, this cable only transmits video.

Based on this, we can conclude that the main difference is the simultaneous transmission of sound and pictures.

The modern port is smaller than the DVI. The introduction of HDMI marked the final transition to digital signal transmission.

Another critical difference is the increased bandwidth. Despite the high-speed signal transfer, there is no loss of quality.

Which HDMI Cable to Choose

Remember that cable length and thickness are interrelated. The thicker the cord, the better.

To connect the TV to a smart set-top box, game console, or laptop, use a maximum-length cable that avoids kinks. Calculate the optimal size of the cord in advance based on the distance of the equipment to be connected.

To choose the right cord, you first need to understand how long you need it—the standard calls for a cord length of 0.75 to 10 meters. But if necessary, it can be extended with repeater amplifiers. Moreover, the longer you plan to use the cord, the thicker it should be.

What should you pay attention to when buying HDMI cable? Should you overpay for expensive options?

The user should consider the shielding, which provides the proper level of protection. Consumers are advised to buy twisted pairs because such a cord is characterized by reduced interference.

Some experts believe that the cord with gold-plated contact contributes to a higher quality of transmitted content. However, this is not entirely true. Gold plating protects the wire from rust and oxides.