HDMI - simply explained
Numerous devices such as televisions, computers and consoles are equipped with HDMI. This practical tip explains exactly what HDMI is and how the technology works.
HDMI: what is it actually?
The abbreviation HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a standard for the simultaneous transmission of image and sound via just one cable.
- With HDMI you can mainly connect DVD players, BluRay players, hard disk recorders, laptops and computers to the TV or a monitor. Both connections of the HDMI cable are the same.
- The HDMI transmission standard has been developed in cooperation by various companies such as Philips, Sony and Toshiba since 2002. Meanwhile there is HDMI in the 13th version.
- The different version numbers range from 1.0 to 2.1. For some years now, however, the cables have no longer been sold with the version numbers because buyers were increasingly confused.
- A higher version number does not necessarily mean that the cable supports more functions. For this reason, HDMI cables are sold under new names.
Comparison of HDMI types: These cables are available
Check the manuals for TVs and other HDMI devices to see which HDMI version the TV supports. The HDMI cables are sold under the following names.
- HDMI standard: The resolution is 720p at 60 Hz or 1080i at 60 Hz. The transmission rate is at least 1.782 Gbit / s. All HDMI versions up to 1.3 are supported.
- HDMI High Speed: The resolution is 2160p with 30Hz. 3D content is transmitted in Full HD. Thanks to Deep Color, an improved color depth is possible. The transmission rate is at least 8.16 Gbit / s. All HDMI versions up to 1.4 are supported.
- HDMI Premium High Speed: The resolution is 4096p (4K) with 60Hz. 3D content is also transmitted in UHD. HDR and 32 audio channels are supported. The transmission rate is 18 GBit / s. All HDMI versions up to 2.0 are supported.
- HDMI Ultra High Speed: The resolution is up to 8K with 60Hz. The transfer rate is 48 GBit / s. All HDMI versions up to 2.1 are supported.
- Additional Ethernet: If the term "Ethernet" is behind the product name, you can also transmit a network connection via the HDMI cable. This allows the HDMI cable to replace an additional Ethernet cable.
Other useful information
- Up to a length of 10 meters, HDMI guarantees interference-free transmission. In some cases, longer HDMI cables are also commercially available. For significantly longer distances, you need an HDMI extender that amplifies the signal on the go.
- The shielding of the HDMI cables is rarely specified by the dealers. HDMI cables only need high shielding if they run directly next to a power cable. If the shielding is poor, the picture may otherwise be disturbed.
- As laptops are getting thinner, there is also a small version of the HDMI connection. If a laptop has Micro-HDMI (Type D) or Mini-HDMI (Type C), you need an adapter or a cable with different connections (see picture). The usual HDMI connection is called Type A.
- There are cheap and expensive HDMI cables on the market. As a rule, a cheap HDMI cable is completely sufficient. When purchasing, you should only make sure that it is a current version.