HDMI cable: are there any differences?
HDMI cable is not HDMI cable - instead there are some differences between the different models. But not all of them are relevant for normal customers and justify extremely high prices. We summarize what really matters with HDMI cables.
HDMI cable: differences in transmission?
You can find HDMI cables in the electronics market or on the Internet, the prices of which vary widely. However, the robust technology behind it is the same for all cables:
- HDMI transmits the video and audio data symmetrically (so-called TMDS) and digitally via the line.
- If the cable has the official HDMI logo, there are no differences in this regard. Because of this, there are no differences in picture quality when you compare an expensive and cheap HDMI cable.
- However, you have to differentiate the cables in terms of quality and functionality. HDMI is a standard that has received many additional functionalities in recent years, which is why different cable versions can be distinguished:
The different cable versions with HDMI
For some time now, HDMI cables have only been grouped into three groups, since the individual version numbers have caused confusion:
- HDMI standard: These cables have a transfer rate of approx. 2.25 Gbit per second. This is sufficient for normal full HD audio and video data. However, it is no longer particularly recommended since you can buy the higher classes at the same price.
- HDMI high-speed: All cables from version number 1.3 are referred to as "high-speed". With this standard, the data rate rises to 10.2 Gbit per second. Deep color, HD audio formats, 3D and 4K are possible with these HDMI cables. An Ethernet channel can also be integrated. However, this feature is used very sparingly and you can safely ignore it.
- HDMI Premium High-Speed: This standard applies to all cables from version 2.0. The transfer rate increases to about 18 Gb per second, which makes 4K with 60 Hz, HDR and an incredible 32 audio channels possible. However, many high-speed cables also achieve this quality. So you can test whether your high-speed cable supports the features.
HDMI: Different processing quality and connector
Depending on where you want to use the cable, there are different versions in terms of processing quality:
- If you want to route the cable outside, it must be particularly robust. For flush mounting next to power cables, you should also pay attention to high-quality shielding. Otherwise, image artifacts are pre-programmed.
- For HDMI cables, the price also varies greatly with the length, since the requirements increase disproportionately with the length. You can get cables up to 3 meters in good quality for less than 10 euros. From 5 meters you have to expect about 3 to 4 euros per meter.
- With cables over 15m you usually need an active repeater for the signal.
- Finally, there are also three different connector types. Type A is the typical connector that is used in almost every device. In addition, there are types C (mini) and D (micro), which are installed in mobile phones and tablets due to their smaller size. Type B is a special case of type A, in which double the data rate is achieved with a dual-link connection.
Conclusion: Good HDMI cables don't have to be expensive
- For a high quality HDMI cable, you usually don't have to pay more than 10 euros, but you still get the same picture quality as a ten times more expensive product for the same application.
- If the cable has to be particularly long or has to be installed in sensitive areas, you must ensure good shielding, which makes the product a little more expensive. Even if you value optics, it can be a few euros more.
- However, there are always products for 50 euros to 200 euros per meter that promise better picture or audio quality, especially in the audiophile hi-fi sector. You can safely refrain from such products.
In the next practical tip, read how to connect HDMI cables correctly.