What is HDMI? Easily explained

More and more devices are equipped with HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). In this practical tip, we explain what the standard is exactly and what improvement HDMI 2.0 brings.

This is what defines the HDMI transmission standard

• HDMI transmits the sound signal to the receiver device in addition to the picture material with just one cable. The sound can be transmitted to up to 32 channels (with HDMI 2.0 and higher).
• As of HDMI 2.0, you can stream videos with a resolution of up to 4, 096 x 2, 160 pixels to your monitor.
• HDMI supports HDCP (High Definition Digital Content Protection) copy protection, allowing you to transfer content from Blu-rays and other 4k material.
• As more and more devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers support the HDMI standard, you can easily play media on a TV receiver.

Do I need the HDMI connection?

• If you use a TV that can display resolutions in Full HD or higher, HDMI is definitely worthwhile and is sometimes even essential.
• The HDMI cable is also more space-saving than, for example, a Scart connection. Except for the durability of the thin cable, HDMI only brings advantages for picture and sound.

In the next article you will learn how to start screen sharing between PC and Smart TV using HDMI. In another article we have summarized the innovations of the HDMI 2.0 interface for you.