HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are widely used for transmitting video and audio signals between devices like TVs, monitors, projectors, gaming consoles, and more. Here are the full specifications for HDMI cables, based on different versions and categories:

1. General HDMI Cable Specifications:

• Connector Type: 19 pins (Type A, Type C, Type D)
• Transmission: Digital video and audio
• Bandwidth: Varies by version (higher versions offer higher bandwidth for faster data transfer)
• Signal Type: Uncompressed (audio and video)
• Maximum Length: Dependent on version and quality (typically 15-25 feet for full signal quality without signal boosters)

2. HDMI Versions and Key Features:

HDMI 1.4 (Released: May 2009):

• Maximum Bandwidth: 10.2 Gbps
• Resolution Support:
  • 1080p (Full HD)
  • 4K at 30Hz (Ultra HD)
• Audio: 8-channel audio up to 192kHz, 24-bit
• Ethernet Channel: Supports HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) for networking between devices.
• 3D: Supports 3D video formats.
• Deep Color: 30, 36, and 48-bit color depths.
• ARC (Audio Return Channel): Allows TV to send audio to the AV receiver.

HDMI 2.0 (Released: September 2013):

• Maximum Bandwidth: 18.0 Gbps
• Resolution Support:
  • 4K at 60Hz
  • 1080p at 120Hz
  • Supports up to 32 audio channels
• Color Depth: 24-bit, 30-bit, 36-bit, 48-bit
• HDR Support: Yes (High Dynamic Range)
• Audio: Enhanced audio return channel (eARC), support for higher-quality sound formats.
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control): Control multiple devices through a single remote.

HDMI 2.1 (Released: November 2017):

• Maximum Bandwidth: 48.0 Gbps
• Resolution Support:
  • 8K at 60Hz
  • 4K at 120Hz
  • 1080p at 240Hz
• HDR: Dynamic HDR support (includes HDR10+, Dolby Vision)
• Color Depth: 48-bit color (for more vibrant images)
• Audio: eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Helps to reduce screen tearing, beneficial for gaming.
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Reduces latency for gaming and VR.
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically switches to the lowest latency mode for gaming.
• Game Mode VRR: For smoother gaming experiences with faster frame rates.

HDMI 2.1a (Released: January 2022):

• Key Upgrade: Introduces Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) for improved HDR experiences.

3. HDMI Cable Types:

Standard HDMI Cable (Category 1):

• Max Bandwidth: 4.95 Gbps
• Resolution: 720p/1080i video

High-Speed HDMI Cable (Category 2):

• Max Bandwidth: 10.2 Gbps
• Resolution: 1080p and 4K (at lower refresh rates, usually 30Hz)

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable:

• Max Bandwidth: 18 Gbps
• Resolution: 4K at 60Hz, HDR support.
• Certified for better performance in handling 4K video.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable:

• Max Bandwidth: 48 Gbps
• Resolution: 8K at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz.
• Supports advanced features like Dynamic HDR, eARC, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

4. Cable Construction:

• Conductors: Typically made of copper (bare copper or oxygen-free copper) for signal transfer.
• Shielding: Protects against external interference (single or double shielding).
• Connector: Usually gold or nickel-plated for better conductivity and durability.

5. Common Cable Lengths:

• Standard Lengths: 3 feet, 6 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, 25 feet
• For longer cables, signal degradation can occur, so using signal boosters or active cables may be necessary.

6. Supported Audio Formats:

• Stereo Audio: 2 channels
• Multichannel Audio: Up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio, including formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
• Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC): For audio transmission from a TV back to an audio receiver.

7. Compatibility:

• HDMI cables are backward compatible, meaning newer HDMI versions will work with older devices, but with limited features (e.g., 4K features may be disabled when using a HDMI 1.4 cable with a 2.0 device).

8. Additional Features:

• HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection): Ensures protection of copyrighted material (required for streaming 4K/8K content).
• CEC (Consumer Electronics Control): Enables devices to control each other (e.g., turning on your TV may automatically power on your soundbar).

When purchasing an HDMI cable, ensure it matches the specifications required by your devices to fully utilize their capabilities, especially for high-resolution content, advanced audio, and gaming features.