HDMI discussion thread II {consolidated}

[petetherock]

This thread will be the home for all HDMI issues and discussion.


This thread is for discussion of HDMI cables. There is a difference in quality, but less obvious than for analogue cables. Its about the loss in quality from poor cables than gains from expensive cables, but if you have a good setup you Will see the difference.



The thereotical limit for a HDMI cable is 15m before requiring boosting. So avoid long runs above this.

Also consider a large gauge cable for such long runs and make sure it does not dangle its full weight from the connection or in the long run (pardon the pun) it may slip out.



For house keeping the older thread is here -
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=1900362&highlight=hdmi


Some useful links:

HDMI shootout between expensive and cheapo:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=52873.0

HDMI switchers:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=51054.0

HDMI differences:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=51602.0

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=57465.0

Places to buy:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi/index.htm

Overseas:

Via Vpost or the many MOs conducted here, you can consider Monoprice, which is very popular here.

The Blue Jean cable company is another source.

Playasia.com also sells them

Locally:

Hean Lee Radio in Jln Besar Plaza is reasonably priced.

Buy according to the price of your other equipment, the difference is less dramatic than analogue cables but there is a difference.



HDMI specs:

http://www.audioholics.com/educatio...nology/understanding-difference-hdmi-versions

DMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned.
Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products.

HDMI 1.0


Release date: December 2002

Specs:

•Single-cable digital audio/video connection with a maximum bitrate of 4.9Gbps.
•Supports up to 165Mpixels/sec video (1080p at 60Hz or UXGA)
•8-channels of 192kHz/24-bit audio (PCM)
Abstract: The original HDMI v1.0 spec was and remains sufficient for most purposes. The reason is that it is a solid backwards-compatible format that can , through PCM audio handle all of the high definition audio formats present today. The key is having a player that can decode these native HD audio formats to uncompressed PCM. DSD and DVD-audio cannot be natively sent over HDMI 1.0. What HDMI 1.0 fails to do, is account for additional bandwidth provided by Deep Color (10- 12 and 16-bit color depths). It also does not support the new xvYCC color space.
Practical Issues and tips: Most CableTV set-top boxes use HDMI 1.0. The maximum output for this spec is 1080p at 60Hz with 8-bit color depth. Regardless of any display of higher version of HDMI you may have, the source will always limit the maximum bit-depth potential. An HDMI 1.0 device can still pull 8 channels of uncompressed PCM audio and as is perfectly fine for most users.

HDMI 1.1


Release date: May 2004

Specs:

•Added support for DVD Audio
•Slight mechanical and electrical spec changes
Abstract: HDMI 1.1 simply added the ability for the system to transmit DVD-Audio signal over the cbale form the player to the receiving device. If both devices are rated to v1.1 then a DVD-Audio signal can be sent and received. Please note that by "DVD-Audio" we mean the high resolution audio format, not the audio present on a typical DVD disc.
Practical Issues and tips: HDMI 1.1 is very common and was the first spec to hit the mass market apart from CableTV set-top boxes. Many AV receivers came out with this spec and are fine for handling DVD-Audio and uncompressed PCM audio.

HDMI 1.2

Release date: August 2005
Specs:


•Added DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support, allowing native transmission of Super Audio CD (SACD) content at up to 8 channels
•Enabled and acknowledged an HDMI Type A connector for PC-based sources
•Permitted PC sources to use native RGB color-space with the optional ability to also support the YCbCr color space for consumer electronics applications
•Mandated that HDMI 1.2 and later displays support low-voltage sources such as those found with PCI Express technology (the current display interface standard for PC video cards)
Abstract: HDMI 1.2 was the biggest jump since the introduction of HDMI. It really brought the PC market into focus and was developed and announced so as to compete better with the emerging VESA DisplayPort standard. For those still clinging to their universal DVD players, HDMI v1.2 finally delivered the promise of a true one-cable solution for all current high-definition audio sources.
Practical Issues and tips: If you want to utilize a fully native universal DVD player without converting the SACD to PCM then HDMI 1.2 is required. We've found that if the player does a good job at conversion, however, v1.2 isn't always that important.
HDMI 1.2a

Release date: December 2005

Specs:

•Fully specified Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) features, command sets, and compliance tests
•Minor changes to CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) spec
Abstract: This incremental change clarified one of the earlier promises of HDMI, Consumer Electronic Control - a feature that promised "smart" interoperability between components. Unfortunately, this wasn't exactly standardized across the board and, as a result, nearly all manufacturers products only interface within their own brands. Of all things, this is the most disappointing failure of HDMI to-date.
Practical Issues and tips: This is a common format for manufacturers using CEC. There is no practical reason to prefer 1.2a over 1.2. If you don't intend to use the native DSD signal from an SACD player via HDMI, v1.1 is just as good as 1.2 or 1.2a.

HDMI 1.3


Release date: June 2006
Specs:


•Increased single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps)
•Optionally supports 10-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit "Deep Color" per channel (over one billion colors) up from 8-bit
•Allowed the use of xvYCC color space (previously just sRGB or YCbCr)
•Incorporated automatic audio "lip" syncing capability
•Supported output of native Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams for external decoding by AV receivers
•Made available a new Type C "mini" connector for devices such as camcorders
•Added gamut Metadata transmission capability
•Added Reference Cable Equalizer mandate to high frequency displays to recapture degraded copper cable signal
Abstract: To be plain, this update was a complete disaster. First of all, nobody asked for HDMI 1.3, except perhaps the companies behind the new high definition audio formats. Of course TrueHD and DTS-HD, the lossless audio codec formats used on HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs could be decoded into uncompressed audio by the players. This makes 1.3 irrelevant for audio. What made HDMI 1.3 such as disaster was the increased bandwidth requirements - which hit an already suffering cable market with new requirements for digital signal transmission. Before HDMI 1.3, it was almost impossible to get a non-active copper HDMI cable to pass 1080p at distances greater than 50 feet. After HDMI 1.3, with the addition of Deep Color, that distance shrank to less than 20 feet, causing industry-wide failures on installed cabling systems.

Expensive active solutions started coming on-board to alleviate some of the problems within several months but even today there is a large amount of consumer confusion regarding cable certification and how far a signal will travel over copper cables. The spec also mandated that HDMI 1.3-compliant displays (sinks) which took advantage of high frequency content (Deep Color) must implement built-in cable equalization to help compensate for cable losses through copper cables. Thanks to several companies dedicated to certifying their products for specific distances, this issue is slowly becoming more manageable. The first product on the market with HDMI 1.3 was the PlayStation 3 gaming console.
Practical Issues and tips: HDMI 1.3 is a requirement for Deep Color support or use of the new xvYCC expanded color space. If high definition audio is important to you, you still may not need v1.3 if your player can decode the native HD audio formats into uncompressed PCM audio. This uncompressed audio, up to 8 channels, can be sent over HDMI 1.0.Typically, 24p support coincides with v1.3, however this is nothing more than coincidence of when both format and spec came into popularity.


HDMI 1.3a

Release date: November 2006

Specs:

•Cable and Sink modifications for Type C
•Source termination recommendation
•Removed undershoot and maximum rise/fall time limits.
•CEC capacitance limits changed
•RGB video quantization range clarification
•audio control commands added to CEC and commands for timer control brought back in an altered form
•Concurrently released compliance test specification included
Abstract: An incremental change, v1.3a is mostly an adjustment for manufacturers utilizing CEC features as well as those integrating the new Type C connector (seen only in smaller form factor products and quite rare to-date).
Practical Issues and tips: There is no consumer-focused practical difference between HDMI v1.3a and v1.3.

 

[petetherock]

HDMI 1.4
FAQS:
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/hdmi_1_4_faq.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_1.4
Version 1.4

HDMI 1.4 was released on May 28, 2009, and the first HDMI 1.4 products were available in the second half of 2009.[54][109] HDMI 1.4 increases the maximum resolution to 4K × 2K (3840×2160p at 24 Hz/25 Hz/30 Hz and 4096×2160p at 24 Hz, which is a resolution used with digital theaters); an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), which allows for a 100 Mb/s Ethernet connection between the two HDMI connected devices; and introduces an Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D Over HDMI (most HDMI 1.3 devices will only support this for 1080i,[110] exceptions include graphics cards in computers and the PS3), a new Micro HDMI Connector, expanded support for color spaces, with the addition of sYCC601, Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601; and an Automotive Connection System.[54][111] HDMI 1.4 supports several stereoscopic 3D formats including field alternative (interlaced), frame packing (a full resolution top-bottom format), line alternative full, side-by-side half, side-by-side full, 2D + depth, and 2D + depth + graphics + graphics depth (WOWvx),[51][112][113] with additional top/bottom formats added in version 1.4a . HDMI 1.4 requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.[113] High Speed HDMI 1.3 cables can support all HDMI 1.4 features except for the HDMI Ethernet Channel.[51][112][113]
HDMI 1.4a was released on March 4, 2010 and adds two additional mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content, which was deferred with HDMI 1.4 in order to see the direction of the 3D broadcast market.[114][115] HDMI 1.4a has defined mandatory 3D formats for broadcast, game and movie content.[114] HDMI 1.4a requires that 3D displays support the frame packing 3D format at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24, side-by-side horizontal at either 1080i50 or 1080i60, and top-and-bottom at either 720p50 and 1080p24 or 720p60 and 1080p24.[115]

Overview of HDMI 1.4

What’s new in the HDMI 1.4 specification?

• HDMI Ethernet Channel The HDMI 1.4 specification adds a data channel to the HDMI connection, enabling high-speed, bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature can send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application. The HDMI Ethernet Channel allows internet-enabled HDMI devices to share an internet connection via the HDMI link, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. It also provides the connection platform that will allow HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices.
• Audio Return Channel The new specification adds an audio channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio “upstream” from a TV to an A/V receiver for processing and playback. In cases where a TV features an internal content source, such as a built-in tuner or DVD player, the Audio Return Channel allows the TV to send audio data upstream to the A/V receiver via the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.
• 3D The 1.4 version of the specification defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices, enabling 3D gaming and other 3D video applications. The specification standardizes the input/output portion of the home 3D system, facilitating 3D resolutions up to dual-stream 1080p.
• 4K Resolution Support The new specification enables HDMI devices to support extremely high HD resolutions, effectively four times the resolution of a 1080p device. Support for 4K allows the HDMI interface to transmit digital content at the same resolution as the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many movie theaters.
• Expanded Support For Color Spaces HDMI now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras, enabling more accurate color rendering when viewing digital photos. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe®RGB, and Adobe®YCC601, HDMI display devices are capable of displaying more accurate, life-like colors when connected to a digital camera.
• HDMI Micro Connector (Type D) The HDMI Micro Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin HDMI connector supporting up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices such as cell phones, portable media players, and digital cameras. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini connector.
• Automotive Connection System (Type E) The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification provides a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, car manufacturers now have a viable solution for HD distribution within a vehicle.

 

[petetherock]

Do cables matter?

This must be one of the most asked questions for HDMI:

Do cables matter?

The answer is....


YES!


BUT.....

For short runs, the difference is little.


For most intent and purposes, the issue is signal loss rather than a perceived gain in quality.

In other words for those obsessed with saving money, a simple rule of thumb is that you can save some money and use cheaper cables if the run is short.

How short?

So far for cables of a few metres have no issues reported, but the exact limits of how long before you see issues is not known.

But some will be less well made and more prone to signal losses.

The reply on what makes a good cable from HDMI themselves:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9596169#post9596169

Quote
All HDMI cables are required to meet the HDMI spec- no exceptions. However, it is difficult to closely monitor every HDMI cable due to the large number of cable manufacturers and products coming out.

Some general guidelines we recommend:
-look for the HDMI logo, and this tends to be used by manufacturers that clearly understand that the logo can only be used for products that have been compliance tested.
-look for a SimplayHD logo, which is a separately run testing service that checks cables to the highest HDMI standard called a Category 2 cable (i.e. 1080p tested).

If we find devices which do not meet the spec and/or cause failures in interoperability, we do our best to take actions to address it, and we welcome feedback from consumers to report on any failures they have seen from specific devices.

 

[petetherock]

Why do you buy them

What are the usual sources?

Overseas:

Via Vpost or the many MOs conducted here, you can consider Monoprice, which is very popular here.

The Blue Jean cable company is another source.

Playasia.com also sells them

Locally:

Online: playasia.com

Many local shops also carry them, eg LHS in SLT 2nd level has a shop, and many in SLS too.

Hean Lee Radio in Jln Besar Plaza is reasonably priced.

Buy according to the price of your other equipment, the difference is less dramatic than analogue cables but there is a difference.

 

[petetherock]

New standards

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...ustry_Trends/HDMI/HDMI_Drops_Version_Numbers_–_Adds_1080i_Only_Cables/3809


Quote
Starting with what we now call HDMI 1.4, manufacturers will have to drop the version numbers from their products and adopt a new naming system.

On the surface it seems like a pretty solid idea. Dropping the number system and replacing it with an easy to understand naming system seems like a nice way to let those with less technical minds get a grasp on what these cables are doing. The new HDMI naming scheme seems to take it a bit too far.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Five different versions of HDMI 1.4 will be available initially. Starting things off, HDMI Standard and HDMI Standard with Ethernet are the base versions of the new HDMI cables. They’re self explanatory, (if lengthy to type). HDMI Standard Automotive is the third, marking the last of the HDMI Standard series. The final two cable types are HDMI High Speed and HDMI High Speed with Ethernet.

The need to add a second tier of cables to the lineup is a bit baffling, and the technical difference between Standard and High Speed HDMI cables is equally strange.

HDMI Standard cables, according to the HDMI Licensing LLC, are designed and tested to transmit 720p and 1080i. The website states the reason being that “the HD resolutions that are commonly associated with cable and satellite television, digital broadcast HD, and upscaling DVD players.”

High Speed HDMI cables on the other hand, are “designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond, including advanced display technologies such as 4K, 3D, and Deep Color.” Both offer the same Ethernet speeds – a full duplex 100 Mb/sec.

Since 1080p resolution capability is not included in the lower end cables, customers who purchase new HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and game consoles will almost certainly need to purchase the High Speed cables. Already excessive cable prices from many manufacturers can be expected to jump for the new standard.

What ARC means:
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/arc.aspx

Audio Return Channel

The Audio Return Channel in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasing user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection.

TVs have always been able to receive multi-channel audio through an HDMI connection, and this is still a typical use-case, with the TV positioned “downstream” from content sources and any connected audio equipment. However, if a user had a TV with a built-in tuner or DVD player, and wanted to send content “upstream” from the TV back to the audio system, a separate connection had to be installed, typically an S/PDIF cable.

* An Audio Return Channel-enabled TV can either send or receive audio via HDMI, upstream or downstream, depending on system set-up and user preferences.

* LipSync functionality, introduced in HDMI 1.3, ensures that the audio stays matched to the video, automatically compensating for any processor delays whether the audio is traveling upstream or downstream.

 

[petetherock]

HDMI:

This is an excellent link:
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/kb.aspx?c=7#49

Note that the terms 1.3 and 1.4 are no longer in use, so beware if someone is trying hard to sell you a cable based on this.

There is only "Standard" or "High Speed".

The main difference is the former is good up to 1080i.

Quote
Q. What is the difference between a “Standard” HDMI cable and a “High-Speed” HDMI cable?
Recently, HDMI Licensing, LLC announced that cables would be tested as Standard or High-Speed cables.

Standard (or “category 1”) HDMI cables have been tested to perform at speeds of 75Mhz or up to 2.25Gbps, which is the equivalent of a 720p/1080i signal.
High Speed (or “category 2”) HDMI cables have been tested to perform at speeds of 340Mhz or up to 10.2Gbps, which is the highest bandwidth currently available over an HDMI cable and can successfully handle 1080p signals including those at increased color depths and/or increased refresh rates from the Source. High-Speed cables are also able to accommodate higher resolution displays, such as WQXGA cinema monitors (resolution of 2560 x 1600).



1.3a is ok enough... CEDIA says
http://www.cedia.com.au/index.cfm/page/news_detail/id/217

Quote
Comments were put together by CEDIA members David Meyer (Kordz) & Michael Heiss

3D WILL run through existing HDMI cables. However we do believe that 3D will ‘up the ante’ in terms of quality of cable, but from a bandwidth perspective, nothing changes... yet. Virtually all currently deployed HDMI over 5m in length (generally) are NOT High Speed, rather Standard Speed certification level, but with sufficient headroom to enable 1080p operation. Note that these cables are only certified to 720p/1080i (provided they are certified at all!), and used without compliance to 1080p level. Most installers don’t really care about certified performance, just “whether it will work” – unfortunate, but fact. This will however become more of an issue moving forward.

1. 3D from Blu-ray has been mandated at an initial maximum of 1080p/24 per eye, meaning effectively 1080p/48 combined data rate – less than the current 2D standard of 1080p/60. So if the HDMI cable supports 1080p/60 fine now, it will also support 3D from Blu-ray no problem. Note: it is insufficient to talk resolution without referencing frame rate as it does not otherwise define the data rate. Gaming has been defined under the new specification 1.4a (out just last week) that 720p/60 per eye be supported, but gamers will likely want 1080p in due course. When this happens I predict that we’ll see gaming go to 1080p/60 per eye, meaning nearly 9.0Gbps – DEFINITELY High Speed and nothing less – currently cables that support 1080p/60 in 2D, but without High Speed certification, will NOT support 1080p/60 in 3D. In the meantime though, support for such high res/frame rate has not been made mandatory, and is merely speculative.

2. It is NOT necessary to upgrade to a so-called “HDMI 1.4” cable to enable 3D support. Also, any cable which is referred to by the manufacturer as “HDMI 1.4” is in fact non-compliant due to its breach of the HDMI Logo & Trademark guidelines. So, should you care if a cable is simply mislabelled? Absolutely! Labelling the cable in a compliant manner is the easy part; making the cable to perform in a compliant manner is actually the really hard part. If a manufacturer can’t get the small stuff right, how can they be trusted with the big stuff?

3. For broadcast, the HDMI 1.4a specification mandates support for 720p & 1080i @ 50/59.94/60 refresh rates (NOT 1080p at all), using “over and under” and “side by side” 3D formats. This means both left and right eye images share the same frame, keeping bandwidth the same as current 2D equivalents, but effectively halving the resulting resolution per eye when displayed on screen. Bottom line, Standard Speed HDMI is fine for broadcast

4. So will HD Set top boxes need to be HDMI 1.4 compliant to handle 3D? This all depends on whether the set top box will have any requirement to know that an incoming broadcast signal is 3D, and flag it as such. If so, then firmware will need to be upgraded, effectively changing the device to HDMI 1.4a compliance (I suspect this will be the case). If it’s just a slave and throughputs the signal passively, with the broadcaster flagging the content for a display to recognize it as 3D and do its thing, then the boxes wouldn’t need an upgrade and 1.3 spec is fine (highlyunlikely). Either way there will not be any hardware change, at least not specifically for the 3D feature. That is, it is expected that all devices will require 1.4a compliance to support 3D, but that does not mean having to buy all new devices – some will simply be firmware upgraded. Sony are already offering this with some of their Blu-ray players.



As for HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), this is an optional extra feature of both devices and cables, with the latter requiring the additional label “...with Ethernet” on cables. As Michael says, HEC is not used at all for 3D – this is absolutely true. The Audio Return Channel will use the HEC for best results, but can also still work in “Single Line” mode through cables without the Ethernet Channel. So choosing a HDMI cable with Ethernet Channel opens up support for distribution of Ethernet over HDMI, and the most robust operation of Audio Return Channel. It is NOT required for 3D.



So, suffice to say that HDMI cables that currently support 1080p/60 can continue to be used for 3D from all sources, but with new installations, upgrading to true certified High Speed will certainly give a far superior degree of “future proofing”, especially when considering where gaming is likely to go.



We hope this helps answer some of the mysteries out in the industry.

 

[petetherock]

3D HDMI Cables

Will your existing 1.3 HDMI cables handle the FHD3D signal or will you have to replace them? The only way to really know is to connect it and see if they work. Some will, some won’t. If the cable can handle the 6.75 Gbps FHD3D data rate, it probably will.

There are two types of legacy 1.3 HDMI cables: Category 1 and Category 2. The former must be able to handle at least 2.25 Gbps signals, meaning it may not be able to handle FHD3D signal . Category 2 HDMI 1.3 cables handle signals up to 10.2 Gbps. These will certainly work.

The HDMI 1.4 standard has optional features for both TV and source component makers, including an audio return function and Ethernet connectivity (which allows one Ethernet signal to be carried to other connected components via HDMI if the maker includes this 1.4 feature).

To streamline HDMI cable selection Silicon Image dispensed with the old numerical system and replaced it with the following categories (source: hdmi.org website):

Standard HDMI Cable
The Standard HDMI cable is designed to handle most home applications, and is tested to reliably transmit 1080i or 720p video – the HD resolutions that are commonly associated with cable and satellite television, digital broadcast HD, and upscaling DVD players.

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the Standard HDMI Cable shown above (720p or 1080i video resolution), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.

Automotive HDMI Cable
Designed for internal cabling of vehicles equipped with onboard HD video systems. Tested to a more robust performance standard, and capable of withstanding the unique stresses of the motoring environment such as vibration and temperature extremes.

High Speed HDMI Cable
The High Speed HDMI cable is designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond, including advanced display technologies such as 4K, 3D, and Deep Color. If you are using any of these technologies, or if you are connecting your 1080p display to a 1080p content source, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, this is the recommended cable.

High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the High Speed HDMI Cable shown above (1080p video resolution and beyond), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.

 

[petetherock]

http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/do-hdmi-cables-matter

by Amit Thakar — last modified November 05, 2008 12:17


Do HDMI Cables Matter?

That's the big questions. Do HDMI cables matter? If you were to pose this question in an AV forum, the answer you’d likely get from a lot of folks would probably be a resounding "no." And you couldn’t blame them for thinking so. After all, a quick online search for high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable reviews shows that cheap, no-name HDMI cables seem to perform just as well as more expensive, branded cables. The logic assumes that since HDMI is a digital signal, the cable just pushes the bits through, and, unlike analog cables, the cable itself can’t really make the video look any better. While there is a kernel of truth in this, it’s not really that simple.

The recent HDMI 1.3 specification brought significant changes over HDMI 1.2. The most important change was the doubling of single-link bandwidth from 165MHz to 340MHz. This equates to a data rate of 10.2Gbps on the HDMI link (3.4Gbps per data channel). This increase in data rate means that HDMI can scale to support higher resolutions beyond 1080p, such as WQXGA (2560 x 1600), higher color depths such as 12-bit and 16-bit Deep Color (up from 8-bit today), and higher resolutions up to 120Hz (up from 60Hz today).

To help installers and consumers differentiate cable performance, HDMI Licensing, LLC,
the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, announced that cables will be tested as Category 1, or standard speed, and Category 2, or high speed. Category 1 cables are tested at 75MHz, or 720p/1080i resolution, while Category 2 cables are tested at full-rate HDMI 1.3 speeds, or 340MHz, which includes 1080p resolution and beyond. HDMI Authorized Test Centers (ATC) conduct the testing, and cables that pass receive a certificate similar to Figure 1. While the ATC tests cable performance, another entity called Simplay Labs tests and certifies cables (and other HDMI equipment like sources and sinks) for compatibility and interoperability in real-world usage scenarios. Passing ATC certification is a prerequisite for Simplay HD testing.

Figure 1. HDMI Category 2 Certificate​

However, the vast majority of HDMI cables sold in the market today are not Category 2 certified and are marketed as just “1080p compatible.” If you were to plug these cables into a Blu-ray player, chances are they would work just fine with today’s 1080p content. But all bets are off as soon as you plug these cables into future hardware and content capable of full-rate HDMI 1.3 at higher resolutions, color depths and refresh rates. This is due to the fact that as data rates increase, it becomes increasingly difficult for cables to transmit a signal reliably. To help ensure adequate performance, the HDMI specification defines the amount of jitter that is permitted at the transmitter and receiver. Jitter relates to the amount of uncertainty in interpreting 1s as 1s and 0s as 0s. With an increase in data rate, meeting the jitter requirements becomes increasingly difficult. One major limiting factor for sending high-speed data over conductors is the “skin effect,” which is the tendency of an alternating electric current (AC) to flow mostly on a conductor’s surface (skin) at high frequencies. This causes the effective resistance of the conductor to increase. As seen in Figure 2, the net effect is increased signal jitter, which makes it much more difficult for a receiver to correctly determine the 1s or 0s in the digital signal, leading to pixel errors, loss of audio and visual artifacts such as snow and streaks across the screen.

Figure 2. Impact of Cable Loss on Digital Signals​

All other conditions being equal, thinner- and longer-length cables cause higher loss. Since there are a variety of potential cable manufacturers, materials, and link distances, each multimedia installation can experience different levels of loss. As mentioned above, this loss can lead to visual artifacts such as snow or streaks, and even loss of audio since HDMI carries audio information. A solution to this, especially at longer distances, is to use actively powered technology to combat the loss and reduce the jitter. Gennum’s ActiveConnectä technology was designed specifically for this purpose. It is the only actively powered solution that can be integrated into a cable (within the HDMI connector), or in a standalone extender to enable HDMI 1.3 Category 2 performance over long reach cables. End products from cable and HDMI extender manufacturers integrate ActiveConnect technology to ensure high performance and robust signal integrity.

So what does all of this mean for a consumer? If you’re in the market for cables today, you want to be sure those cables can scale and handle future bandwidth increases, especially if you’re placing them behind walls. So while the content available today might play just fine, the same might not hold true once 12-bit and 16-bit Deep Color content becomes available (major manufacturers have already started releasing hardware capable of 12-bit). Shorter cables of less than 5 meters in length will likely be okay, but if you need anything longer, it’s important to buy HDMI 1.3 Category 2 certified cables from trusted manufacturers. This should be kept in mind before planning any installation and will save you considerable frustration, as well as money, in the long run.

 

[asiapacific]

hdmi vs component cables

Did anyone connect their blu ray/dvd using hdmi/component cables? Which cable give a better picture?Just curious to know.Thanks.

 

[petetherock]

Did anyone connect their blu ray/dvd using hdmi/component cables? Which cable give a better picture?Just curious to know.Thanks.

The limit for component is 1080i, whereas HDMI can go to 1080p.

Also which device has a better video chip will make a difference - your amp, BR source, or the TV...

 

[koroshiya8]

Nice one on post 6.

Hdmi.org is a good official info for hdmi.

 

[Chevalier]

where can i find a mini hdmi to mini hdmi connector?

 

[astroboy82]

HDMI Cable For LED TV

Just purchased a new led tv, Just wanna ask which kind of HDMI cable to purchased to support 400hz display? And around what price?

 

[Pokémon]

From what I know, the 400Hz (refresh rate?) is processed at the TV's level, not from the source. It does not matter much, but nowadays, getting version 1.4 and above HDMI cable will be good enough.

By the way, didn't you ask for free HDMI cable during purchase?

 

[astroboy82]

From what I know, the 400Hz (refresh rate?) is processed at the TV's level, not from the source. It does not matter much, but nowadays, getting version 1.4 and above HDMI cable will be good enough.

By the way, didn't you ask for free HDMI cable during purchase?

Well they do give, Those cheap type don't really like that. So wanna get a better cable.

 

[Pokémon]

Likely it won't make much difference.

Where did you buy the TV from? Gain City claimed what they're giving is v1.4. Cheapo is only the external look and probably just the packaging, and no one is going to stare at that cable for long than your new TV.

Just get used to it. Even if you get a Monster, it will not make a huge difference.

 

[astroboy82]

Likely it won't make much difference.

Where did you buy the TV from? Gain City claimed what they're giving is v1.4. Cheapo is only the external look and probably just the packaging, and no one is going to stare at that cable for long than your new TV.

Just get used to it. Even if you get a Monster, it will not make a huge difference.

I brought from harvey norman, Well must till my tv arrived den can see

 

[petetherock]

Just purchased a new led tv, Just wanna ask which kind of HDMI cable to purchased to support 400hz display? And around what price?

You don't need a special cable. If your cable length isn't too long, a High Speed HDMI cable costing less than $30 will suffice.

See this thread for more info.

 

[astroboy82]

You don't need a special cable. If your cable length isn't too long, a High Speed HDMI cable costing less than $30 will suffice.

See this thread for more info.

Mine is 3D Led Tv, I currently using a 1.3 standard sony hdmi cable. Donno if this cable can handle 3D signal from my blueray player.

 

[Pokémon]

Mine is 3D Led Tv, I currently using a 1.3 standard sony hdmi cable. Donno if this cable can handle 3D signal from my blueray player.

It's said in general to use 1.4 or higher. Just test it out with your 1.3 first, and if it doesn't work, then get yourself one if it's not given with the TV.