Understanding The Types of HDMI Cables

Nowadays it is unlikely that the manufacturer of your TV, Blu-ray player, DVD player or recorder, games console, PC, digibox or Sky HD box will supply the appropriate HDMI cables with your product. This means that you cannot experience the crystal-clear pictures which your new technology offers until you have purchased either HDMI cables and/or a HDMI adapter. With just a quick browse of HDMI products it becomes obvious that this is not just a case of finding a HDMI cable and adding it to your online shopping basket. You will uncover a world of HDMI cables of varying prices and qualities, featuring phrases such as HDMI to HDMI, cables with Ethernet connections, mount cables, long length leads, flat leads, high speed leads and standard speed leads. And thats before you even begin to understand what a HDMI wall plate, HDMI adapter, HDMI extender or HDMI splitter is.

But what are all of these options, and what should you be looking for to connect your devices? If you are looking to connect two HD-ready devices - a games console to a HDTV for example - HDMI cables provide the interconnection you require. HDMI to HDMI (sometimes called M to M) cables are for connecting two HDMI-enabled devices (eg. your Playstation 3 to your HDTV). These are the most commonly required of all HDMI cables, and are available in a large number of lengths and qualities.

HDMI cables such as HDMI to HDMI connectors encounter loss of signal strength through the wires, so it is important to choose a high quality wire if you want the picture quality to be as high as possible. You should also match your HDMI to HDMI cable to the resolution of your TV or monitor as a minimum. You will see that your TV is given a resolution measurement, such as 480i, 720p, 1080i or 1080p. If you have a 720p TV for example, a HDMI to HDMI cable which suits from 480i to 1080p is definitely suitable, as would a cable with a minimum operating at a minimum of 720p to over 1080p. If you choose a cable which is not capable of carrying the resolution which you require, you will not be able to enjoy the full picture quality of which your device is capable.

1080p and beyond HDMI cables are available with Ethernet, which allows for an internet connection and a high quality picture. Also consider purchasing a cable which can carry a resolution higher than your device, should you choose to update your technology in the future. Gold wire fittings and high speed cables allow for a higher level of picture quality, and if you are choosing a longer length cable (available up to 30m), ensure you choose an active cable, which is a form of signal booster to combat loss in signal through the length of the wire. 

You may need a HDMI adapter if one or both of your devices do not both have HDMI M port, for example, if your display device is a monitor with a DVI connector (these look bigger than HDMI ports). You can use a DVI to HDMI adapter to enable you to connect a HDMI cable into it.