HDMI cables are the undisputed standard for home theater cables today. They carry both video and audio on one cable, eliminating the need for dozens of cables in complex home theater setups. HDMI is the obvious choice, but which HDMI cable is the right choice?
Choosing the Right Format
There are still multiple versions of HDMI on the market today. These range from the antiquated HDMI 1.4 to the fully modern HDMI 2.1. Picking the right cable depends on the intended application.
Watching movies on a full HD television, HDMI 1.4 is going to do just fine, but gaming on a modern console in 4K will take HDMI 2.1.
Why Does the Version Matter?
HDMI cables carry video and audio digitally, as 1’s and 0’s just like a computer. The bandwidth of the cable limits how much information can be pushed through per second, meaning more complex signals need more bandwidth.
HDMI 2.1 has over four times the bandwidth of HDMI 1.4, allowing for a higher frame rate and 4K resolution.
The Optimal Viewing Experience
Anyone really serious about their home theater system will know that resolution and frame rate are far from the end of the story. HDMI 2.1 improves on older formats in other ways as well, including more available colors.
The new cables also feature a step-up in HDR technology, with more bandwidth dedicated to that feature.
Durability
Nobody wants to keep buying the same product over and over, so consumers are better off getting a durable cable the first time. Many cables come with corded sheathes, greatly improving the strength of the cable.
The integrity of the joint between the cord and the end is also important, as this is often where fraying develops first.
Specialized Applications
HDMI cables come in a few different variations for fitting into tight spaces and blending into the environment better. A cable with the connector at 90 degrees makes connecting to a wall-mounted tv much easier.
Flat cables are also available that can easily be run under rugs and provider a snugger fit to any wall.
The Right Length
Some home theater setups require running cables a long way from the device to the television. Luckily, HDMI cables are available in just about any length. Generally, cables are available up to 50 feet.
Of course, longer cables cost more than shorter ones, but they’re much more reliable at preserving quality than wireless solutions.
HDMI cables streamline audio-video data transfer in home theater systems, making it easy to consume 4K video and beyond. Shop over a dozen different kinds of HDMI cables at PrimeCables.ca today.
