Tag: hdmi cables

RCA Audio Cables Versus HDMI Cables: Which Is Better?

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More people than ever are purchasing home theater systems, home entertainment systems and gaming systems, which means there is a larger market and a greater need than ever for audio cables.

RCA audio cables and HDMI cables perform many of the same tasks, yet they are not the same thing. However, they are both very useful. Here are some facts to help the buyer choose the correct cable.

The Basics of RCA Analog Audio Cables

RCA audio cables are considered older technology, but are still very relevant today. They are designed to carry analog audio and video signals.

RCA cables consist of three color coded plugs, and connect the signal source, such as DVDs and CDs, to televisions and projectors.

There are two types of RCA cables. Composite cables carry analog signals, while component cables can be used with HDTV, and have higher resolution than the composite cables.

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The Basics of HDMI Digital Audio Cables

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cables are evidently a newer digital cable. HDMI cables are considered the way of the future in video-audio transfer and offer high definition, high resolution audio and video signals.

The signal from an HDMI cable is clean and not compressed, offering sharp video images and multi-channel audio, along with a high refresh rate for better overall performance.

The way these cables are designed is that both ends of the cable are the same, making them compatible with any device that is HDMI compatible. There’s no right or wrong way to plug the cable in, as the ends fit all HDMI ports. HDMI cables can connect cable boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray and media streaming devices as well as other components, to whatever display is in use.

How RCA Analog and HDMI Digital Cables Compare To Each Other

To compare the cables, HDMI works best with newer technology and are the standard cables for future technology. A single cable can handle many connection needs, and the digital technology makes this a better cable with high definition output.

RCA cables cannot carry HD signals, but they are cheaper overall, very reliable and relatively simple to use. RCA cables are still popular with those who use DVD players, VHS players and game consoles.

Both RCA and HDMI cables are good and will meet different consumer needs. As for which cable is the better choice, it depends upon the signal source that is in use, the display that the cable connects to, what the cable is needed for, and the quantity needed. Shop both types of audio cables today at PrimeCables.ca.

When Is It Best To Use An HDMI Cable With Ethernet?

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As televisions and monitors have higher resolutions, cable technology must advance in order to keep up with new devices and their needs.

What Is An HDMI Cable?

HDMI cables are cables that can transmit both audio and visual data from the source (like a personal computer) to your television or computer monitor. These cables provide high speed transmission of large amounts of data, and offer higher refresh rates, high bandwidth, with richer, more vibrant and crisp color resolution. Some HDMI cables offer Ethernet connectivity as well.

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet cables are typically cables that run from your computer modem or router to Ethernet ports on your computer, laptop, television and gaming consoles. Ethernet cables offer a more stable connection than regular WIFI signals, and offer more security in the case of connecting several computers, such as a small office setup.

HDMI Cables With Ethernet Connectivity

Not all HDMI cables have Ethernet capability. Those that do can offer reliable, high speed data transfer, and are useful for high definition videos and for online gaming.

HDMI cables offer standard and high speed versions, both with and without Ethernet functions included. Usually the newer HDMI cables come with Ethernet capability built in.

The latest versions of HDMI cables deliver 4K and 3D resolutions, including surround sound. For the Ethernet cables to work correctly, both devices must have Ethernet connections.

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What Are The Benefits?

Because of the speed and quality of HDMI Ethernet cables, data transmission is faster than ever, and delivers better sound and video than was possible in the past.

With Ethernet capability built in to HDMI cables, there’s less mess to worry about. In the future, it is likely that all devices will work with this system, making home and office setups easier to manage, as well as being more efficient than older setups.

As the technology improves, users will see improved bandwidth offering higher transmission speeds. A faster refresh rate will improve flow of video, and higher pixel resolution will result in improved images. These cables offer 3D support, resulting in better colors and resolution for an improved viewing experience.

Built-in audio return channels reduce the need for separate cables and parts, and offer improved sound quality overall.

Should You Use HDMI Cables With Ethernet?

Why not, that’s what we think!

If you’ve got the devices to support the technology, these cables will offer faster, more efficient performance overall with less wires underfoot.

Shop HDMI cables, HDMI cables with Ethernet, and more home theater cables in Canada at PrimeCables.ca.

What Are The Benefits Of HDMI 4K Cables?

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Since most televisions and computer monitors are available in at least 4K resolution now, it only stands to reason that supportive technology keeps pace with the advancements of higher screen resolution. That brings us to HDMI cable technology.

What Does 4K Refer To?

The term 4K refers to screen resolution, and is fast becoming the default resolution for new televisions. The image is nearly 4 000 pixels wide, hence the name 4K.

What Is HDMI And How Does It Work?

Before HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cables came along, data was transferred from computers to monitors, printers, game systems and televisions using separate, slower cables for graphics and for sound.

HDMI cables can transfer all of this information together and more, in high resolution and at extremely fast speeds. These cables reduce the need for multiple cables tangled up in a mess, and they provide better overall quality as well. Let’s take a look at the variations available.

HDMI Cable Variations

  • HDMI 1.4 cables can transfer data at high speed and supports 4K resolution. They offer basic high quality for your needs.
  • HDMI 2.0 cables offer the same transferring capabilities, but with increased bandwidth and with a wider variety of colors.
  • HDMI 2.0a cables are the same as HDMI 2.0 cables, but they offer better, faster performance. This cable features different types of High Density Resolution (HDR) resulting in richer, more vibrant colors that produce more realistic images.
  • HDMI 2.1 cables offer dynamic performance, with faster refresh rates and higher bandwidth, as well as the higher resolution and more vibrant color production.
How to choose the Right HDMI Cables

How About Wireless?

Wireless video HDMI is available, and it does not require WIFI to work. With a transmitter that attaches to one device and a receiver attached to the television or monitor, the direct signal is high quality.

The parts are usually sold as a kit, with no extra components needed. The signal can reach up to 150 feet and can operate in different rooms. 4K is not yet available in this format.

Benefits

Any time you can speed up performance of data transmission and image quality, the payoff is a better end result.

4K HDMI cables help make your television or projector work to the best of its capabilities and they offer the best image quality available. Clean, crisp visuals with vibrant, realistic color resolution makes your 4K purchase worthwhile and enhances the performance from your devices to your television.

At the end of the day, the better the quality of input, the better quality of output. An HDMI 4K cable is absolutely worth it. Shop high quality 4K cables and home theater accessories at PrimeCables.ca.

What HDMI Cable For Gaming Should I Buy For My Console?

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Gaming, one of the best pastimes out there and you’ll want to make sure your game is uninterrupted.

How do we accomplish this? HDMI cables used in gaming allow us to plug into the latest and greatest of 4K TV, and soon to be 8K TVs.

Why Is the Game Streaming Slow or Stopping and Starting?

Some of us look at that funny-looking little port connecting our graphics cards and wonder, “What does that do?”

That port, with an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable allows our gaming system to transmit the digital audio and video from our gaming system to our monitor, TV or projector. Without this HDMI cable. you would be staring at a blank screen with no sound. Doesn’t sound too much like fun, does it? Having a decent quality HDMI cable will allow the process of the game to stream the way it was designed to do, giving you the best experience in gaming that you can have.

How Do I Know Which Cable Is Right for My System?

With the overwhelming options of HDMI cables, you need to make sure of what your gaming system is trying to handle. If you have the latest next-generation gaming console, then you will need to step up to HDMI 2.1.

Although this type of cable is not necessary now unless you are planning on obtaining an 8K TV. Keeping in mind that HDMI cables are backward-compatible, this means if you have a newer gaming console with an older TV that isn’t HDMI 2.1 ready the games will still play perfectly well. You also don’t need to go outside of your budget to achieve great gaming.

I’m At The Store, Now What Do I Do?

Packaging and salespeople take advantage of fancy pictures, words, and tech-specs that a lot of people don’t understand.

Basically, the higher the bandwidth, the greater resolution and the higher the frame rates. The frame rates on games are displayed when you launch the game, usually grayed out in a corner. Take advantage of matching or exceeding the frame rate of the game to FPS (Frames per second) listed on the HDMI cables.

If the bandwidth listed on the HDMI cable package is rated 60Hz then you know that the refresh rate of the game on the screen while playing is 60 FPS.

The 2.1 version of HDMI cables can carry resolutions of 120 FPS, giving a clear and improved streaming picture. This is a good option if you are looking to upgrade your console and/or TV in the future.

You don’t need fancy gimmicks or fast-talking salespeople to choose a great HDMI cable for your gaming console. A bit of research is all you need before you shop. As for ‘gold plated HDMI cables’, they don’t perform any better than regular HDMI cables, expensive does not necessarily mean better.

Shop high-quality premium HDMI cables and more at PrimeCables.ca.

What HDMI Cable Do I Buy For My TV?

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When looking at HDMI cables, you will find a world of differences between type and function.

If you are unsure of what you need then you must look at what devices you want your TV to handle.

Since 2002, the standard of transmitting audio and video simultaneously from components to display units, such as a TV, means the use of HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables to perform these functions.

Which Cable Should I Buy?

Don’t let the high price of a premium HDMI cable fool you into thinking that it will perform any better than an inexpensive one. Fancy packaging and words to describe the cable do nothing for the performance.

When considering which cable to buy keep in mind there are a few things to think about.

Are you incorporating audio components that are ARC-compatible? ARC is the acronym for Audio Return Channel. If your TV has an HDMI (ARC) port on it along with your audio system having the same port, this will return the audio to the transmitter.

Choosing The Suitable Length For HDMI Cables

The optimal length of any HDMI cable is 20 feet. If you want to be able to move your components around with ease then a 20-foot length is ideal, however, you may have to wrap cables in a cable organizer to save having the unsightly look of cables.

Most home theater HDMI cables are 6 feet in length and adequate for just about any configuration. With distances of over 20 feet then it’s best to invest in an HDMI Signal Converter or a wireless kit. More than 20 feet of HDMI cable can have a negative effect on signal quality.

What Are The Different HDMI Cables And What They Do

HDMI Cables come in 4 different guidelines. They are:

  • Standard HDMI: gives a refresh rate of 30Hzwith a resolution of 720p or 1080i; otherwise known as Widescreen HDTV.
  • High Speed HDMI: a 30Hz refresh but resolution up to 4k; a notable difference in audio and video quality.
  • Premium High Speed HDMI: refresh rate of 60Hz; generally known as 4K.
  • Ultra High Speed HDMI: 10K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 240Hz.

What Devices I Use With My TV

You have a gaming system, speakers, DVD, and laptop configured to your TV, so what kind of cable should I be using?

You need an HDMI cable that can handle the transfer of all that data. The refresh rate and color depth are what you need to take into consideration. The higher that you go with the refresh rate and color depth, more data is transmitted to the TV. Having a cable that has adequate bandwidth is what you need to look for. For example:

  • A resolution of HD 720p with a color depth of 8 requiring 0.81 Gbps will need a Standard HDMI cable.
  • Whereas a resolution rate of UDH 4K with a color depth of 12 requiring 40.1Gbps will need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

These are just 2 examples, there are many variances, so checking with your TV manufacturers’ guidebook, look at the specifications of your TV before investing in a cable that may not perform as it should.

Something to keep in mind with Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, they are backwards compatible. This means that you may have a cable already that will work with your system as they are compatible with some older HDMI devices. Plug in the HDMI cable that you already have and if everything works as it should, then you have no need to purchase a new cable.

Shop premium HDMI cables 4K, 8K, and more at PrimeCables.ca and always have the cables needed to get the picture you want.

Do I Need A New HDMI Cable For A 4K TV?

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HDMI cables do not come with your purchase of a 4K TV, all manufacturers assume you will have an existing HDMI cable that you will attach to their brand of TV.

How will you know if what you currently have is going to be an efficient HDMI cable for your 4K TV? Read on to find out.

What To Consider When Buying Cables

When looking for an HDMI cable, there are a vast array of choices, both in-store shopping and online.

If you are not familiar with the technology, it is best to do some research. This way not only are you going to be able to make an informed decision but will be able to obtain exactly what you need at a price point you are comfortable with. Expensive does not necessarily mean the best quality.

What Specifications Should I Follow?

Your 4K TV will have technological specifications that allow it to function with the greatest resolution.

Should your TV require 48Gbps then an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is what you will need. Check your manufacturers’ guidebook for what is required. Standard HDMI cables can support your 4K TV, but you need to look at what you are expecting from your TV. Following the manufacturers’ guidelines will help to keep your 4K TV under warranty.

How to choose the Right HDMI Cables

Regular or Ultra High HDMI Cables?

You can use a standard HDMI cable to hook up all HD devices to your 4K TV. Something important to remember is that with some gaming systems and 4K TVs you will not experience the 120Hz that brings the game to life with such incredible clarity. The game can still be played, but the intense streaming will not be as high.

Not usually visible to the naked eye during play, this will not interfere with the game as such, but if you are looking to upgrade to an 8K TV soon, having a 4K HDMI Cable would be beneficial.

Will A New HDMI Cable Enhance The Image On My 4K TV?

The oldest upsell, “You need to buy this XYZ Brand cable, and you will receive better sound, quality and picture.” High-end stores, retailers and commissioned salespeople are famous for upselling you items you don’t need.

An expensive HDMI cable will not give you anything more than a less expensive cable will. There is absolutely no difference of the quality of the picture your 4K TV will obtain with an expensive cable. The only difference is the price that you will pay.

Look at your budget, determine what the manufacturer recommends, what components you are attaching to your 4K TV and this will guide you in what to purchase. A new 4K TV does not necessarily mean you have to purchase new HDMI cables. Shop high-quality HDMI cables at PrimeCables.ca.

Why Buy A Fiber Optic HDMI Cable

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Aren’t HDMI cables the best home theater cables money can buy – yes, they are.

If that’s true, you might be wondering what a fiber optic HDMI cable is. When we hear ‘fiber optics’, a lot of think that it’s a better option. When Bell Canada went to fiber op cables, the country swooned!

A fiber optic HDMI cable is not needed by most households but in some cases, it can be a wonderful upgrade. Here is everything you need to know about fiber optics are and how applicable they are to what we tend to use HDMI connections for.

Fiber Optic HDMI Cables Are High-Speed

Fiber optic HDMI cables are high-speed cables. Then again, so are HDMI 2.0 cables and 2.1 cables.

Where the true difference lay is in the type of material used inside an HDMI cable. Regular HDMI cables are made from copper. They use multiple lines of copper. This is all you need for the average home theater system. It’s fast and reliable. An alternative though is fiber optic HDMI which uses fiber optics.

Fiber optics are the use of lasers to transmit signals as opposed to electricity. Lasers are faster than electricity and also do not suffer from electromagnetic interference or radio-frequency interference. They have less signal loss as well.

When Is It Better to Use Fiber Optic HDMI Cables

Where copper HDMI cables run into problems is with distance. After about 65 feet, an HDMI signal’s dead in the water and can’t go any further. This creates a myriad of issues in terms of quality and connection.

A high-speed HDMI cable made with fiber optic technology however can go for up to 200 feet with maximum quality every inch of the way. It far surpasses the distance limit of copper. This is when you want to choose a fiber optic HDMI cable over a copper cable. That is, when long distances have to be covered.

When you don’t want to use fiber-optic HDMI is where you’re simply connecting a device to a screen and you’re within a few feet. For cases like these, fiber optics aren’t really required. The market for short fiber optic HDMI cables is very small for this reason. They’re really only used in extended distances.

The major disadvantage – if one can call it that – is that fiber optic HDMI cables do not have a reversible design. They are directional, meaning one side is for the ‘source’ and the other is for ‘receiver’. Install it backwards and you simply won’t get a signal.

Shop HDMI 2.0 cables, HDMI 2.1 cables, and fiber optic HDMI cables this season at PrimeCables.ca.

Why a High-Quality HDMI Cable Is Better Than a Cheap HDMI Knock-Off

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HDMI has long supplanted component and composite cables as the mainstream option for both video and audio devices. They offer a simple one-cable solution but picking out the right cable isn’t quite so easy.

Wide-Ranging Quality and Features

Even without going into the different formats available, the quality of different HDMI cables at the store can vary dramatically. The cables come in a variety of lengths, with designs fitting specific applications.

While many of the top cables are roughly the same, the cheapest options at the bottom have some serious quality issues.

What Exactly do HDMI Cables Do?

HDMI cables carry digital signals, as opposed to the analog signals of the antiquated yellow, white, and red connectors. The digital bits carried by the cables require consistent fidelity to properly transmit video and sound.

Dropped information can lead to complex issues when not delivered, unlike the simple static of previous technologies.

Avoiding Older Tech

The bottom of the bin HDMI cables are the same format that was originally introduced, standard HDMI. These cables can’t even handle full HD, and they aren’t going to be in any reputable big box stores.

Discount stores trying to offload old warehouse finds might carry these cables for as little as one dollar, but it just isn’t worth it. Always buy high-quality HDMI.

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A Step in the Right Direction

An easier to find discount version is HDMI 1.4, a more recent format that can handle 4K up to 30 frames per second. This is obviously not what anyone with a 4K television is looking for and only suitable for 1080p applications.

The cheapest cables at most stores could be this type, a poor option for anyone looking for quality in their cable.

Modern Cables

The latest cables are HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, both suitable for most modern applications. HDMI 2.1 is the way to go with the latest gaming consoles, with 4K up to 120 frames per second. That being said, HDMI 2.0 still runs up to 60 frames per second at 4K.

The real point of contention between the two formats is whether the television has 2.0 or 2.1 ports, with many yet to adopt the newer format.

Cheap Cables Won’t Last

Anyone who thinks they’re saving money buying cheap cables will probably end up spending more in the long run. Quality cables last much longer, with better durability protecting the delicate wires inside.

Cheap cables inevitably have some wires break after repeated bending and adjusting, sending them straight to the trash.

Can you imagine any modern home theater system without an HDMI as your go-to cable – we can’t. Shop high-quality HDMI cables at PrimeCables.ca and connect a wide variety of devices to your flat-screen with ease, reliability, and sparklingly clear definition.

What to Look For In An HDMI Cable For A Home Theater

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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.

What HDMI Cables Do I Need For Gaming – Read here

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Picking out the right HDMI cable for gaming needs isn’t as simple as buying the most expensive cables or those advertised as premium. The ever-changing demands of gaming require a bit more thought into picking the right cables.

Why The Wrong Cable Won’t Do

There’s such a wide range of quality among HDMI cables. Grabbing any old cable off the shelf, gamers will get varied results. Cheaply-made cables are less durable, and even expensive cables can be cheaply made.

Gaming often requires durable cables that can stand up to being moved as gamers rearrange or transport consoles.

Bandwidth Concerns

Bandwidth, the amount of information a cable can carry at once, is one of the biggest issues for gaming cables. Low bandwidth leads to apparently minor issues that can add up in effect, like flickering, discoloration, and distortions.

Especially with 4K gaining traction, getting an HDMI cable with sufficient bandwidth is of paramount importance.

Standard HDMI Cables

The first generation of HDMI, standard HDMI, is long outdated and mostly unavailable in stores. Gamers using these old cables can struggle to achieve even 1080p, full HD, with some cables meant for 1080i and 720p.

Unless a cable is years old and still in use, it’s unlikely to be a standard HDMI cable. These cables offer the lowest available quality.

High-Speed HDMI Cables

With a boost from 4.95 to 10.2 Gbps, high-speed HDMI more than doubles the bandwidth of standard HDMI. Once believed to be able to handle any challenges arising in the future, today, these cables struggle with 4K over 30 frames per second.

Anyone watching movies in 1080p or gaming on older consoles won’t notice, but these cables aren’t suitable for the latest consoles.

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cables

At last, premium high-speed HDMI 2.0 cables are suitable for gaming on the modern generation of consoles. Nearly doubling the bandwidth of high-speed HDMI cables, they handle 4K at 60 frames per second easily.

Though not every gamer will need a premium high-speed HDMI cable, some will appreciate features and support that come exclusively with this level cable.

Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cables

Ultra-high speed cables, or HDMI 2.1, offer over double the bandwidth of premium high-speed. This means they handle up to 8K at 60 frames per second. These cables stand up to even the most demanding uses.

The massive resolution and frame rate capabilities of HDMI 2.1 make it the premier choice in cables, at least for now.

HDMI cables can make-or-break the gaming experience. A low-quality HDMI cable can ruin gameplay. Shop the best HDMI cables in Canada at PrimeCables.ca. Use them on gaming consoles, home theater systems, and more.