HDMI cables are an important accessory for your home theater or media center. Using an HDMI cable is one of the most common ways to connect a smart device to your TV or home theater setup. Computer monitors, laptops, HDTVs, and game consoles all use HDMI.
There are three basic types of HDMI cables: Standard, High Speed, and Ultra High Speed, each with subcategories. So read on to learn everything you need to know about HDMI cables, including the types available and what the different HDMI connector types mean.
When deciding on a computer cable type, it is important to understand cable standards and features. For example, HDMI cables are classified according to their HDMI version and signal transmission speed (bandwidth). Here are the types of HDMI cables.
Standard is the most basic HDMI cable, designed for early consumer applications. The cable has a bandwidth of 5Gbps and supports 1080i or 720p resolution. Standard HDMI cables cannot transmit 4K and higher resolutions.
With a refresh rate of 30Hz, the standard HDMI cable is a solid choice for satellite TV, DVD players, and screen projectors. HDMI versions 1.0 to 1.2a are available for this cable.
Standard Ethernet
The cable has the same performance as a standard HDMI cable. The main difference is that it is equipped with a dedicated data channel. Both connected devices must have the Ethernet Channel enabled to use this feature.
Standard Automotive
Standard Automotive is designed for in-car HD video systems. This cable has the same functionality as a standard HDMI cable and is typically used to connect a portable or car DVD player to a car video display. It can also transmit strong signals and withstand vibrations.
High-speed HDMI cable
High-speed HDMI cables are designed to transmit 4K and 3D signals at 1080p, 30 Hz. It has a bandwidth of 10.2Gbps and is optimized for HDMI versions 1.3 to 1.4A.
The high-speed HDMI cable also supports 3D and Deep Color technologies and is recommended for 4K capable video consoles and Blu-ray Disc players.
High Speed Ethernet
High-speed HDMI cables with Ethernet have similar features to high-speed cables, such as support for 1080p to 4K and advanced display technologies. The main difference is that they come with a dedicated data channel called the HDMI Ethernet channel.
While few devices are compatible with this type of cable, it is a good choice for systems that support Ethernet streaming channels.
High-Speed Automotive
High-speed car HDMI cables have the same features as regular high-speed HDMI cables, but are specifically designed for the automotive industry. High-speed cars can operate under the unique stresses of the automotive environment, such as extreme temperatures and vibrations.
Premium High-Speed
Premium High-Speed HDMI provides up to 18Gbps of bandwidth and is optimized for HDMI versions 2.0, 2.0 a, and 2.0 B. In addition, the cable supports HDR and 4K at 60 Hz, 4:4:4 chroma sampling, and extended color spaces, including BT: 2020.
The cable also has low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be used with HDMI Type A and Type D connectors. Advanced High Speed is a great choice for designing software and PC games.
To ensure that your cable meets the specifications for this category, look for a cable that has an Advanced HDMI Cable Certification label. Each certified product label includes a unique holographic fingerprint and a QR code that you can scan with the HDMI smartphone app for verification.
Ultra high speed HDMI cable
The SuperSpeed HDMI cable is designed to support uncompressed 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120Hz with up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth. The cable can render video up to 10 K resolution and up to 240Hz on HDR TVs.
Ultra High Speed HDMI supports HDMI 2.1A, which means it is compatible with almost all HDMI devices, as it is also compatible with earlier standards. And it is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference caused by some wireless devices.
It also supports new features like EARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). To meet all specifications, check the cable packaging for the Super Speed HDMI certification label.
HDMI connector type
To install an HDMI cable into a specific display device and signal source, a terminal connector is required. There are many types of HDMI connectors, but there are really only four. The following are the HDMI connector types.
HDMI Type A (Standard HDMI)
Standard HDMI connector types are commonly used in common source devices such as laptops, video game consoles, and Blu-ray players, as well as TVs and video projectors. The Model A uses a 19-pin configuration and is the largest HDMI connector.
HDMI Type B (Dual Link)
This HDMI connector is designed for ultra-high resolution displays, but is not currently used in any mainstream consumer products. The reason for this is that with the birth of HDMI 1.3, the single link is faster than the old dual link.
HDMI Type C (Mini HDMI)
The mini HDMI connector also uses a 19-pin configuration and shares the full functionality of the standard HDMI connector. However, Type C is smaller and thinner than Type A and Type B. You may find it on smaller portable devices such as tablets, DSLRs, and even some laptops.
HDMI Type D (Micro HDMI)
The Micro HDMI, while smaller than the Mini HDMI, retains the 19-pin configuration and offers the full functionality of its larger sibling. This connector type is typically used for compact cameras, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
HDMI Type E (Automotive)
Type E is a specialized connector for automotive HDMI cables. Automotive differs from other connector types in that it features a locking tab that stays in place when your vehicle vibrates.
