What is HDMI Cables?

A better definition and description of the HDMI cables would be provided by first having obtained a clear understanding of the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI is a standard of connectivity for high-definition video and multi-channel audio. It is actually an audio/video interface, which is used to transfer uncompressed digital audio/video data between devices. The source device must be HDMI-compliant and destination can be any other device such as; monitor, projector, digital audio device, or digital television. HDMI ensure high quality transmission between the devices connected using a single cable. The transmission between these devices is two ways, which allows conversation either way between the two connected devices. The interface allows connection between audio/video devices, which communicate effectively as if they are of the same type. The transmissions in HDMI use digital signal transfer. These signals are uncompressed and are in digital representation. The HDMI does not require digital-to-analog conversions and vice versa. Another aspect of the HDMI is that it uses only one cable.

With the above information on HDMI, it may be necessary to ask, what is HDMI cable? The HDMI cable is used as draw a link between the connected devices, using HDMI standard. The cable is mostly composed of four shielded twisted pairs. Although the cables transmit the information in the sane way (digital form), they come in different types and lengths to ensure their quality. The user must consider a number of factors before acquiring these cables. The factors to be considered when obtaining a HDMI cable include;

1. Speed rating. The speed rating of the cable must such that it can handle a continuous transmission, so that it can be compatible with HD signals. The HD signals are signals of up to 1080p resolution.
2. Bit depth rating. The cables chosen should offer high bandwidth. The bit depth rating should be such that the cables should handle at least a stream of 8-bit color information and above.
3. In wall rating. To ensure safety, the cables require to be installed in hidden and protected areas such as; behind walls, between floors, or in casings. This means that the cables must in-wall rated, which would allow it to be installed in the said areas or enclosures.
4. Cable Connector. The cables usually have their connectors fabricated with zinc oxide or electroplated in gold. This is to ensure reliable electrical coupling as well as corrosion resistance. Before purchasing the HDMI cables, it is important to ensure that the connectors have enhancements, which ensure reliability of the cable.
5. Support Features. The cables should support features such as
• Surround-sound formats,
• Deep Color,
• 1080p and above resolution,
• high frame rates e.g. 120Hz or 240Hz,
• Automatic Lip Sync,  or
• Readiness for other feature implementation

To finish the subject of explaining what is HDMI cable, it is also important to establish where the cable are used. The cables are usually used to connect computers to devices such as television sets, Blu-ray Disc to player, Digital cameras to camcorders, Tablet computers, Mobile phones.

The main type of HDMI cables are; standard HDMI Cable, standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, automotive HDMI cable, high speed HDMI cable and high speed HDMI cable with Ethernet. As earlier stated, these cables have connectors. These connectors can be; Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or Ethernet data connection.  The CEC allows multiple devices to communicate with each other without the need of signal conversion