HDMI Cables

5 things to consider when buying an HDMI cable

Below are five factors you should consider when buying an HDMI cable.

1) How long should the cable be?

You should of course consider the length of your cable. How far apart are the devices that need to be connected? That's the key!

There's no reason to buy a 10-meter cable if there are only 2 meters between the devices you want to connect.

Generally, you should avoid buying long cables if possible. If the cable is longer than 10 meters, you risk negatively affecting the signal strength.

This problem can, however, be solved by purchasing an active cable. Such cables have built-in amplifiers that use the power being transmitted through the cable to boost the signal, ensuring that you get the optimal signal out of the cable.

2) Should the cable support 4K?

This is actually not something you need to be overly concerned about if you buy your HDMI cable from us.

This is because all our HDMI cables are very modern, and it is therefore only possible to get cables that support 4K from us.

3) Should the cable be active?

If you need to run an HDMI cable longer than 10 meters, it may be worth investing in an active one. There is a risk that the signal strength will degrade over long cables.

You shouldn't have this concern with an active HDMI cable. Such a cable has a built-in amplifier that uses the power being transmitted by the cable to strengthen the signal, contributing to ensuring that you get the optimal signal out of the cable.

4) What type of connector?

It is important to be aware that there are different types of connectors when it comes to HDMI cables. There are HDMI-A, HDMI-C, and HDMI-D.

HDMI is the standard HDMI connector, while HDMI-C is Mini HDMI. HDMI-D is also called Micro HDMI and is the smallest connector type of the three.

The transfer speed is the same for all types of connectors. The differences between the cables relate to design and application.

Mini and Micro HDMI are used for devices that have less physical space for large connectors. The standard connector for the majority of devices is HDMI-A, so if you are looking for an HDMI connector for your TV, computer, console, or similar, you are most likely looking for an HDMI-A.

5) Is the cable for gaming?

If the cable is meant to connect your PlayStation, Nintendo, or similar to a larger screen, you should look for a cable with the highest resolution possible.

There are HDMI cables specifically for gaming, and these cables can help prevent tired and dry eyes as well as headaches resulting from gaming.

HDMI Cable and Accessories

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and it is used to transmit digital audio and video between two high-resolution devices.

Most televisions and computers have multiple HDMI connectors, allowing you to connect several devices in this way. DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, computers, and so on are typically equipped with an HDMI connector.

When was HDMI invented?

HDMI is a standard introduced in 2002 to standardize the digital connection between multimedia equipment.

The cable transmits audio and video, as well as other related information, without compressing the signal, which significantly improves the quality compared to older standards.

An HDMI cable can transmit information from, for example, a DVD player to a television about what screen format the video file uses and what resolution should be used, etc.

HDMI 1.0

The first version of HDMI, adopted in 2002, supports 1080p resolution with audio on 8 channels.

HDMI 2.0

Version 2 replaces Version 1.0 to 1.4 and was adopted in 2013. It supports 2160p, also known as 4K, as well as audio on 32 channels.

HDMI 2.1

Version 2.1 was adopted in early 2017, supporting 10,000p, also known as 10K, but this is more forward-looking than anything we currently need, as you cannot yet buy 10K televisions.

Version 2.1 is therefore future-proofed, but it's unlikely that 2.1 will remain the last version of HDMI.

Why are there new HDMI cables?

The reason for the updates is the transfer speed, which increases each time. Thus, 2.0 can transfer four times as much data as 1.0, allowing for more and more different data to be included in the data stream, which can affect screen size, resolution, audio information, and much more.

You can use an HDMI 1.0 cable for an HDMI 2.0 connection, but you will lose a lot in quality and functionality.

HDMI is also backward compatible, meaning you can easily use an HDMI 2.0 cable for an HDMI 1.0 connection without losing anything.

Connector Types

HDMI has different connector types: Standard HDMI, also called HDMI-A, Mini HDMI, also called HDMI-C, and Micro HDMI, also called HDMI-D.

There is no difference in transfer speed or anything else, aside from which version of the HDMI cable it can run. The only difference between the various connectors is the design and application.

Mini and Micro HDMI are made for devices that have less space for large connectors and therefore benefit from using smaller connectors that have the same functionality as the standard connector.

The HDMI-A connector is standard on most devices, such as flat-screen televisions, computer monitors, DVD and Blu-ray players, etc.

HDMI-C and HDMI-D are mostly used on small portable devices that do not have space for the standard connector.

Conversion to Other Connector Types

HDMI can be converted to various other types of connectors, and here you need to get an HDMI converter to achieve the best quality.

You can, for example, convert from HDMI to DVI or vice versa. These two standards are compatible with each other, so it's easy to just use a converting connector to connect your HDMI cable to your DVI connector in, for example, a computer monitor.

If you need to convert from VGA to HDMI or from Scart to HDMI or , you can also find conversion boxes for that.

does not transmit audio, so you'll need an audio cable connected to the conversion box, and the VGA signal will still be analog, so the resolution will be accordingly.

You can also get adapters for Mini DisplayPort, , USB, and BNC.

Active HDMI Cable

If you're running a cable longer than 10 meters, it may be worth investing in an active HDMI cable. With longer runs, the signal strength can diminish, which impacts quality.

An active HDMI cable has a built-in amplifier that uses the power the cable also transmits to strengthen the signal, ensuring that you get the optimal signal out of the cable.

HDMI - a cable for everything

HDMI cables transmit data. Whether it's audio, video, or something else is irrelevant. With the latest HDMI cables, you can eliminate various cables and just use one HDMI cable for everything.

Since version 1.4, HDMI has had a dedicated ethernet channel integrated, but not many devices use this for anything other than streaming movies from, for example, Netflix via a Blu-ray player or a newer DVD player.

HDMI cables come in many variations, long and short, with angled heads that fit behind a wall-mounted flat-screen.

HDMI Splitter

If you need to show the same content on multiple screens, you can use a , which connects to, for example, a DVD player and distributes the signal to up to eight different screens.

This can be practical if you need to show an introductory video to many people, or you want to display the same images in different places in a store. There are many options with a .

HDMI Extension Cables

If you've bought an HDMI cable that is just a bit too short, you can simply purchase an extension cable instead of a whole new cable. However, be aware that the length of the cable should not exceed 10 meters, as this can lead to a reduction in both signal strength and resolution.

An HDMI extension cable allows you to solve many problems. For example, you may need to switch devices via the HDMI input on your wall-mounted flat-screen TV.

This could be connecting your PlayStation, DVD player, or something entirely different. When the TV is wall-mounted close to the wall, it can be difficult to connect the cable to the HDMI input at the back of the TV.

A solution to this problem can be an HDMI extension cable, making it easier for you to switch between the various devices, as access to the HDMI input on the TV becomes more available.

HDMI extension cables come in many different lengths

The extension cables are available in different lengths and are an ideal solution for you who need to switch often between the devices that need to be connected to, for example, your wall-mounted flat-screen TV.

The extension cable is also ideal if you wish to connect devices over longer distances. It is just important to be aware that extending the cable run can weaken the quality of the data transmission. This usually happens when the HDMI cable run exceeds 10 meters.

If you wish to connect devices over longer distances than 10 meters, it is recommended that you look at our selection of HDMI cables with optical fiber.

From Analog to Digital Signal

The HDMI signal is therefore the replacement for traditional Scart and AV cables. This also means that we have said goodbye to the analog signal and welcomed the digital signal.

The Scart signal consists solely of analog signals, and newer televisions and screens are no longer manufactured with Scart inputs.

This means that if you still value older gaming consoles, VHS players, or similar equipment, they can no longer be connected to newer screens, as this requires the analog signal to be converted to a digital signal.

It is, of course, quite unfortunate if you still enjoy your Scart devices, but do not despair, as there are solutions to be found.

Invest in an HDMI Converter

There is indeed a great opportunity to give your old devices new life with a Scart to HDMI converter, which supports both image and sound, ensuring you get the full experience from older devices to your HDMI device.

It is a quick and easy solution that does almost all the work for you.

It is also possible to connect the devices in reverse - that is, via a . This means you can, for example, connect and transfer image and sound from, for example, Blu-Ray, DVD player, Apple TV, or similar newer equipment to a screen with a Scart input. This could, for example, be an older television.

So if you wish to keep your old television but have corresponding newer HDMI devices, then an HDMI to Scart converter is a simple and quick solution. It can also be used if you want to play on your PlayStation, Nintendo, or something else, but on an older screen.

Just like the Scart to HDMI converter, the HDMI to Scart converter also supports both image and sound, so you avoid watching good movies with only subtitles or playing games without sound.

Find the Right HDMI Cable for the Purpose

The HDMI cable is therefore a cable connection that transmits both image and sound in digital quality. It is generally used between a screen, like a projector, a TV or a computer monitor, and a DVD player, PlayStation, or other devices with HDMI connectors. Here with us, you will find a wide variety of different types of HDMI connectors for every need.

What is special about HDMI connectors is that they can transport large amounts of data between devices, resulting in both sharp images and very good sound. You will find our many different HDMI cables in several different colors, so you can find just the cable that suits your needs.

With the right HDMI cable, you are ensured a really good audiovisual experience. But how do you actually find the right HDMI cable for your needs? Read on here and find out what considerations you should make before acquiring a new HDMI cable.

These considerations should be made before you invest in an HDMI cable

If you primarily use the HDMI cable to connect your PlayStation, Nintendo, computer, or other gaming consoles to a larger screen, it is a good idea to find an HDMI cable with the highest possible resolution.

Many gamers suffer from tired, dry eyes and headaches as a result of blurry screen images, but with an HDMI cable specifically aimed at gaming use that ensures an extremely high resolution, you can avoid being affected by these issues.

Large selection of HDMI cables for gaming

We offer, among other things, HDMI cables that are particularly suitable for gaming on a Nintendo Switch, but you will also find HDMI cables with us that are suitable for other consoles.

This means that it's over using many hours in front of the screen with concentrated eyes that afterward become both tired and square because you have to use more energy to concentrate more than necessary.

Preferably avoid investing in an HDMI cable that is too long for gaming

When you need such a cable, it is important to be aware that the longer the cable run is extended, the more the quality of the data transmission is weakened.

This usually happens when the cable run reaches 10 meters or more, if you have a standard HDMI cable. With us, you can find cables from 0.5 meters all the way up to 100 meters.

You therefore have the option to connect devices over both short and long distances.

All cables that exceed 10 meters are equipped with a core of optical fiber, which ensures that you do not lose the quality of the data transmission over long distances.

If you want to ensure an optimal signal and full resolution over longer distances, you can advantageously use an optical HDMI cable.

Examples of devices connected using an HDMI cable

An HDMI cable is now used to connect a lot of devices. If we mention a number of examples, it could be:

• TVs
• Gaming Consoles
• DVD Players
• Projectors

If you want to keep the cables out of the way and keep track of them, you can place them in a for a more discreet look.

What are DCC and CEC?

All HDMI connections contain a set of control signals. The most important are DDC and CEC. We will introduce them below. It gets a bit technical and extremely professional. Do not worry if you do not understand everything.

DCC - Display Data Channel: The sending device uses this connection to find out what specifications, resolution limitations, and configurations the receiving device has.

The way the sending device does this is by reading E-EDID information from the receiving device via the I2C bus standard.

EDID stands for Enhanced Extended Display Identification Data. It all sounds a bit complex, and we understand if you don't fully grasp it.

It's really not that important to understand - The important thing is that things work, and trust us when we assure you that it's significantly easier to use an HDMI cable than to understand what processes are happening in the cable.

CEC - Consumer Electronics Control Channel: This connection can be used to send control signals onward as desired by the user.

For example, it can be used to control devices that are connected to each other via HDMI, allowing you to use just one remote control. All these signals comply with an AV-link protocol standard based on a 1-wire bi-directional serial bus.