The New Standard
Lets start off with the newest cable connection in the industry. This is called an HDMI connection and has only been around for just a few years now. It is a Digital cable that provides extremely high quality video and audio signals. All the new HDTVs come with 3 or 4 HDMI connections. This allows easy hookup to your Blu-ray player or Home Theater system. Other newer electronic equipment is starting to use this type of connection too.
A Little History..But Not Too Much
There have been a few
improvements in the HDMI cables since they first came out. When HDMI
first came out they also released a specs document which showed us all
the techie info we really don’t need to know about. The first release
model was HDMI 1.1. As time went by moderate improvements were made and
now we are using the 1.3a. This is the latest release and will work for
any application or component as of today. A 1.4 is coming out but there
is no spec sheet to show any improvement yet. So just stick with 1.3a rated cables and you’ll be fine. They are
backward compatible for any previous spec requirement.
Some Agree…Disagree
When buying cables there are some differences of opinion on what is needed to your hookup your system. For the short HDMI hookup, 3-6 feet, all cables will work just fine. Some stores and manufacturers make some colorful and gold plated fancy cables for high dollars. You don’t need these expensive cables, they are an upsell. They can be a pricey $50 and higher! Many cables do come with higher quality ends and that will provide a more secure connection.
HDMI Drawbacks
Many tech people are not convinced that HDMI will be the standard for too long a period of time. Some of the issues that plague the HDMI cable is that they can easily fall out of the equipment they are plugged into. These are not a locking type of connection and as connections go some type of screwing or twisting end provides a better, safer connection. Think of the Coax cable and how is screws on to the terminal. Once it is tightened the chance of it falling out are little to none.
HDMI Cable Length..Category 1 And 2
Your HDMI cable is made to provide the highest video resolution currently possible. The standard is called a Category 1 cable and is made to function for up to lengths of 50’. That is around the estimate before you may see some image distortion.
A lot of the problems are not caused by the cable but with software of the component. Category 2 cables, or so called high speed cables, would be needed for long length applications to maintain a quality 1080p signal. A category 1 cable at 3 meters will provide a quality 1080p signal. You can add a powered splitter/amplifier to help boost a signal too.