Buying the right HDMI cable may seem straightforward, but there are factors to consider to ensure you get the cable that suits your needs. Here’s a guide to help you buy the right HDMI cable. There is a lot of different HDMI cables on the market, if you have recently purchased a new TV from one of the main electrical retailers they have likely tried to up-sell you an HDMI cable, usually with an extra warranty. The HDMI cables that the salesman usually recommends with your new TV are usually gold or platinum plated and come at an eye-watering price, but is this worth it? In this article all, you need to know about HDMI cables which will help you pick the right cable for you.:
1. **Version of HDMI:**
– HDMI versions are crucial as they determine the cable’s capabilities. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2022, HDMI 2.1 is the latest version, supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates. Choose a cable that supports the features you need.
Cable Length
### 2. **Cable Categories:**
– HDMI cables come in different categories (Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed). For most applications, a High-Speed HDMI cable is sufficient. Premium High Speed and Ultra High Speed cables are designed for higher resolutions and refresh rates.
### 3. **Cable Length:**
– Longer cables can result in signal degradation. If you need a long cable, consider an active HDMI cable, which has built-in electronics to boost the signal.
### 4. **Build Quality:**
– Look for well-built cables with good shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference. Gold-plated connectors are a plus, as they resist corrosion.
### 5. **Resolution and Refresh Rate:**
– Ensure that the cable can handle the resolution and refresh rate of your display. HDMI 2.1 supports up to 10K resolution and higher refresh rates.
### 6. **Ethernet Channel:**
– Some HDMI cables come with an Ethernet channel for networking capabilities. If you need this feature, make sure the cable supports it.
### 7. **Compatibility:**
– Check the compatibility of the cable with your devices. For example, if you have a 4K TV and a 4K Blu-ray player, make sure the cable supports 4K.
### 8. **Purpose:**
– Consider the purpose of the cable. If you’re connecting a gaming console, a high-speed cable with support for variable refresh rate (VRR) may be important.
### 9. **Brand Reputation:**
– While brand isn’t everything, choosing cables from reputable manufacturers can increase the likelihood of getting a high-quality product. BeckenBower is will konwn brand for HDMI and iPhone Cables.
### 10. **Price:**
– Higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. Assess the features you need and compare prices among reputable brands.
### 11. **Return Policy:**
– Check the return policy of the seller. This ensures you can return the cable if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
### 12. **Future-Proofing:**
– If you’re investing in new technology, consider a cable that is future-proof and can handle upcoming advancements in resolution and features.
### 13. **Reviews:**
– Read reviews from other users to get insights into the performance and reliability of the HDMI cable you’re considering.
Always refer to the latest information and specifications, as technology evolves. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and buy the right HDMI cable for your specific needs.
HDMI 1.4
HDMI2.0 – 4K – Ultra High Definition
HDMI2.1 – 4K – Ultra High Definition
It’s important to note that as each HDMI version has progressed it is backward compatible with the old standards, so no need to go and buy a new cable if you want to connect an old DVD/ Bluray etc. I personally at present install at least HDMI 2.0 cables for my customers to future proof our installations as much as possible. No point burying cables in walls if you have to cut away at the plaster and brickwork if you need to replace them again.
