The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) was developed in 2002 as an improved means of transferring uncompressed digital video and audio data from a source to a monitor, television, or video projector. Before the development of HDMI, connections for high-density (HD) television were limited to either through DVI Cable (Digital Video Interface, which was actually developed for computer monitors) or component video. Component video uses three separate video cables and two audio cables, all of which are included in the HDMI interface.
While HDMI cables are definitely the way to go for connecting any home theater system or home entertainment center, actually buying the cables can be a bit confusing. The HDMI specification makes provisions for a number of different cable types and a number of different connectors. Without knowing which type to buy, one could easily end up with the wrong item. This guide is intended to eliminate that confusion and clearly demonstrate what purposes the different types of cables and connectors are used for.
The Advantage of HDMI Cables
HDMI cables have several advantages over the other cable types mentioned. First, everything is contained in one compact cable package. Since HDMI contains all components of both video and audio signals, there is no reason to run any further cables. This helps reduce the rat’s nest of cables found behind many home entertainment centers.
Like many other modern data transmission cables, an HDMI cable is a series of twisted pairs. Although a very old technology, twisted pairs have proven to be superior to other cable manufacturing techniques for reducing noise and interference. Any interference, whether caused by crossing other data cables or proximity to power lines, is going to hit one of the two twisted conductors stronger than the other. This makes it easy for the system to recognize the interference for what it is and eliminate it. Twisted pairs work even better than coaxial Micro HDMI Cable, which are intended to provide shielding for the signal carrying the conductor and drive the interference to ground.