The role of HDMI cables in modern audio and video devices is self-evident. From smart TVs and home theaters to game consoles, monitors, and even mobile phone screen projection, it can be seen in almost every home or office space. As a core medium for audio and video transmission, HDMI cables provide an efficient and simple solution that allows us to seamlessly share high-definition video and audio signals between devices.
Are hdmi cables different？
In fact, although the main task of HDMI cables is to “transmit data and signals”, there are differences between HDMI cables. Depending on the speed, bandwidth, and functional specifications supported by the cables, they will have certain differences in application scenarios. Especially for users who pursue high-end audio and video experience or future-proofing (preparing for future technology upgrades) or even audio and video professionals or equipment rental companies, it is particularly important to have a deep understanding of the classification and performance differences of HDMI cables. In this article, we will analyze the types of HDMI cables in detail and answer some common questions.
What is HDMI cable？
HDMI cable (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a connection cable used to transmit high-definition audio and video signals, which is widely used in modern home and commercial equipment. Its main task is to connect various audio and video devices, such as TVs, computer monitors, game consoles, home theater systems, and professional audio and video systems for outdoor activities, to achieve data sharing and high-definition display between devices.
Image source: https://www.hdmi.org/
Compared with traditional cables (such as VGA E DVI), HDMI cables have the following significant features:
Integrated audio and video transmission: simultaneously transmit high-definition video signals and high-fidelity audio signals through one cable, simplifying device connection.
Support high resolution and high bandwidth: HDMI supports a variety of video resolutions, from 1080p high definition to the current mainstream 4K@144Hz, and even supports 8K@60Hz in the future.
Digital signal transmission: Compared with traditional analog signal interfaces (such as VGA), HDMI uses fully digital transmission to ensure that the audio and video quality is not disturbed and achieves lossless output. Among them, the active optical fiber HDMI cable uses optical fiber technology to achieve 48gbps 8K 150-meter long-distance lossless transmission (pure optical fiber HDMI cable can reach 300 meters).
High compatibility: HDMI is widely adapted to smart TVs, projectors, monitors, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other devices, becoming the standard interface for modern audio and video equipment.
Different kinds of HDMI cables
Although HDMI cables perform the same basic function of transmitting audio and video signals, they differ in performance, purpose, and application scenarios based on technical standards, interface types, and material classifications. The following is a detailed introduction from three aspects: HDMI version, HDMI interface type, and the difference between copper HDMI and optical fiber HDMI.
1. Classified by HDMI version
The HDMI version determines the bandwidth, resolution and functions supported by the cable, and is one of the important criteria for selecting HDMI cables. Here are the main HDMI versions and their features:
HDMI 1.4:
Supported resolution: 4K@24Hz (3840×2160), 1080p, 720p, etc.
Mainly suitable for early devices, supports basic 4K resolution, but the frame rate is low (24fps), not suitable for high dynamic range images.
Supports audio return channel (ARC), but does not support dynamic HDR or high refresh rate. Application scenarios: suitable for old Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, 1080p TVs, etc.
HDMI 2.0/2.0a/2.0b:
Supported resolution: 4K@60Hz, 10.2Gbps to 18Gbps bandwidth.
Added support for HDR (high dynamic range) and wide color gamut video (such as BT.2020).
Can support up to 32-channel audio, a stronger audio experience.
Application scenarios: mainstream home devices, such as 4K TVs, game consoles (PS4 Pro, Xbox One S) and streaming devices.
HDMI 2.1:
Supported resolution: up to 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, bandwidth 48Gbps.
Supports dynamic HDR, variable refresh rate (VRR) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC), optimized for high-end audio and video and gaming experience.
Supports high refresh rate, very suitable for competitive gamers and professional audio and video users. Application scenarios: high-end 8K TVs, the latest game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), high refresh rate monitors, etc.
| HDMI1.4-1.4b | HDMI2.0-2.0b | HDMI2.1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full HD Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD Video | YES | YES | YES |
| Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) | YES | YES | YES |
| DVD-Audio | YES | YES | YES |
| Super Audio CD (DSD) | YES | YES | YES |
| Auto Lip-Sync | YES | YES | YES |
| Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio Bitstream Capable | YES | YES | YES |
| Updated List of CEC Commands | YES | YES | YES |
| 3D Video | YES | YES | YES |
| Ethernet Channel (100 Mbit/s) | YES | YES | YES |
| Audio Return Channel (ARC) | YES | YES | YES |
| 4 Audio Streams | NO | YES | YES |
| 2 Video Streams (Dual View) | NO | YES | YES |
| Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) HDR OETF | NO | YES | YES |
| Static HDR (HDR Static Metadata) | NO | YES | YES |
| Dynamic HDR (HDR Dynamic Metadata) | NO | NO | YES |
| Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) | NO | NO | YES |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | NO | NO | YES |
| Quick Media Switching (QMS) | NO | NO | YES |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | NO | NO | YES |
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | NO | NO | YES |
| VESA DSC 1.2a | NO | NO | YES |
When choosing a cable, you need to match the appropriate cable according to the HDMI version supported by the device. If it is a new device, for future-proofing (preparing for future technology upgrades), it is recommended to directly choose a cable that supports HDMI 2.1.
2. HDMI vs Mini HDMI vs Micro HDMI
Different devices may have different HDMI interface types, so you need to pay attention to the compatibility of the interface when choosing a cable. The following are three common HDMI interface types and their characteristics:
Type A (Standard HDMI):
The most common HDMI interface type, almost all traditional audio and video devices such as TVs, monitors, game consoles, and Blu-ray players are equipped with this interface.
Features: Supports all HDMI standard functions.
Application scenarios: TV, home theater system, monitor to computer host connection.
Type C (Mini HDMI):
Smaller in size, mostly used in mobile devices, such as tablets, digital cameras, and some portable display devices.
Features: The function is the same as Type A, but the physical size is reduced, which is more convenient for portable devices to use.
Application scenarios: Portable devices project screens to external display devices such as computers and projectors.
Type D (Micro HDMI):
An extremely small interface, mainly used for smaller portable devices, such as mobile phones and sports cameras (such as GoPro).
Features: The functions are the same as Type A, but the supported device scenarios are more specialized.
Application scenarios: Mobile phones connected to projection equipment or small camera systems.
What does HDMI connection look like ?:
Type A (standard interface) is the most common type in home and work environments, while Type C and Type D are suitable for portable scenarios and are mostly used for connecting small devices.
3. Classification by cable material: The difference between copper HDMI and optical fiber HDMI
Depending on the design process and conductor materials, HDMI cables are mainly divided into ordinary copper wire HDMI and the emerging fiber optic HDMI. There are significant differences in performance between the two cables and their applicable scenarios are also different.
Copper HDMI:
Transmission method: Transmit electrical signals through copper conductors.
Advantages:
Low cost, almost all ordinary HDMI cables on the market are made of copper wire.
Suitable for short-distance connection (commonly used for device connection with a length of 1 to 5 meters), there is basically no signal loss in short distance.
Easy to install, plug and play.
Disadvantages:
Long-distance signal attenuation: When it exceeds 10 meters, the signal transmission efficiency decreases, which may cause damage to the picture quality and sound quality.
Very susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially in an environment with complex electromagnetic environment.
Application scenarios: Short-distance connection between home entertainment and ordinary devices, suitable for daily use.
Optical fiber HDMI:
Transmission method: Data is transmitted in the form of optical signals through optical fiber conductors, relying on the built-in photoelectric conversion module inside the connectors at both ends of the cable to convert electrical signals and optical signals to realize audio and video data transmission between devices.
Advantages:
Ultra-long distance transmission without loss: Supports signal transmission over a distance of 150 meters or even 300 meters, and can still guarantee high resolution (4K, 8K) and high refresh rate (144Hz).
Almost unaffected by electromagnetic interference (EMI), the transmission is stable and reliable.
Lighter and softer, suitable for audio and video access in wall wiring or complex scenes.
Disadvantages:
Compared with ordinary copper wire HDMI, the cost is higher.
Most optical fiber HDMIs are designed for one-way transmission, and the direction of the “Source end” and the “Display end” must be confirmed (now our new detachable 8K Fiber Optic HDMI extension cable can solve this problem. It supports detachable connectors such as HDMI, DP, LC, etc., and only needs to be pre-buried when installing the pre-buried wiring. There is no need to worry about the direction problem. After the cable is installed, just connect the corresponding connector at the corresponding device end, because the data transmission direction of the cable is determined by the connector, and the data will be transmitted from the Source end and received at the Display end).
Application scenarios: high-end home theaters, e-sports rooms, conference rooms, studios, commercial exhibitions, outdoor live events, outdoor LED large-screen billboards and other scenarios that require long-distance high-definition transmission, as well as medical imaging, machine vision and other scenarios that need to avoid electromagnetic radio frequency interference.
Through the classification and understanding of HDMI versions, interface types and materials, you can choose the right HDMI cable according to different needs:
1. Choose the cable according to the HDMI version supported by the device, such as general users choose HDMI 2.0, while high-end users choose HDMI 2.1.
2. According to the type of device interface, confirm whether it is a standard interface (Type A) or a small interface (Type C, Type D) to match the cable.
3. Choose copper wire or fiber HDMI according to the material of the cable:
For ordinary daily connections, use lower-cost copper wire;
For long-distance and high-end applications, it is recommended to choose fiber HDMI.
In different scenarios, choosing the right cable can not only ensure the performance of the device, but also save unnecessary budget investment, and prepare for the use of future technologies (such as 8K or high refresh rate content).
Common core issues
1. Why is there such a big price difference between HDMI cables?
Price difference is a problem that people often encounter, and fiber optic HDMI is more likely to be misunderstood as a “high-priced product”. Let’s first clarify the factors that affect the price and eliminate related misunderstandings:
Source of price difference: The price of HDMI cables is usually determined by brand premium, materials and materials, and manufacturing costs, rather than entirely by actual performance differences. When used over short distances, traditional copper wire HDMI is cheap and its performance can meet basic needs; while fiber optic HDMI is more expensive than traditional copper wire HDMI due to its technical complexity and material cost.
For example:
An ordinary copper wire HDMI cable can meet short-distance (3-5 meters) high-definition video transmission.
Fiber optic HDMI cables are designed to meet ultra-long distance and ultra-high bandwidth requirements. Even if it is 150 meters or even longer than 300 meters, it can still achieve lossless, high-speed 8K high-definition video signal transmission.
The price of fiber-optic HDMI is high not only because of the material or brand, but because it solves the limitations of traditional copper wire HDMI in long-distance transmission and high-performance requirements, and is suitable for professional and high-end scenarios.
2. How to choose a future-proof HDMI cable?
With the rapid upgrading of modern audio-visual equipment technology, consumers are increasingly pursuing high-quality image experience (such as 4K, 8K resolution, dynamic HDR). In order to reduce future update costs, it is very important to choose a “future-proof” HDMI cable.
“Future-proof” features of optical fiber HDMI:
(1) Support HDMI 2.1 standard: Optical fiber HDMI cable fully complies with the latest HDMI 2.1 specifications, has 48Gbps ultra-high bandwidth, and can support 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz resolutions. (2) No loss in long-distance transmission: Compared with copper wire HDMI, the signal effect drops significantly above 10 meters, optical fiber HDMI transmits optical signals, and can still maintain the integrity of high-resolution signals even at a distance of 150 meters or even 300 meters. It is suitable for large space home theater and commercial professional audio and video application scenarios.
(3) Anti-electromagnetic interference: Fiber-optic HDMI cables use optical signal transmission to completely get rid of electromagnetic interference (EMI), and are particularly suitable for complex electromagnetic environments (such as conference rooms, large exhibitions, outdoor wiring, etc.).
Recommendation: Choose fiber-optic HDMI that supports high bandwidth
Even though most current devices are 4K resolution, 8K TVs and screens will become mainstream in the future. High-bandwidth fiber-optic HDMI cables can ensure that users do not need to replace cables when upgrading their devices in the future, saving long-term budgets while meeting ultra-long distance layout requirements.
Common misunderstandings clarified
Myth 1: Expensive HDMI cables must perform better.
As long as ordinary copper wire HDMI supports the same standard (such as 18Gbps Premium High-Speed HDMI), its short-distance transmission performance is not much different from that of expensive copper wire HDMI. However, under the requirements of long-distance and high-performance transmission, fiber-optic HDMI shows irreplaceable unique advantages:
High bandwidth (supports 48Gbps), no signal loss, and no electromagnetic interference.
Even at a distance of 150 meters or longer 300 meters, fiber-optic HDMI can still perfectly support 4K@144Hz or even 8K@60Hz video transmission.
Myth 2: Fiber-optic HDMI cables are only suitable for professional scenarios, not for home users.
The demand for fiber-optic HDMI among home users is growing rapidly:
With the popularity of widescreen TVs and 4K/8K home theaters, many families need to carry out long-distance wiring in the living room or home theater. Ordinary copper wire HDMI can no longer meet these complex scenarios (such as TV wall mounting, projector installation, etc.).
Optical fiber HDMI not only has flexible wiring (lighter and easier to hide), but also ensures the stability of long-distance high-definition transmission, making it the best choice for high-end home needs.
Myth 3: Optical fiber HDMI is expensive and is an unnecessary “luxury”.
For short-distance connection needs (such as about 3 meters), ordinary HDMI is indeed sufficient, but once there is a need for long-distance and high-dynamic picture quality, optical fiber HDMI not only has stronger performance, but also can avoid the trouble of multiple cable replacements in the future.
Scenarios where optical fiber HDMI is more cost-effective: TV to projector (over 5 meters), large conference equipment or high-end gaming experience, efficient transmission of 8K content.
How to choose an HDMI cable that suits you?
1. Choose according to the usage scenario:
1. Ordinary home users (small space environment):
Recommended: Ordinary copper wire HDMI (10.2Gbps or 18Gbps).
Applicable scenarios: Only need to connect ordinary TVs, set-top boxes and other devices over a short distance.
2. Long-distance transmission requirements:
Recommended: Fiber HDMI (Ultra-High-Speed HDMI, supports 48Gbps).
Applicable scenarios: Home audio and video wiring (such as TV to projector), conference room wiring (more than 5 meters), high-end 8K TVs and monitors.
3. Focus on future-proof configuration:
Recommended: Fiber HDMI that supports HDMI 2.1 standard.
Applicable scenarios: High-end users who pursue 8K resolution, dynamic HDR and high refresh rate display, not only meet the current needs, but also adapt to higher-quality equipment in the future.
2. Combine budget with actual needs:
If the budget is limited and the device resolution requirements are relatively basic (such as 1080p or 4K@30Hz), ordinary copper wire HDMI can be used.
For users with long distance and high-quality requirements, fiber HDMI is the best choice. It not only has stable performance, but also avoids repeated investment and insufficient cable performance.
Conclusion
Although HDMI cables seem to have the same functions, they have significant differences in versions, interface types, and materials. Different choices will directly affect the performance of audio and video devices. For ordinary users, copper wire HDMI is an economical choice for short-distance connections; while for high-end users or professional scenarios that require long-distance transmission and pursue high resolution and high refresh rate, fiber optic HDMI is undoubtedly a better solution with its ultra-long-distance lossless transmission and excellent anti-interference ability. When purchasing HDMI cables, you should consider the HDMI version, interface type, and actual usage requirements (such as bandwidth, resolution, and transmission distance) supported by the device, avoid blindly pursuing brands or high specifications, and meet current needs while preparing for future technology upgrades.
FAQ
Q1: How long does fiber optic HDMI support?
A1: Fiber optic HDMI cables usually support a connection distance of 150 meters or even longer than 300 meters without signal loss or quality attenuation, which is more than dozens of times that of traditional copper wire HDMI.
Q2: Can fiber optic HDMI completely replace copper wire HDMI?
A2: For short distances (about 3 meters) or cost-sensitive scenarios, copper wire HDMI is still a reasonable choice. However, in long distances, performance or anti-interference scenarios, fiber optic HDMI is an irreplaceable best solution.
Q3: Why is fiber optic HDMI more expensive than ordinary HDMI?
A3: Fiber optic HDMI uses complex photoelectric signal conversion technology, with higher material and process costs, and solves the problems of long-distance transmission loss and anti-interference, so the price is relatively expensive.
