The HDMI cable has come to replace most of the cables you would have seen with your old TVs. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) allows you to connect two HDMI-compatible devices to transmit information such as video and audio between them. It’s the standard choice among high-definition televisions (HDTVs).
This type of connector was developed in 2002, with the intention of creating an audio-video (AV) connector backwards compatible with the digital visual interface (DVI). Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson, RCA and Toshiba started the development of this technology and are known as its founders.
The founders established the HDMI Forum on October 25, 2011, which now serves as the center for the development of the HDMI specification. We see more and more gadgets adopting this transmission. There are different types of HDMI connectors. However, they are all used today to replace analog video standards.
DVI does not require a license to interface with HDMI. Companies must apply for an HDMI license through the HDMI LLC to incorporate this technology into their products. This is because the HDMI specification is not an open standard.
Companies pay a fee to become HDMI adopters, which gives them access to many rights, but most importantly to the Conformance Test Specification (CTS). The CTS is essential for the compliance and certification of all HDMI-compliant products so that they can be sold legally.
In this article, you will learn all about HDMI cables and their features. Armed with this information, you will be able to get the most out of your digital gadgets!
What is an HDMI interface?
The HDMI interface lets you send high-resolution digital video, with cinema-quality sound and device controls. Unlike older AV cables, such as composite cables that separate audio and video signals into individual lines, the HDMI interface uses a single cable to pass the signal through the connector.
What is an HDMI connector?
HDMI connectors are the ends and ports through which the cable connects two separate devices. They are of male and female type. Usually, male connectors are found at the ends of the cable, while female connectors are recessed into devices as ports.
Passive HDMI cable: The majority of HDMI cables used are passive cables that allow the transfer of information in both directions. So you can connect either end to an HDMI input or output connection. You can expect stable connections up to 4.5 meters with these cables.
Directional cables
Active (Amplified) HDMI Cable: Longer lengths of HDMI cable require additional amplification for reliable signal transfer. This can be achieved using an active HDMI cable that has built-in amplifier circuitry with a connection head.
Although these cables work with internal power, some may come with cables for connecting to a USB power source or AC adapter
Optical HDMI Cable: These HDMI cables use fiber optic cables to transfer video and audio signals. They are very thin and allow signals to be transferred reliably over long distances without any external power supply.
What are the different formats of HDMI connectors? I don’t have a place to plug in my HDMI cable directly, what should I do?
The standard HDMI cable has a male connector at each end of the cable. Although in most situations this provides comfortable use, it can be difficult to use when space is limited.
In cases where the cable is at risk of being bent, you can opt for a right angle HDMI connector. These connectors are ideal when the devices are too close to walls or other immovable objects, or when the normal cable must be strongly bent.
You can also find right angle adapters. However, they are not an ideal choice as they add extra wiring and may not be as secure.
How many types of HDMI ports are there?
The HDMI connection between two devices is made through the associated ports and cables. As we mentioned above, there are 5 types of connectors; therefore, there are 5 types of HDMI ports. However, the vast majority of devices come with Standard, Mini, and Micro ports.
Can HDMI connections be combined with non-HDMI connections? How to connect different HDMI connectors
HDMI adapters or cables can be used to create connections between HDMI connectors of different types and even other non-HDMI interfaces. They give you the ability to enjoy consistent HDMI capabilities at both ends.
How do I connect multiple game consoles to my TV? How do I connect multiple devices to a single HDMI port?
HDMI swiches can be used to connect multiple HDMI connectors to a single HDMI port. These gadgets have multiple input ports and a single output to a screen. They can also be found with remote controls to switch between the different inputs.
Likewise, when you want to display on multiple screens from a single source device, you can use an HDMI splitter to do so. You can learn more in our article on connecting older game consoles with an HDMI cable .