{"id":90,"date":"2022-12-01T09:24:58","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T09:24:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avcomblog.kinsta.cloud\/?p=90"},"modified":"2026-01-20T17:12:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T17:12:37","slug":"hdmi-cables-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"HDMI Cables: Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#What_does_HDMI_stand_for\" >What does HDMI stand for?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#Are_all_HDMI_cables_the_same\" >Are all HDMI cables the same?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#Cable_Speed_Bandwidth\" >Cable Speed &amp; Bandwidth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#How_long_can_an_HDMI_Cable_be\" >How long can an HDMI Cable be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#Be_Aware_of_Handshake_Issues\" >Be Aware of Handshake Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#Our_Advice\" >Our Advice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/#Which_HDMI_cable_to_buy%E2%80%A6\" >Which HDMI cable to buy&#8230;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Despite landing on the home entertainment market back in 2002 as a single-cable solution for all your audio and visual needs, <strong>HDMI cables<\/strong> are still a source of confusion for many customers today. But never fear! We &#8216;techsperts&#8217; at <strong>AV.com<\/strong> have imparted cable wisdom into this HDMI guide. We&#8217;ll help you understand the <strong>basics of HDMI<\/strong> as well as target <strong>common connectivity issues<\/strong> you may encounter. By the end, we&#8217;re confident you&#8217;ll have a better idea of <strong>which HDMI cable to buy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>So, what are HDMI cables and how can you make sure to select the right one for your needs?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What Does HDMI Stand For?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_HDMI_stand_for\"><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">What does HDMI stand for?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HDMI, which stands for <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>High-Definition Multimedia Interface<\/strong>, facilitates the transmission of both <strong>video and audio<\/strong> in one single cable. This simplifies the installation of home entertainment set-ups while reducing the clutter of cables behind your TV. HDMI also provides a significant improvement to picture quality when compared to older mediums. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Less commonly known is HDMI&#8217;s impact on audio quality. Those of you with a keen eye may have noticed that the most high-end HDMI cables on the market are all manufactured by luxury Hi-Fi cable brands like <\/span><strong><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/chord-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chord<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/qed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">QED<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">. T<span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW91909827 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">he quality of materials used inside their premium cables <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">results in significantly enhanced audio quality.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\"> So much so, that premium HDMI audio could be a whole blog of its own. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW91909827 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">In the meantime, read on for an overview of<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\"> HDMI cable<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\"> characteristics and how these impact the average home-audio-visual <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">enthusiast.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW91909827 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Are All HDMI Cables the Same?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_all_HDMI_cables_the_same\"><\/span>Are all HDMI cables the same?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\" data-wp-editing=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-47951 alignright size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/QED-HDMI-cable-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"QED HDMI cable\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>In short, no: not all HDMI cables are the same. There are three main <strong>versions<\/strong> of HDMI cable that you will come across today, each allowing a different <strong>maximum picture quality<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first is <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>HDMI 1.4<\/strong>, which was introduced at the advent of high-definition video mode, 1080p. Following this was <strong>HDMI 2.0<\/strong>, compatible with a maximum resolution of 4K. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Finally, the most recent update to HDMI specifications was <strong>HDMI 2.1<\/strong>. This brought about the possibility of transmitting 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz for higher resolutions and impressive response rates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Consequently, if you wish to game in 4K at a refresh rate of 120Hz, you must use an HDMI cable with version 2.1 specifications. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An HDMI cable of version 2.0 or lower does not have the <strong>bandwidth<\/strong> capability to carry such large amounts of data.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Cable Speed and Bandwidth&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cable_Speed_Bandwidth\"><\/span>Cable Speed &amp; Bandwidth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-47950 alignright size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chord-Shawline-cable-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Chord Shawline cable\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>On the subject of bandwidth, this is another factor to look out for when selecting an HDMI cable. In basic terms, <strong>bandwidth<\/strong> is the volume of data that can be transferred per unit of time. This typically runs in tandem with the HDMI specifications laid out above. Therefore, HDMI 1.4 has a bandwidth of <strong>10.2Gbps<\/strong>; HDMI 2.0 has a bandwidth of <strong>18Gbps + 24gbps<\/strong>; and HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth of <strong>48<\/strong><\/span><strong>Gbp<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>s<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your objective is to carry 4K content from a <strong>Blu Ray player<\/strong> to your <strong>4K enabled TV<\/strong>, then you must use an HDMI cable with a bandwidth of at least 18Gbps. Otherwise, your endeavours to achie<\/span>ve 4K with Blu Ray will not succeed.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Typically, the <strong>ports<\/strong> on your AV products will be referred to by their HDMI version number<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">i.e., 1.4, 2.0, or 2.1<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">and the <strong>cables<\/strong> themselves will be referred to by their maximum bandwidth<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">i.e., 10.2, 18, or 48Gbps. This is because the <strong>TV <\/strong><\/span><strong>port<\/strong> <span data-contrast=\"none\">enables resolution and frame rate upgrades while the <strong>bandwidth<\/strong> simply certifies a cable&#8217;s ability to carry data from one end to another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How Long Can an HDMI Cable Be?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_an_HDMI_Cable_be\"><\/span>How long can an HDMI Cable be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-100 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/HDMI-Explained-by-AV.com-HDMI-Cable-Length-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"HDMI Explained. What are handshake issues?\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/b><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The next factor is <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">perhaps the most likely to catch customers out when setting up HDMI connections and it concerns <strong>cable length<\/strong> <strong>and relative quality<\/strong>. If you have tried to run <strong>long HDMI<\/strong> cables throughout your home only to find no picture transmitted when you finish, here is what could be going wrong. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This issue is commonly a result of the <strong>High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection protocol<\/strong> (HDCP2.2) built into HDMI cables and all other authorised 4K-enabled AV products. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>HDCP2.2<\/strong> protects intellectual property and prevents the illegal recording of copyrighted material. It works by detecting and suspending transmissions between the source output and a connected recording device.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">So <strong>how long can an HDMI cable be<\/strong> before this becomes an issue? In our experience,<strong> the longer the HDMI cable is, the better the cable quality needs to be<\/strong>. High-end cables are more likely to recognise when the HDCP2.2 protocol is being met, thereby performing better over long distances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">With that said, please be aware that HDMI is only <strong>guaranteed to a length of 5 metres<\/strong>.<span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW139885612 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139885612 BCX8\"> While cables longer than 5 metres are abundantly available on the market, creating them presents a design challenge to manufacturers.<\/span><\/span> Extending HDMI cables requires more material and a <strong>stronger signal<\/strong> to carry data end to end. It also requires that the <strong>HDCP2.2 protocols<\/strong> are correctly implemented across a longer distance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">High-end HDMI cable brands tackle such a design challenge by <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">introducing <strong>relays<\/strong> down the run of the cable. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">These relays provide a<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span>boost to the signal and ensure that full bandwidth and copyright protection protocols are achieved from end to end. In doing so, premium cable manufacturers <span data-contrast=\"none\">reduce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> the occurrence of what are referred to as \u2018<strong>handshake issues<\/strong>&#8216;&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Be Aware of Handshake Issues&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Aware_of_Handshake_Issues\"><\/span>Be Aware of Handshake Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Handshake issues<\/strong> are <strong>interfacing disagreements<\/strong> between different AV products. For example, your 4K-enabled AV receiver may detect insufficient fulfilment of HDCP2.2 protocols somewhere along the length of your 20-metre HDMI cable. As a result, the device will introduce a <strong>black screen<\/strong> (or intermittently flicker with black every few seconds) to interrupt the consistent stream of 4K content.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This issue can occur when an older cable develops weaknesses along its length or when a new cable has been insufficiently manufactured. To further complicate matters, the rules and norms surrounding this protocol are not always a given. One AV product might have stricter criteria for creating a successful handshake than another. Therefore, results may vary.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While these issues caused by HDCP2.2 protocols can have frustrating implications for the average AV enthusiast, they are crucial for upholding and protecting the intellectual property rights of artists and creators. For the best chance of <strong>avoiding handshake issues<\/strong> during the set-up and configuration of a new system, we highly recommend selecting a <strong>premium HDMI cable<\/strong> from a reputable manufacturer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Our Advice&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Advice\"><\/span>Our Advice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our closing advice to you is this: always be prepared to try a different HDMI cable. Due to <strong>nuances in cable design<\/strong> and manufacture, results can vary. If your new cable is not working, it could be the result of a <strong>handshake issue<\/strong> or <strong>insufficient bandwidth<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For the best results, make sure to connect and <strong>test your AV system<\/strong> fully before running cables through your walls. This means you can rule out any of your individual devices and displays as culprits when a connectivity issue arises. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As a general rule of thumb, you will give yourself the best chance of connectivity success when you buy the highest specification and quality of cable. In doing so there is the added benefit of <strong>futureproofing your system<\/strong> for whatever technology may come next. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ultimately, we hope this helps you identify the key differences between HDMI cables. We&#8217;re confident that if you follow the principles outlined above, you will pick the right cable for your unique AV setup. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, if you are still at all unsure, you can&#8217;t go wrong with any of the <strong>recommendations<\/strong> below&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Which HDMI Cable To Buy?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_HDMI_cable_to_buy%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Which HDMI cable to buy&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Best all-rounder: <a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Chord-C-view-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4OO5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chord C-view HDMI Cable<\/a> (1.5m)<\/p>\n<p>Best for gaming: <a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Chord-Clearway-8K-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4PBB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chord Clearway 8K HDMI Cable<\/a> (1.5m)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Best on a budget: <a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/QED-Performance-Ultra-High-Speed-HDMI-21-Cable-15m\/4IJ5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">QED Performance Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable<\/a> (1.5m)<\/p>\n<p>Best for audio quality: <a class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Chord-Shawline-HDMI-AOC-8k-48Gbps-Cable-2m\/4QWY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chord Shawline HDMI AOC 8k (48Gbps) Cable<\/a> (2m)<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">Best for long cable runs: <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW88449493 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/QED-Performance-Active-UHD-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4FAO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">QED Performance Active UHD HDMI Cable 15m at AV.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">(1<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">5 m)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW88449493 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are HDMI cables and how can you make sure to select the right one for your needs? HDMI, which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, facilitates the transmission of both video and audio in one single cable. This simplifies the installation of home entertainment set-ups while reducing the clutter of cables behind your TV. There are three main versions of HDMI cable that you will come across today, each allowing a different maximum picture quality. Read more about HDMI from the experts at AV.com&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":108,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h3>HDMI: Explained<\/h3><p>Despite landing on the home entertainment market back in 2002 as a single-cable solution for all your audio and visual needs, HDMI cables are still a source of confusion for many customers today. So, what are HDMI cables and how can you make sure to select the right one for your needs? <span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HDMI, which stands for <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">High-Definition Multimedia Interface, facilitates the transmission of both video and audio in one single cable. This simplifies the installation of home entertainment set-ups while reducing the clutter of cables behind your TV. HDMI also provides a significant improvement to picture quality when compared to older mediums. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Less commonly known is HDMI's impact on audio quality. Those of you with a keen eye may have noticed that the most high-end HDMI cables on the market are all manufactured by luxury Hi-Fi cable brands like Chord and AudioQuest. T<span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW91909827 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">he quality of materials used inside their premium cables <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">results in significantly enhanced audio quality.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\"> So much so, that premium HDMI audio could be a whole blog of its own. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW91909827 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">In the meantime, this blog breaks down <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">the most important characteristics of the HDMI cable<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\"> and what these mean for the average home-audio-visual <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91909827 BCX8\">enthusiast.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW91909827 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">HDMI Changes Through the Years<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first thing to note is that not all HDMI cables are the same. There are three main versions of HDMI cable that you will come across today, each allowing a different maximum picture quality. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first is <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">HDMI 1.4, which was introduced at the advent of high-definition video mode, 1080p. Following this was HDMI 2.0, compatible with a maximum resolution of 4K. Finally, the most recent update to HDMI specifications was HDMI 2.1. This brought about the possibility of transmitting 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz for higher resolutions and impressive response rates.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Consequently, if you wish to game in 4K at a refresh rate of 120Hz, you must use an HDMI cable with version 2.1 specifications. An HDMI cable of version 2.0 or lower does not have the bandwidth capability to carry such large amounts of data. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-97 alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/avcomblog.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/HDMI-Explained-by-AV.com-HDMI-Versions-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/h3><hr \/><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cable Speed & Bandwidth<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On the subject of bandwidth, this is the second factor to look out for when selecting an HDMI cable. In basic terms, bandwidth is the volume of data that can be transferred per unit of time. This typically runs in tandem with the HDMI specifications laid out above. Therefore, HDMI 1.4 has a bandwidth of 10.2Gbps; HDMI 2.0 has a bandwidth of 18Gbps + 24gbps; and HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth of 48<\/span>Gbp<span data-contrast=\"none\">s.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your objective is to carry 4K content from a Blu Ray player to your 4K enabled TV, then you must use an HDMI cable with a bandwidth of at least 18Gbps. Otherwise, your endeavours to achie<\/span>ve 4K with Blu Ray will not succeed.<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Typically, the ports on your AV products will be referred to by their HDMI version number<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">i.e., 1.4, 2.0, or 2.1<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">and the cables themselves will be referred to by their maximum bandwidth<\/span>\u2014<span data-contrast=\"none\">i.e., 10.2, 18, or 48Gbps. This is because the TV <\/span>port <span data-contrast=\"none\">enables resolution and frame rate upgrades while the bandwidth simply certifies a cable's ability to carry data from one end to another.\u00a0<\/span><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-96 alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/avcomblog.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/HDMI-Explained-by-AV.com-Bandwidth-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Content Protection\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The third HDMI characteristic to be aware of is perhaps the most likely to catch customers out while setting up their HDMI connections. If you have tried to run long HDMI cables throughout your home only to find no picture is transmitted when you finish, here is what could be going wrong. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This issue is commonly a result of the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection protocol (HDCP2.2) built into HDMI cables and all other authorised 4K-enabled AV products. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The intention of this protocol is to prevent us from taking the output of a source device (e.g., Sky Q or a Blu-ray player) and connecting it to a recording device with the intent to make a copy. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In our experience, the longer the HDMI cable is, the better the cable quality needs to be. High-end cables are more likely to recognise when the HDCP2.2 protocol is being met, thereby performing better over long distances. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">With that said, please be aware that HDMI is only guaranteed to a length of 5 metres.<span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW139885612 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW139885612 BCX8\"> While cables longer than 5 metres are available on the market, creating them presents a design challenge to the manufacturers.<\/span><\/span> This challenge is often accepted by high-end brands who <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">introduce relays down the run of the cable. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Such relays provide a<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span>boost to the signal and ensure that full bandwidth and copyright protection protocols are achieved from end to end. In doing so, cable manufacturers <span data-contrast=\"none\">reduce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> the occurrence of what are referred to as \u2018handshake issues'.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be Aware of Handshake Issues<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Handshake issues are interfacing disagreements between different AV products. For example, your 4K-enabled AV receiver may detect insufficient fulfilment of HDCP2.2 protocols somewhere along the length of your 20-metre HDMI cable. As a result, the device will introduce a black screen (or intermittently flicker with black every few seconds) to interrupt the consistent stream of 4K content.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>This issue can occur when an older cable develops weaknesses along its length or when a new cable has been insufficiently manufactured. To further complicate matters, the rules and norms surrounding this protocol are not always a given. One AV product might have stricter criteria for creating a successful handshake than another. Therefore, results may vary.<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While these issues caused by HDCP2.2 protocols can have frustrating implications for the average AV enthusiast, they are crucial for upholding and protecting the intellectual property rights of artists and creators. For the best chance of avoiding handshake issues during the set-up and configuration of a new system, I highly recommend selecting a premium HDMI cable from a reputable manufacturer.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><strong>Our Advice<\/strong><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">My closing advice to you is this: always be prepared to try a different HDMI cable. Due to nuances in cable design and manufacture, results can vary. If your new cable is not working, it could be the result of a handshake issue or insufficient bandwidth.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For the best results, make sure to connect and test your AV system fully before running cables through your walls. This means you can rule out any of your individual devices and displays as culprits when a connectivity issue arises. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As a general rule of thumb, you will give yourself the best chance of connectivity success when you buy the highest specification and quality of cable. In doing so there is the added benefit of futureproofing your system for whatever technology may come next. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ultimately, I hope this helps you identify the key differences between HDMI cables. I am confident that if you follow the principles outlined above, you will pick the right cable for your unique AV setup. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, if you are still at all unsure, you can't go wrong with any of the recommendations below:<\/span><\/p><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Recommended HDMI Cables:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best all round - <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/AudioQuest-Pearl-48Gbps-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-2m\/4HN9\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/AudioQuest-Pearl-48Gbps-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-2m\/4HN9<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best for gaming - <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Chord-Clearway-8K-HDMI-Cable-2m\/4PBG\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Chord-Clearway-8K-HDMI-Cable-2m\/4PBG<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best budget - <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/AudioQuest-BlueBerry-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-1m\/4HN1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/AudioQuest-BlueBerry-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-1m\/4HN1<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best audio quality - <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Audioquest-Vodka-eARC-48Gbps-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4HO0\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/Audioquest-Vodka-eARC-48Gbps-High-Speed-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4HO0<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">Best for long cable runs -\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW88449493 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Cables\/QED-Performance-Active-UHD-HDMI-Cable-15m\/4FAO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">QED Performance Active UHD HDMI Cable 15m at AV.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">(1<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW88449493 BCX8\">5m)<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW88449493 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,75,73,51,139],"tags":[108],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-guides-cables","category-cables","category-accessories-guides","category-guides-2","tag-blog-category-guides-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>HDMI Cables: Explained - AV.com Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Unsure what HDMI cables are right for you? In &#039;HDMI: Explained&#039;, our techspert breaks down HDMI cable types and common issues to avoid.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/hdmi-cables-explained\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"HDMI Cables: Explained - AV.com Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Unsure what HDMI cables are right for you? 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