An HDMI cable is a powerful tool help enhance the quality of the sound and viewing system. You can easily find it on many technological devices, from TVs, laptops, or game consoles.
This article will give you comprehensive guidance on HDMI cables. We explain its operation and different types of connectors. Let’s read on to know more details!
What Is An HDMI Cable?
HDMI refers to a High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s a proprietary hardware standard; HDMI enables simultaneous digital audio and video transmission from one source.
These cables are the most common way of connecting items to a television or home theater system. They can transmit audio, video, and restricted control signals.
How Does An HDMI Cable Work?
HDMI works by using TMDS (transition-minimized differential signaling) technology to convey data from one place to another.
The TDMS method safeguards data from deterioration as it moves the transmission line downwards from one item to the next.
The transmitting device decreases the number of transitions to encode the data. This feature helps protect the signal’s quality and lowers the risk of degradation.
One of the tangled pairs of wires transmits the signal that is being sent. Meanwhile, the other holds the inverted copy of the data for transmission.
When the HDMI signal reaches the receiving unit, it detects the contrast between the different signals and employs that info to correct transmission loss. That’s how you get high-resolution audio and video.
The HDCP (high-bandwidth digital protection) technology can also secure data from piracy when used with HDMI.
HDMI works by using TMDS technology
HDMI Connector Types
Different connectors work on different types of devices due to their different sizes. Each type serves a unique purpose, mostly depending on the device you are connecting.
The following are some highlights of the various connector types:
Type A
This connector came with the original version and has been the core of the HDMI standard. The Type A connection is the most common among AV equipment customers.
You can find it on a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, satellite devices, recorders, gaming consoles, and much more.
The Type-A connector is the best option when space isn’t a problem because it’s the most durable.
The connector has 19 pins. The exterior measurements of the plug are 13.9 mm x 4.45 mm. Meanwhile, the internal dimensions of the receptacles are 14 mm x 4.55 mm.
Type A is the standard version
Type B
This connector appeared in the market at the same time as Type A. It aimed to transport dual-link DVD-I output.
However, this type is not common because it’s bigger than the single link type.
It has 29 pins and dimensions 21.2 mm x 4.45 mm, delivering six divergent pairings instead of three.
Type C
Type C is the mini version of the cable. It’s a little smaller than the Type A connection, measuring 10.42 x 2.42 mm, but it still has 19 pins.
The mini connector has all the same features as the standard Type-A connector, except for the size.
You can find Type C in a wide range of portable devices. DSLR cameras, video recorders, bigger tablets, and other such devices are examples.
Type D
The Type D connector is highly comparable in size to a micro-USB connector.
The dimensions are only 6.4 x 2.8 mm, and the micro-HDMI preserves the 19 pins of the other connections inside this framework. However, the pin configurations are different.
The micro version primarily works for audio-video communication in portable, compact devices such as cellphones.
The micro version primarily works for portable devices
Type E
The Type E connector works best in automobiles. It came with Version 1.4.
It has a locking mechanism to keep it from shaking off, as well as a covering to keep dirt and humidity out.
A relay connector is also accessible for linking standard cables to the automotive ones, allowing for access to AV devices. This feature is becoming more common.
Pros And Cons Of The HDMI Cable?
The HDMI cable has a set of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s check both sides to understand more about its features.
Benefits
The cable offers a lot of benefits, but here are the most outstanding ones:
- One connection on one plug
Cables feature three connectors on each tip for video transmission and five connectors for audio. HDMI mixes video and audio onto a single cable.
You simply have one item to plugin rather than three to five. Everything you need to watch your favorite shows is on that single cable.
The most recent standard includes an Ethernet line to make connecting Smart TVs and other Internet-connected gadgets easier.
- Resolution
These cables are compatible with high resolution. It means you can receive that beautifully clear high definition image at the highest quality your device would allow.
Component connectors on most gadgets can only handle the resolution of 1080i. The cable may also carry uncompressed data, leading to a higher resolution without sacrificing quality.
Drawbacks
The most significant disadvantage of the cable is the limited distance.
The signal’s delivery mostly depends on the output power of the equipment you are trying to connect to. Hence, the source may limit the distance.
Blu-ray devices, for example, can often broadcast an HD transmission approximately 50 feet away, but laptops and game consoles can only access within a range of 30 feet.
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Final Words
We have shared with you an overview of HDMI cables. They come in different types, depending on what devices you are using them with.
The distance is its drawback; it depends on your device. The benefits still outshine.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. Please share more of your experiences with us in the comments below. Thank you and see you in our next valuable articles!
