In this Article we will discuss the fundamentals of HDMI cables and cover an important topic on quality HDMI cables.

“Are expensive digital HDMI cables better”

- BBC Newsbeat, Iain Mackenzie

So you’re looking to buy a HDMI cable, and you’ve read many confused views on whether to pay for a quality HDMI cable or setlle for the cheaper cousin. After all, all HDMI cables are created equal? Wrong. Let us tell you why.

Whether its your new TV, PS3, New HD receiver, one of the most important investments are the cables that connect it to your TV. Experts believe you should allocate 15% of your total budget on your cables. You want to achieve the highest signal quality levels to ensure crisp quality audio and video. High quality cables produce a crisper sound and clearer picture, they are designed stylishly and last much longer than their cheaper counterparts.

Understanding HDMI Cables

Firstly we will start with a bit of background about HDMI. HDMI is the High Definition Multimedia Interface used to transfer Audio and Video Signals. It is similar to a Scart, Composite or an S-Video interface. High definition video and audio is tramitted through this cable at 340Mhz to give you full HD. This cable carries “high definition” digital signals to your TV.

There are a few things to look our for when choosing the right HDMI cable;

Outer Jacket

The outer jacket protects the cable from EMI interference and plays an important role in the cables ability to deliver crisp audio and video content. The right cables can actually reduce interference caused by other devices and have been through a design process just like your TV or HD receiver.

Companies like PureAV (Owned by Belkin) have researched connectivity solutions for over 20 years and specialise in high-end Audio / Video connectivity. Some of the high end Belkin Silver, White and Black Series cables have a four-layer braided shielding to its outer jacket, in effect reducing EMI interference and maximising conductivity to get the best picture possible.

Surprisingly, electrical interferences can come from anywhere, including your HDMI player itself, or appliances like microwaves, ovens hairdryers or nearby power lines. High quality HDMI cables protect your home theatre system from interferences that would affect picture quality.

As an experiment, we tried a set of plyers to cut open a Belkin PureAV Silver Series HDMI cable (Pictured above). The Tripple shielded cable remained unharmed and we were unable to rip through the outer jacket of the cable!

Outer jacket not only protects your cable from plyers, but also from interference, and damage when sqeezed inside trunking with other cabling or when bending the cable around tight corners.

A few companies also manufacture Flat HDMI cables, these are perfect for use inside trunking.

Type of Copper used in the cable

The type of copper used in the cabling plays an important role in audio and video quality. Cheap copper substitutes cause interference, lag and deteriorate sound and picture quality. Over greater lengths, cheaper cables can often show “ghosting” effects and deliver imperfect picture and sound. HDMI cables such as the Belkin PureAV 5m HDMI are constructed from a Precision-Formulated, Polyethylene Dielectric Material allowing stronger signals that yield superior sonic and video accuracy. The PureAV HDMI cable can stretch distances of over 10m with no quality loss.

Conductors are constructed from 99.99% Oxygen Free High-Conductivity (OFHC) Copper Conductors, improving bandwidth and drastically reducing signal distortion for unrivalled image and sound quality. Over a period of time, Non-OFC cables will oxidise, increasing resistance to electrical signals, degrading picture and sound quality.

HDMI Cable Connectors

Design and engineering principles play a great part in overall cable throughput. There is over 20 years engineering processes behind cables such as the Belkin PureAV 5m HDMI and include Integrated Straight Relief, protecting the cable against additional wire damage for consistently high quality audio and video.

On cheaper cables, the manufacturing process of adding connectors to the cable is cheap and tends to introduce interference to the cable.

Check if the cable you are buying is HDMI Certified

HDMI Compliance Test Certification requires HDMI cables to be certified by the manufacturer before they are able to bear the “HDMI” logo. There are many untested cables in the market, bearing the HDMI logo, which HDMI Licensing, LLC actively investigate. HDMI Licensing, LLC recommends using a reputable source and a brand that is trusted.

HDMI Licensing, LLC recommends using a reputable source and a brand that is trusted

Check the HDMI Version of the cable you are buying

HDMI has been around since 2002. Since then, things have evolved. Panasonic unveiled its first 3D TV in 2008, with vendors like Sony, LG, Phillips and Samsung releasing their 3D TV’s as we speak or later this year.

Look for version support label on your cable (and device) and make sure the cable stretches to version 1.3a which will provide you with the latest that HDMI currently has to offer. For instance, a PS3 supports HDMI 1.3a, giving you extra features and video enhancement capability;

• Deep Color technology, including 30, 36, and 46-bit color support
• Lossless digital audio support (Dolby HD and DTS-HD)
• Auto Lip Sync technology
• New commands for HD
• 3D Over HDMI

To take advantage of the latest video enhancement offered by devices like the PS3 and other blu-ray players, you will need a hdmi cable capable of supporting HDMI 1.3a. Latest HDMI technology supports Deep Color, taking high definition beyond human viewing capabilities.

Table taken from HDMI, Wikipedia, February 2010.

HDMI Cable Comparison Chart

* Only Dual-Link DVI cables deliver 1080p

Do gold connectors matter?

Gold is a better conductor than copper and protects the cable connectors and socket from signal deterioration through corrosion. As you want the best signal quality and throughput, you want 24k gold plated connectors to create precise contact for low signal loss. You want the cable to allow for the maximum throughput and signal enhancement.

Simply put, the best components get the best results, and especially for HDMI, you want to best picture and crispest sound.

“you wouldn’t buy a Porsche and run it on cheap tyres, don’t buy an expensive home theatre system and connect it with cheap HDMI cables”

Don’t take our word for it, try a cable and experience crisp, quality audio and video for yourself!

Here are some of the best HDMI Cables at low prices made for your home theatre system;

Belkin PureAV Flat HDMI Audio Video Cable – 5m - Flat cable to fit into the tight trunking, rated 1.3a

Belkin PureAV Silver Series HDMI Audio Video Cable 5m – Silver Series tripple shielded HDMI 1.3a

Jason Mills, Techdna.co.uk