HDMI has become the de facto standard for digital transmission of image and sound. However, there are various versions with different scopes of features, and various cables. This will often lead to confusion — this guide unravels the tangled web of HDMI.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is an interface for electronic devices via which video and audio signals can be transmitted digitally with almost no loss of quality. External devices such as receivers, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, media players, games consoles or notebooks are also connected to the TV via a HDMI cable. Peripheral devices obviously also need to have a HDMI socket.
3D and 4K does not work with every version of HDMI
The first version of HDMI, HDMI specification 1.0, was launched in December 2002. Since then a lot has happened — further improved HDMI specifications have been published, offering additional features. HDCP copy protection is integrated in all HDMI versions so that high-quality copies cannot be made.
A total of 11 versions of HDMI have been developed since HDMI was first introduced. For the sake of clarity, we have concentrated on the relevant ones. TV shows and videos in full HD can be transmitted via any version of HDMI.
HDMI version 1.4, available since May 2009, also allows 3D and 4K (successor to HD with 3840 x 2160 pixels) image material to be transmitted. However, HDMI version 2.0, or even the newer version 2.0a, is essential for 3D and for 4K resolution at 50 or 60 Hertz.
HDMI 2.0a also supports the transmission of HDR content. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and refers to high-contrast digital photo recordings which are thus able to present in detail huge differences in brightness.
Compatibility is key
The following applies when connecting two devices via HDMI: If you have different versions of HDMI, you can connect them to each other via a HDMI cable, however, the only features that can be used are those supported by the oldest version of HDMI.
But that’s not all: When purchasing a HDMI cable you must also ensure that it is suitable for the appropriate version of HDMI.
Finding the right HDMI cable
To make it easier for consumers to buy the correct cable, it was stipulated in November 2009 that the version numbers for cables would no longer be used. Instead there are five different types of HDMI cable:
- HDMI Standard. These cables are suitable for the vast majority of HD resolutions, for transmitting high resolution cable and satellite TV as well as up-scaled DVD films, for example. They can transmit at least 2.2 GB/sec.
- HDMI Standard with Ethernet. This cable provides an additional channel for data transmissions. It is suitable for connecting Internet-ready devices such as Blu-ray players and game consoles to an Internet-ready TV. The devices can then share an Internet connection.
- HDMI Standard Automotive. This is a special version for wiring in vehicles.
- HDMI Highspeed. You’ll need this cable if you want to transmit 3D or 4K video material to the TV screen. The rate of data transmission is at least 10.2 GB/sec.
- HDMI Highspeed with Ethernet. Supports the same features such as high-speed HDMI cable, but has the supplementary data channel in addition.
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