http://www.qualitycables.com.au/ The current de facto standard for connecting digital media components is the HDMI cable. Several versions have been created with each using the same format but progressively allow for more advanced capabilities as the need for greater data transfer rates is required.

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2.  The current de facto standard for connecting
digital media components is the HDMI cable.
Several versions have been created with each
using the same format but progressively allow
for more advanced capabilities as the need for
greater data transfer rates is required. The
original specifications for the connectors are
still being used but over time smaller
connectors have also been introduced.

3.  The original intention was to create a
connection that was backward compatible with
DVI which was the standard for HDTV in 2002.
They are still electronically compatible and you
can connect a PC to an HD screen using an
asymmetric cable or and adaptor. DVI does not
allow for the audio channel however and a
standard connection will have to be used for
sound.

4.  The video, audio and auxiliary information are
all carried on the same channels in an HDMI
cable. There are separate channels for other
function such as determining which formats
different devices support. All of the
components can be controlled using a single
remote if the systems are compatible using the
Consumer Electronics control.

5.  The different versions that have been release
are broadly categorized as 1.0 to 1.4. They are
no longer defined by the version number on
parts and components however and in order to
see if an HDMI cable is compatible with your
requirements it will have the bit rate and
supported features listed. From the start they
have been capable of supporting Blu-ray and
HD DVD but the latest can handle 3D and 4K x
2K resolution. It also has a channel for Ethernet
and audio return.

6.  The original connector is the type A with 19
pins and a flat steel plug similar to USB. Newer
types have been made smaller but still have the
same number of pins. Type B is not in use by
any system yet but it has 29 pins and twice the
bit rate so it might come in to use in the future.

7.  A mini connector which is now standard on all
digital video recorders is known as Type C.
Even smaller than that is the Type D that is
found on portable devices such as tablet
computers and Type E is for automotive
applications.

8.  HDMI cable come in standard lengths and are
usually quite short because of the low power
signal. If greater length is required then a high
speed cable which has less resistance might be
sufficient. To increase the length of a standard
cable a booster can be added which will be
powered by 5V that is supplied by the power
channel.

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