HDMI cables are essential for connecting many devices such as TVs, monitors, game consoles, soundbars and home cinemas. However, they are often not included in the set, so they must be purchased separately. Many people therefore face the question - how to choose the right HDMI cable? They differ not only in price, but also in length, standard, resolution of the transmitted image and its refresh rate.
Check HDMI cables at the Onninen installation wholesaler
What are the differences between HDMI cables?
First of all, it is worth knowing that HDMI cables differ in standard. The most popular is currently the HDMI 2.1 standard, which appeared on the market in 2017. It has really great possibilities - it is able to transmit images up to 120 frames per second (FPS) in 4K Ultra HD quality, and even in 8K quality at 30 FPS. Before it, the most popular standard was HDMI 2.0 , which is able to transmit images up to 60 FPS.
Most often, HDMI cables are divided into four groups based on data transmission speed:
- HDMI standard providing a transmission speed of 7.92 Gbit/s;
- High Speed HDMI allowing for speeds of 8.16 Gbit/s;
- Premium High Speed HDMI achieving 14.4 Gbit/s;
- Ultra High Speed HDMI transmitting data at 42.6 Gbit/s.
Is it worth choosing an HDMI cable that provides the fastest possible data transfer? It depends primarily on its purpose. The latest generation of game consoles or advanced graphics cards can have high requirements, so in order not to limit their capabilities, it is worth investing in an HDMI 2.1 cable compliant with the latest standard. Choosing a fast HDMI cable will not, however, increase the capabilities of the equipment. HDMI 2.0 cables are designed for TVs and monitors that display the image in the maximum Full HD resolution.
What effect does an HDMI cable have on image quality?
The data transfer speed provided by HDMI cables is important primarily for the displayed image. The four classes of HDMI cables are able to obtain different resolutions visible on the screen.
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The HDMI standard allows you to display the image in maximum Full HD resolution at a refresh rate of 60 Hz ; - High Speed HDMI also allows you to display Full HD resolution at 60 Hz , as well as Ultra HD 4K at 30 Hz ;
- Premium High Speed HDMI is a maximum Ultra HD 4K image resolution at 60 Hz ;
- Ultra High Speed HDMI is capable of displaying 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz .
When choosing an HDMI cable, make sure it doesn't limit the capabilities of your device. Even the latest TV won't display a high-resolution image if the HDMI cable connected to it doesn't allow for a fast enough data transfer. The refresh rate is also important - if your device is capable of displaying an Ultra HD image at 120 Hz, choosing a faster HDMI cable can make a huge difference.
On the other hand, remember that TVs and monitors will not display a higher quality image than their specifications allow, just because of the fast HDMI cable. Models without the ability to display an image in 4K resolution do not need the fastest transfer, so in their case, HDMI High Speed cables are mainly recommended.
What type of HDMI cable is best for my TV?
HDMI cables are most often chosen for TVs. If you are faced with such a choice, start by looking at the specifications of your TV. Pay attention to the maximum display resolution and screen refresh rate, and then choose a cable that does not limit these possibilities. HDMI High Speed and Premium High Speed cables are most often chosen. Ultra High Speed cables are worth their price when used on devices that fully utilize their capabilities.
When choosing an HDMI cable for your TV, also pay attention to the appropriate length. It is recommended to choose the shortest cables possible, taking into account the arrangement of devices in your own home. A longer cable is not only more expensive, but also a slight loss in data transfer speed. It is therefore worth measuring the required cable length before purchasing to enjoy the highest possible image quality and not have any difficulties with aesthetically hiding a too long cable.
HDMI cables at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find a wide selection of HDMI cables, from which you will choose the right model for your TV, monitor, soundbar, projector or game console. Here you will find cables with fast data transfer, which allows you to display the image in Ultra HD quality and at a high refresh rate. What's more, they are available in all possible lengths!
Need a standard HDMI cable for your TV? Take a look at the QOLTEC High Speed 1.3 m HDMI cable , which is long enough to connect devices standing close to each other, without any loss of quality.
Need a longer model? At Onninen you will even find a TECHNISAT High Speed 5 m HDMI cable with gold-plated ends for the best possible and uninterrupted data transfer.
Connectors used in devices such as TVs are sometimes called large HDMI. These are precisely HDMI A ports, the input of which is slightly larger than other types of this type. In some devices, including digital cameras or tablets, Micro HDMI connectors of smaller size are used. And you will find such cables in the Onninen offer, including the HDMI/Micro HDMI QOLTEC 1.5 m cable, ideal for connecting mobile devices.
Onninen also offers less common cables, including DisplayPort, which is often needed to connect monitors. DisplayPort is a connector that gained popularity as providing the fastest image refresh even before the introduction of HDMI 2.1.