Types of HDMI cables and their features!

by Waseem S on November 12, 2022

It is important to know that the term HDMI cable really refers to a data transmission standard rather than to the connector itself. There are various types of HDMI cables for various purposes, some capable of faster data transmission speeds (in Gbps). Premium high-speed HDMI cables take things a step further, supporting video transfers at 4K resolution (also known as UltraHD), along with support for HDR content and expanded colour ranges. High-Speed HDMI cables also incorporate display technologies like 3D and Deep Color.

 

What is HDMI cables?

HDMI cables are a type of cable that is typically used to connect an electronic device, such as a television, to a digital audio/video (A/V) source, such as a set-top box or a digital video recorder. HDMI cables are able to transmit uncompressed digital audio and video signals and are, therefore, more reliable and faster than traditional cables.

 

Types of HDMI cables:

Vibe High-Performance HDMI Cable

There are a different types of HDMI cables, and you need to figure out the one you need. Here's a list of the most common types of HDMI cables and what they're used for:

 

Standard HDMI Cable:   

It is the most common HDMI cable and is used for connecting HDTVs to Blu-ray players, game consoles, and other devices.

 

High-Speed HDMI Cable:

This type of HDMI cable is designed for use with devices that support 4K video, such as 4K TVs and Blu-ray players. It offers a higher bandwidth than a standard HDMI cable and is capable of handling 4K video at 60fps.

 

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable:

This is the newest type of HDMI cable on the market and is designed for use with 8K TVs and other future devices that will support higher resolutions and frame rates. It offers the highest bandwidth of any HDMI cable and is capable of handling 8K video at 120fps.

 

Types of HDMI end connectors:

There are several types of HDMI end connectors, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here, we'll take a look at the most popular types so that you can make a decision about which one is right as per your needs.

 

Type A


Type-A HDMI Cables

Type A connectors are the most popular type of HDMI connector used widely. They are compatible with all HDMI-enabled devices, including Blu-ray players, HDTVs, and home theatre receivers. Type A connectors are also the only type that can be used with HDMI cables that have Ethernet capabilities.

The standard, or Type-A, plug is an HDMI cable used for source devices, which allows a gaming console to be connected to a monitor or a Blu-ray player to be connected to a TV. The Mini end connects to your device, and the second end of the cable is a standard plug, which you can use with your monitor, computer, or video projector.

Like the Mini plug, the other end of this cable will have the standard plug. This cable is connected to a display/video-sink device using any one of the HDMI's native connectors. Instead of having two separate Ethernet cables to run, one to an Internet-capable display and one to the game console, the connection is shared between two components connected via the same cable.

 

Type B

 

Type B connectors are less popular than Type A, but they offer a few advantages. They are compatible with all HDMI-enabled devices, but they offer higher data transfer rates than Type-A connectors. This means that they can support higher resolutions and frame rates. Type B connectors are also capable of carrying a 3D video signal.

The speed of a single link outpaced that of the previous dual link with the release of HDMI 1.3. Hence the connector has never been used in goods. There has never been a need for it because the connector is larger than the single link standard type.

 

Type C

 Type-C HDMI cables

HDMI Type C end connectors are the next generation of HDMI connectors. They are smaller, more durable, and offer higher bandwidth than previous HDMI connectors. Type C connectors are also reversible, so you don't have to worry about which way they're plugged in.

The DDC/CEC Ground is allocated to Pin 13 instead of Pin 17, also the CEC is allocated to Pin 14 instead of Pin 13, and lastly the reserved pin is now Pin 17 rather than Pin 14. There are also changes to the mini-HDMI connector connection arrangement. All positive differential pair signals are now switched with their corresponding shield.

 

Although a type A to type C cable or adapter is required, the HDMI Type C connector can be linked to a type A connector.

 

Type D

 Type-D HDMI Cables

HDMI type D end connectors are one of the most popular types of HDMI connectors on the market. They are lightweight, small, and easy to use. They are also compatible with a variety of different devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.

They are smaller than a micro-USB connector overall and smaller than a type A plug or socket, type D micro HDMI connectors have dimensions of just 5.83 mm by 2.20 mm. Specifically for audio-video communication in tiny, extremely portable devices like mobile phones, Type D was designed.

 

Type E

HDMI-type E-end connectors are the newest and most advanced type of HDMI connector. They offer the highest quality connection possible. Type E connectors are also the most expensive.

It features a locking latch to stop it from vibrating loose, as well as a casing to help keep out dirt and moisture. Additionally, a relay connector is offered to enable an interface to consumer AV devices, which is happening more frequently by connecting ordinary consumer cables to automotive ones.

 

Male and Female HDMI

All HDMI ports on devices, including outputs and inputs, are labelled as female. Meanwhile, male tips on both ends of a conventional HDMI cable fit into female ports. Extension cables, on the other hand, feature a male tip on one end & a female port on the other, which allows you to connect a normal cable to the extension cable's end.

 

Conclusion

There are a variety of HDMI cables available in the market, each with its own features and benefits. The most important factor in choosing the right HDMI cable is the compatibility of the cable with the devices you are using. Other factors to consider are the cable length and the type of content you will be streaming.

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