Cables & Leads
We get asked all kinds of questions about HDMI cables day in day out, so we have decided to put together this useful HDMI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) article to help answer some of your questions.
If you cannot find the answer to your HDMI questions, feel free to post a comment at the bottom of the article and we will add it to to our FAQs’. Alternatively why not give us a call on 0845 009 9134 and speak to one of our technicians.
What is HDMI?
HDMI is the industry standard for connecting high definition devices such as Sky HD box’s and Blu-Ray players to high definition TV’s & screens.
What does HDMI stand for?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.
What is a HDMI input on a TV?
A HDMI input on a TV is an interface for connecting High Definition devices such as SKY HD box’s and Blu-Ray players.
What is the difference between DVI and HDMI?
Both DVI & HDMI are used for delivering High Definition signals; however the main difference is that DVI will only deliver Video Signals, it will not deliver audio signals, whereas HDMI delivers both. As a result of this their main uses are varied. HDMI cables are used for TV devices whilst DVI tends to be used more for computer monitors and displays.
What is better HDMI or DVI?
Both HDMI & DVI support High Definition resolutions, however DVI cannot distribute sound. HDMI’s ability to support both sound and video makes it the more versatile of the 2, and the preferred choice amongst professionals.
What is the best HDMI cable?
There is a lot of confusion about whether you should spend a lot of money on a high quality HDMI cable or whether a cheap cable would be just as good. To help answer this question we have written an article about choosing the right HDMI cable. Click Here To Read “Why HDMI Doesn’t Have To Cost As Much As You Think”
Are all HDMI cables the same?
The functionality of HDMI cables remains the same throughout. This is because HDMI uses a digital signal, so the signal is either on or off. The quality of that signal cannot vary like analogue signals can. There are 2 main aspects that can change from cable to cable. The first is the speed at which the cable delivers the signal, and the second is the quality of the components used to manufacture the cable. The more expensive HDMI cables tend to run at higher speeds and use more expensive components.
Why use a HDMI cable?
HDMI cables are a very inexpensive way of delivering a High Definition signal. Their cost effectiveness means that they are the perfect way of connecting High Definition Devices to TV screens.
Who makes the best HDMI cable?
Although this is down to personal choice, Monster Cables are widely regarded as being the market leaders in high end HDMI Cables.
Do I need a HDMI Cable?
It all depends on what you are looking to connect and what kind of quality you are looking to achieve. Because this is such an open question, we feel the best way to answer this would be on an individual basis, so why not give us a call and speak to one of our technicians on 0845 009 9134
What are HDMI cables used for?
HDMI Cables are used for connecting High Definition devices to High Definition Display’s like TV’s. Some of these devices include Sky HD boxes, DVD players, set top receivers, Blu-Ray players, and games consoles.
Are Flat HDMI cables better than round ones?
No. There is no difference in the quality these 2 cables deliver; the only difference between them is cosmetic.
Does HDMI deliver 7.1 sound?
Yes as long as the device you are connecting from outputs 7.1 via HDMI. For example SKY HD boxes only output stereo sound via HDMI, if you want digital sound you need to output you sound via an optical cable.
Can I run a laptop through the TV using HDMI?
Yes! We have even written an article about how to do this. Click Here To Read “How to Connect a Laptop to a TV”
What is HDMI 1.3?
HDMI 1.3 is an industry standard. It was released on the 22nd June 2006 and supported a higher bandwidth of 340 MHz (10.2 Gbit/s) than the previous 1.2 standard. Most cables manufactured these days support HDMI 1.3.
What is the maximum distance HDMI Cables can go?
HDMI can travel to around 25 metres without the signal needing to be amplified. Any further than 25m then you will need to use a HDMI over Ethernet Extender to distribute the signal.
How can I extend HDMI?
For Distances over 25 metres you can extend HDMI using a HDMI over Ethernet Extender.
Why buy a monster HDMI cable?
Monster HDMI Cables offer a high end solution for true high definition resolutions. Monster Cables use high quality components allowing the HD signal to be delivered at high speed. Monster Cables also come with quite a long warranty giving you piece of mind that your cable will be remain of the high standard you would expect.
Do HDMI cables really make a difference?
Yes, a HDMI cable can deliver 1080p true HD resolutions.
Is HDMI better than Component Video?
Yes, although component video cables support High Definition they are not digital cables, they are analogue. Therefore are not quite as good as HDMI Cables. Also, component does not support audio.
How do you distribute HDMI?
If you are looking to split the signal and distribute to more than one screen you should use a HDMI Splitter. If you are looking to distribute the signal over distance you should use a HDMI over Ethernet Extender.
Why is my HDMI picture no better than terrestrial TV?
HDMI is just the cable that is used to send the signal and will only ever be as good as the signal it is sending. Most TV stations do not transmit in High Definition instead they have dedicated HD channels e.g. BBC HD. These channels are the only channels you can currently watch in high definition; all other channels will seem no different. There will be a time when all TV channels are transmitted in HD; however we are some way off that at present.
Can you get 1080i using HDMI to component video cable?
Yes, Although HDMI is digital and Component is Analogue, both support 1080i resolutions so converting one to the other should not pose any problems.
