HDMI Cable FAQ April 2016

LBlackrose on 08/04/2016 - 19:36
Last edited 19/05/2016 - 20:47 by 1 other user

There is a lot of confusion surrounding HDMI cables, much caused by questionable marketing and also the many changes to the HDMI standard over the years.
HDMI cables(non active) are a dumb device, they don't know what data is being sent over them, whether it is sd, hd or 4k video, the only thing that is relevant is that the cable can handle the bandwidth for the purpose they are being used.
Many believe they need a cable that matches the HDMI version of the equipment they are using, this is not the case and is explained in the info below that also lists the current HDMI cable classifications according to the HDMI licensing group.

You will see HDMI cables with the HDMI version numbers on the packaging these are irrelevant, if the cable is high speed HDMI it will be the same regardless of the HDMI version on the packaging.
Manufacturers and retailers are not meant to using the HDMI version numbers on their packaging or marketing according to the HDMI licensing group guidelines.

No Use of HDMI Version Numbers Effective Immediately
Effective January 1, 2012, all HDMI products cannot make any reference to HDMI version numbers.
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/trademark_logo_pub.aspx

The evolution of HDMI cables:

HDMI 1.0-1.2
There was one cable classification that covered HDMI 1.0-1.2, these are now classified as standard speed HDMI cables (also referred to as category 1 HDMI cable) not guaranteed to run 1080P though some may work fine with 1080P

HDMI 1.3
With HDMI 1.3 we saw the introduction of high speed HDMI cables (also referred to as category 2 HDMI cable) these should work fine with 1080P 3D 4k etc and all other features of HDMI 1.3-2.0

HDMI 1.4
With HDMI 1.4 we saw the introduction of audio return channel(ARC) and HDMI Ethernet channel(HEC) properly constructed and certified high speed HDMI cables should work fine with ARC, new cables are required to support HEC, however as no devices make use of HEC it's pretty much irrelevant.

The bandwidth required for cables to pass certification did not change from HDMI 1.3-1.4 so a cable certified high speed under HDMI 1.3 is the same as one certified high speed under HDMI 1.4, except for high speed with Ethernet cable they are only available after HDMI 1.4 was released.

HDMI 2.0
With HDMI 2.0 we get 4k video which does increase the bandwidth required for video signals, however according to the HDMI licensing group existing high speed HDMI cables should work fine with 4k video and all other features of HDMI 2.0

Can existing HDMI cables support the higher bandwidths of HDMI 2.0 Specification?
Yes, existing High Speed HDMI Cables (wire only) will support the new higher bandwidths (up to 18Gbps).

HDMI 2.0 specification defined a new, more efficient signaling method, for speeds above 1.4b limits (10.2Gbps) to allow higher bandwidths (up to 18Gbps) over existing High Speed HDMI Wire Cables.
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_2_0/hdmi_2_0_faq.aspx#…

Even though existing high speed HDMI cables should work with 4k video the HDMI licensing group has recognised that many high speed HDMI cables are not working as expected with 4k video, as a result they have introduced a new testing standard for premium high speed HDMI cables.
http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/premiumcable/Premium_HDMI_C…

This is not a new cable just a new testing standard, manufacturers can send their current high speed HDMI cables to be retested if they pass they can then use the premium high speed HDMI trademarks on packaging and marketing material for that cable.
There are already many HDMI cables advertised as premium HDMI cables, unless they have the official premium HDMI cable authentication label, as shown in the above link, they will just be a normal high speed HDMI cable that has not been tested for the new premium HDMI classification.

The official HDMI cable classifications according to the HDMI licensing group for home use are:

Standard speed HDMI
Standard speed HDMI with Ethernet
High speed HDMI
High speed HDMI with Ethernet
Premium high speed HDMI
Premium high speed HDMI with Ethernet
It appears the new premium high speed cables have not been added to the info at the link below
http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/buying_guide.aspx#Choose

If manufacturers are using other terminology in their cable advertising or labeling it is misleading and the cables are most likely just the normal high speed HDMI cable.

Many think that cables labeled as HDMI 2.0 are superior, however this is not the case, the cable suppliers have simply taken their existing high speed HDMI cables and added HDMI 2.0 to the packaging, they are no different than a high speed HDMI cable labeled HDMI 1.4 or even HDMI 1.3 if the cable doesn't support HEC.

Electrical & Electronics HDMI Cable

Comments

  • Blackrose on 08/04/2016 - 19:37
    +4

    Hi Ozbargainers, I created this faq due to the confusion that surrounds HDMI cables whenever a deal for them is posted.

  • Clear on 08/04/2016 - 20:08
    +1

    Good job. I'm glad you know that HDMI 2.0 is a new standard and not cable. Too many people think it's the latter.

    • Blackrose on 08/04/2016 - 20:24

      Thanks, yes there is a lot of confusion surrounding HDMI cables.

  • anna10 on 10/04/2016 - 10:05

    Thanks for writing all that, just wish I understood the implications of it as a complete noob on setting up my new Sony KDL 48700C. I have no idea on this stuff. It's just for watching the teev in the bedroom. Would you plse tell me what sorta cable I should buy (and an arial of some sort I suppose?). Many thanks

    • Blackrose on 10/04/2016 - 22:52

      Hi, If your just using it for free to air TV, without any other devices connected(DVD, PVR etc) you won't need HDMI cables.
      If you already have an aerial for the rest of the house would probably be easiest to use splitter to run a another antenna connection to the bedroom from this.
      You would need a wall plate and some RG6 coax, and an RG6 coax lead to run from wall plate to TV.
      You would probably need to get someone in to do the connection with a splitter to the wall plates, and if you got a dick smith nearby they might have some RG6 coax leads to run from wall plate to TV, they are an ok price with the current discounts.

  • anna10 on 11/04/2016 - 08:36

    Thank you again. Yep, just free to air viewing. The lounge TV also only free to air on an older Sony and only has 'rabbity ears' and seems fine to me.

    So, if I get more of the rabbit ears type for the bedroom it should be fine?

    2) my kids are also getting this tv as a graduation present (in a different house). They currently watch things on the laptop.

    Should I get them any particular aerial (rental place)? And chromcast (2?) for thier wifi which as I read it replaces the need for an HDMI cable?

    Cheers

    • Blackrose on 11/04/2016 - 20:42

      If it's working fine in the lounge similar should also work ok in the bedroom, If your kids live in the same area it should also most likely work ok for them too.
      I think chromecast will allow them to get most content from laptop to TV, I'm not sure if any programs block chromecast I haven't really looked into them that much.

  • anna10 on 11/04/2016 - 21:17
    +1

    Ok thanks Blackrose.

  • Riczter on 11/05/2016 - 00:59
    +1

    You forgot version 1.3c which includes anti virus protection lol -> http://www.zdnet.com/article/this-xbox-hdmi-cable-has-anti-v…

    On a serious note, good job, i learned something new :)

    • Blackrose on 11/05/2016 - 09:55
      +1

      haha hadn't seen that one before, some companies will try anything lol

  • Diji1 on 14/05/2016 - 10:49

    Amazingly I couldn't find a HDMI cable for less than 10 bucks offline yesterday.

    Went to Jaycar ($10), JB Hifi ($13) and some generic dollar store ($13 lel … although it was considerably longer than the other two).

    I think my OzBargain is strong - just couldn't do it when I know I can get HDMI cables delivered for $2.95 via eBay. Am even forgoing console gaming ATM while I wait for that eBay item to come lel.

  • fredblogs on 09/01/2020 - 12:29

    This looks like a good guide: https://www.cnet.com/news/cheap-hdmi-cables-are-fine-for-you…

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