HDMI Cables: Paying for Quality

by Christopher Gryniewicz

With HD equipment, there are several different connection options, but choosing the right one is easy.  Only HDMI is made specifically with high definition in mind.  HDMI means High-Definition Multimedia Interface.  What separates HDMI from other cable options?

First, HDMI transmits a purely digital signal.  This eliminates the signal loss that can occur with analog conversion or external line interference.   Second, HDMI has an outstanding bandwidth, pushing up to 10.2 Gbps. A single HDMI 1.3 cable can transmit digital video and eight channels of audio.  The analog equivalent to an HDMI connection would require a component video cable, which is three lines bundled together to separate out the red, green, and blue video signals, and four pairs of stereo cables for the audio.  In other words, one HDMI cable is equal to

With the newest HDMI 1.4 technology, scheduled to reach the market in 2010, manufacturers will soon be pushing HDMI capabilities even further.  Among the features of HDMI 1.4 are 3D video, Ethernet connectivity, and higher resolutions, all on the same single connection.  With all the great features HDMI already has to offer and all the future possibilities of what it can become when the 1.4 technology is fully implemented, the question is not 'What cable should you use to connect your HD equipment?' but 'What HDMI cable should you use?' 

Not all HDMI cables are created equal.  Consumers will find 6.5 foot HDMI cables selling for as little as $5 each to as high as $200 each.  Despite what other websites may claim, there is a difference between these cables that goes well beyond the price.  With HDMI cables, you may just get what you pay for. 

First, as was already mentioned, HDMI technology is available in several different versions from 1.0 to 1.3b and will soon become available in version 1.4.   Each version number corresponds to an upgrade in HDMI technology.  Regardless of the version number of the equipment, all HDMI cables are backward compatible. This means that version 1.3b HDMI cables are the best choice for any HD or HDMI compatible equipment. Version numbers account for some of price discrepancies.  What may seem like a great bargain could just be an obsolete cable. 

Second, and more importantly, is manufacturing quality.  Higher priced cables take advantage of oxygen free construction and gold plated connections to eliminate copper corrosion.  In addition, these cables have sturdier contacts, thicker gauge wire, and shielding, all designed to enhance the signal and protect the cable.  The result of the extra care that goes into the manufacturing of these cables is a crisper picture and a cable that will last considerably longer.

Every time a cable is unplugged and plugged back in, there is a risk of it being damaged. With inexpensive cables the end contacts can fail quickly. HD equipment such as cameras, camcorders, and other portable devices, which get moved regularly, make it essential to purchase high quality cables that won't break after a few uses.  Not only does the low quality craftsmanship of many inexpensive cables mean they will need to be replaced regularly, but damaged cables can damage the equipment to which  they are connected. The $50 to $100 saved on an inferior cable can cost a consumer thousands in damaged HD equipment. 

The final item to consider with HDMI cable pricing is the length of the cable. As with any cable type on longer runs more signal loss will occur. The same construction advantages that provide a crisper picture on short lengths will help to preserve that image on longer runs. However, consumers need to be aware that runs over 15 to 20 feet may require an HDMI amplifier regardless of the cable.

Despite the wide variety of connection options offered on HD equipment, connecting it with anything other than an HDMI cable doesn't make sense.  HDMI cables are the only cables made with high-definition in mind.  When looking for the right connection, remember, those $5 cables may look tempting, but those extra dollars pay for quality.