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HDMI Cables: Which One for Me?

Different solutions require different types of HDMI cables depending on the specific feature (or speed rating) you require for your application. The newest cable, "HDMI with Ethernet" (as defined in theversion 1.4 test specification) is FULLY compatible with all previous HDMI cable versions.

HDMI 2.0: Next GenerationIn 2013, HDMI LLC released NEW specifications for the HDMI version 2.0 standards. This new specification provides for the following additional functionality:

Increased bandwidth to 18Gbps for HDMI Cables designated, and passing ATC testing as a "High Speed HDMI Cable"

4K@50/60 Cycles (2160P), which is 4 times the clarity of previous 1080P/60 cycle resolution

Up to 32 audio channels for true multi-dimensional immersive audio experience

Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency support

Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to 4)

Support for wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio

Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams

CEC (signal coding) extensions

HDMI 2.0: Do I Need New Cables? Do I Need HDMI 2.0?Fortunately for MOST consumers, existing HIGH SPEED HDMI cables that were manufactured, certified, and tested to the version 1.4x specification will meet HDMI 2.0 standards. So how does a version 1.4xcable - previously tested and certified to 10.2Gbps (for example) now meet the version 2.0 specification which states support to 18Gbps? A version 1.4x HDMI cable has 19 connector points - and up to 19wires. In version 1.4x, only 6 wires (1 each for Red, Green, and Blue plus ground) are used for the 3.4Gbps (times 3 = 10.2Gbps). The HDMI 2.0 specification makes uses of the other connectors and wiresto "spill-over" data to achieve the 18Gbps. For example, the wire controlling CEC information only was used to send a very tiny data stream of codes back and forth between HDMI devices. HDMI 2.0protocols (for devices supporting HDMI 2.0), the additional bandwidth needed uses a more efficient signaling method as well as the additional wires to achieve this newer 18Gbps. Both the SOURCE DEVICE(such as a 4K Media Player) and the DISPLAY DEVICE (such as a 4Kx2K Ultra HDTV) must support these specific HDMI 2.0 features in order to make use of these new capabilities.

To read more about HDMI 2.0, click HERE.

All of My Cable Mart's existing HDMI v1.4 cable inventory - including inventory sold 2011 through to 2014 (and beyond) -sold as a HIGH SPEED HDMI cable to the version 1.4 specifications meet the new HDMI 2.0 specifications

Do I need "Ethernet HDMI"? For most home theatre and computer applications, the answer is "no". A small number of advanced 3D Blu-ray players and Home Theatre receivers are now finally providingsupport for HDMI v1.4 (aka "HDMI with Ethernet" or "HEC"), but still even FEWER devices are actually making use of this specific feature. Nearly all our current HDMI cable stock is now "HDMI withEthernet". Any device needing an HDMI cable can use HDMI with Ethernet cable as it is fully backwards compatible. This cable feature allows your internet-ready entertainment devices, from gaming consolesto Blu-ray Disc players and more, to share an internet connection without any need for a separate Ethernet cable. Devices connected by the HDMI Ethernet Channel will be able to exchange digital content inits native format, enabling recording, storage, and playback options across a connected system, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. The HDMI Ethernet Channel accommodates current and futureIP-based networking solutions for consumer electronics, such as UPnP, LiquidHD, and DLNA. HDMI with Ethernet is the ideal one-cable solution for connecting devices in these advanced home-networkingenvironments using network protocols TCP/IP, UPnP, DLNA, LiquidHD, and so forth.

Do I need "Audio Return Channel" or "ARC"? ARC was an added feature to the version 1.4 standard. A typical use for ARC allowed for the audio produced by a TV (attached using an off-air antena, forexample) to be fed back to a receiver for in-bound processing. "Return" then refers to the audio stream being returned upstream to the A/V receiver using the same HDMI cable that is normally used from thereceiver to "send" a video and audio signal to the TV. Previous to this feature being implemented, one would need a seperate audio cable (a legacy left and right RCA cable, or newer Toslink audio cable) thatwould then OUTPUT from the TV and feed back into the receiver. Back to the question then. Do you NEED this feature? This can be useful if you have an off-air antena attached to your TV to receive free TVchannels, or if you have a TV that is supporting newer streamed media services (such as NetFlix, or Amazon Video On Demand). In order for this feature to work, your TV MUST support "HDMI ARC", yourreceiver must support "HDMI ARC", and you must have a newer HDMI cable made using the newer version 1.4 standards - or look for an HDMI cable advertised as "HDMI with Ethernet".

What is CL-2 and CL-3? CL-2 is an abbreviation for "Class 2" as it refers to the wiring code in the USA. Many states require low voltage cables to be "CL-2" rated in order for them to be installed inside thewall. A CL-2 rated cable has a slightly different outer insulation with a different fire rating. A CL-2 rated cable can also be used outside the wall. Class 3 is a rating for cables over 300 volts. As HDMI cablesonly have 5 volts, a 5 volt HDMI Class-2 cable actually meets Class-3 specifications - but will still be called and labeled a CLASS 2 cable.

What is AWG? AWG is an abbreviation for American Wire Gauge. The SMALLER the number, the thicker the copper wire. A 22 AWG HDMI cable is almost twice as thick as a 24 AWG. A copper wire'sthickness for a longer length HDMI cable helps reduce the resistance. Longer HDMI cables tend to be made from thicker copper wire. Other factors - such as a silver tinned coating on copper wire add to acables conductivity.

Do I need a STANDARD SPEED or HIGH SPEED HDMI Cable? Nearly ALL HDMI devices need only standard speed support. "Standard Speed" means that the cable can sustain data speeds of at least4.92Gbps as tested by HDMI LLC. Some newer Blu-ray players, and nearly ALL 3D Blu-ray players need a HIGH SPEED HDMI cable. They sustain speeds of at least 10.2Gbps due to the higher volume ofvideo and audio data it must transfer. Some of our HDMI cables have been lab-tested to reach speeds of up to 15.2Gbps. However, as of the v1.4A specification, cables are only certified and tested to meeteither 4.92Gbps (standard speed), or 10.2Gbps (high speed). Think of a cable that can reach speeds of 15.2Gbps as an over-sized garden hose: As the faucet can only output a maximum amount of gallonsper minute, putting an over-sized hose on the tap will not get the lawn any wetter! Some of our NEWER HDMI cables (our ELITE HDMI cable line, for example) can now reach tested speeds up to 20.7Gbps. Currently, there are no devices making use of such incredible bandwidth capabilties - however, devices in the future may start to call for this expanded bandwidth. Buying a cable with beyond 10.2Gbps cansomewhat "future-proof" your purchase.

What is the difference between a DIRECT HDMI connection and a MULTI-SEGMENT HDMI? How does this affect my cable selection? A multi-segment HDMI cable connection uses MORE thanone HDMI cable to connect from the original SOURCE equipment (such as a Blu-Ray Player) and a TV. Intermediate equipment - such as an A/V receiver, HDMI Switch, or HDMI Splitter may be placedin-between the source equipment and TV. When you use more than one HDMI cable to ultimately connect from the source equipment to the TV, a significant amount of added electrical resistence as added tothe circuit compared to a "direct HDMI connection". A direct HDMI connection would use a single HDMI cable connected to the SOURCE equipment and be attached directly to the end TV. Let's look at thefollowing two examples:

Multi-Segment HDMI and Direct HDMI ConnectionsExample Set-up Cable Considerations

DIRECT HDMI Connection

To the left is an example of a DIRECT HDMI connection. A Blu-Ray Player is connected to a TV using aSINGLE HDMI cable.

There are a total of TWO connecting points made - one at the Blu-Ray Player, the other at the TV

A less expensive 28AWG (gauge) HDMI cable up to 12 feet can be used successfully to obtain a HIGHSPEED connection.

Beyond a 12ft total length, a thicker gauge HDMI cable rated as HIGH SPEED should be used if theSOURCE device is known to require HIGH SPEEDs.

Multi-Segment HDMI Connection

To the left is an example of a MULTI-SEGMENT HDMI connection. A Blu-Ray Player is connected to aTV with a receiver in-between.

There are a total of FOUR connectings points made - one at the Blu-Ray Player, another at the INPUTHDMI connector on the receiver, another at the OUTPUT HDMI connector on the receiver, and finallyone at the TV

A THICKER GAUGE HDMI cable (26 or 24AWG) is recommended for BOTH segments in this circuit. The4 connecting points are already adding a significant amount of resistence along the copper wires. Byusing a THICKER (or higher grade) HDMI cable, the signal strength degradation can be minimized.

Why is a CERTIFIED HDMI Cable important? Only about half the vendors (store-fronts and websites) sell truly CERTIFIED HDMI cables. CERTIFIED means that cables have been tested by Silicon Imagesand HDMI LLC, and they meet or exceed testing specifications set out by a specific test version (such as 1.3B or 1.4A). ALL our HDMI cables, and HDMI related products are certified. We refuse to purchasecables or products that are not. Ask your store if they can produce the actual HDMI certification document. All our HDMI cables have this document available on-line or by request. Yes, there are CHEAPERHDMI cables for sale. Certification and an ISO quality process ensure you are getting a top quality product from My Cable Mart at a reasonable price. Don't be fooled by $1.00 cables on E-Bay!

Read up on our HDMI FAQ to help explain why you should buy OUR HDMI cables, instead of our competitors.

HDMI version 1.4 added the following features

HDMI Ethernet ChannelHDMI Ethernet Channel ("HEC") technology consolidates video, audio, and data streams into a single HDMI cable, combining the unmatched signal quality and convenience ofHDMI connectivity with the power and flexibility of home entertainment networking. It incorporates a dedicated data channel into the HDMI link, enabling high-speed,bi-directional networking at up to 100 Mb/sec. The HDMI Ethernet Channel enables a number of new possibilities via the HDMI link, including: Sharing an internetconnection The HDMI Ethernet Channel feature allows your internet-ready entertainment devices, from gaming consoles to Blu-ray Disc players and more, to share aninternet connection without any need for a separate Ethernet cable. Content distribution Devices connected by the HDMI Ethernet Channel will be able to exchange digitalcontent in its native format, enabling recording, storage, and playback options across a connected system, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. Home entertainmentnetworking The HDMI Ethernet Channel accommodates current and future IP-based networking solutions for consumer electronics, such as UPnP, LiquidHD, and DLNA. HDMIwith Ethernet is the ideal one-cable solution for connecting devices in these advanced home-networking environments. As of late 2011, there are very few devices making useof this feature -

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Image Source: HDMI LLC

Audio Return ChannelThe Audio Return Channel ("ARC") in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data upstream to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasinguser flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection. TVs have always been able to receive multi-channel audio through an HDMI connection, andthis is still a typical use-case, with the TV positioned downstream from content sources and any connected audio equipment. However, if a user had a TV with a built-in tuneror DVD player, and wanted to send content upstream from the TV back to the audio system, a separate connection had to be installed, typically an S/PDIF cable. An AudioReturn Channel-enabled TV can either send or receive audio via HDMI, upstream or downstream, depending on system set-up and user preferences. LipSync functionality,introduced in HDMI 1.3, ensures that the audio stays matched to the video, automatically compensating for any processor delays whether the audio is traveling upstream ordownstream.

Image Source: HDMI LLC

Full 3D SupportDefines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications. 3D capability was supported for High SpeedHDMI cables meeting the v.3 specification. Some standard speed devices will also support 3D technology (such as Cable Boxes, and Satellite Boxes). Consult your outputdevice and your display device to determine if you need STANDARD or HIGH SPEED cables for your signal support.

4K Resolution SupportEnables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theatres. All HighSpeed HDMI cables will support 4K functionality when connected to 4K devices.

Expanded Support for ColorSpaces

HDMI now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras, enabling more accurate color rendering when viewing digital photos. By supporting sYCC601,Adobe RGB, and Adobe YCC601, HDMI display devices are capable of displaying more accurate, life-like colors when connected to a digital camera. All our HDMI cables supportthese features.

Your Equipment & ApplicationHDMI Cable Recommendation

Comment and Notes

1.5 to 15ft Solutions (High Speed Supported) Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver) 3D Support Not Required HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required 1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable

While ALL of these cables can support HIGH SPEED data, only STANDARDSPEED is actually required for this application. All Blu-ray players supported(except for 3D)

3D Blu-ray Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver) 3D Support Required HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required 1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cable or ourELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable

While most Blu-ray players will work fine with standard 28AWG cables (seeabove), 3D BluRay players require the BEST possible signal at 10.2Gbps (andpossibly beyond). We recommend our EXTREME PERFORMANCE HDMICables for these applications. Many 3D BluRay Players are now specifying HDMIwith ETHERNET technology as well

Any Source Video to A/V Receiver then to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Source equipment channeled first through Home Theatre Receiver, then to HDTV (Multi-segment) 3D Support Required HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required 1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cable or ourELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, orsatellite box) first through your Home Theatre Receiver, and then to your HDTVis considered a "multi-segmented" HDMI circuit with a total of FOUR HDMIconnection points. For this reason, we recommend our EXTREMEPERFORMANCE HDMI cables for full high-speed and 1080P support.

Any Source Video to Splitter or Switch then to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Source equipment channeled first either a SWITCH or SPLITTER 3D Support NOT Supported* HDMI with ETHERNET NOT Supported* 1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cableor ourELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, orsatellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections pointswhen the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend ourEXTREME PERFORMANCE HDMI cables for full high-speed and 1080P support.

20 - 50ft Solutions Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver) 3D Support Not Required 20-50ft Maximum Length Needed

Standard HDMI 24-22AWG Gold Plated Cable

While many of these cables can support HIGH SPEED data, only STANDARDSPEED is actually required for this application. All Blu-ray players supported(except for 3D) to 1080P. 3D Satellite and Cable Box supports. See below for3D Blu-ray players (which require a HIGH SPEED solution)

Any Source Video to A/V Receiver then to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Source equipment channeled first through Home Theatre Receiver, then to HDTV (Multi-segment) 3D Supported* HDMI with ETHERNET Supported* 20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, orsatellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections pointswhen the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend ourTHICKER 22 AWG HDMI cables for full support. For SHORTER lengths (1.5 to15ft, use the EXTREME cables noted above)

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Any Source Video to Splitter or Switch then to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Source equipment channeled first either a SWITCH or SPLITTER 3D Support NOT Supported* HDMI with ETHERNET NOT Supported* 20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, orsatellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections pointswhen the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend ourTHICKER 22 AWG HDMI cables for full support. For SHORTER lengths (1.5 to15ft, use the EXTREME cables noted above)

3D Blu-ray Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver) 3D Support Required HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required HIGH SPEED Bandwidth Absolutely Required 20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI Long Length Gold Plated Cable

Most 3D Blu-ray players require a HIGH SPEED HDMI connection - and manynow require "HDMI with Ethernet" support. We can obtain 10.2Gbps for our 20and 25ft lengths using our thick 22AWG HDMI cables. For lengths GREATERthan 25ft, we have specialized HDMI Cables with our REDMERE EqualizerBooster. REDMERE is currently the ONLY company that are certified to sustainHIGH SPEED HDMI data throughput beyond 25ft (as of 12/10/2010) usingcopper wire solutions.

Beyond 50ft Solutions Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver) 3D Support Not Required 50 to 100ft Maximum Length Needed

Note: Connection of 3D Blu-ray players beyond 50ft is not yet supported using HDMI technologies.

Standard HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

HDMI is currently only supported beyond 60ft lengths in STANDARD SPEEDS(except for Fiber Optic solitions - see below). For MOST source devices (cable,satellite box, PCs, and Standard Blu-ray players), 1080i and in many cases1080p signals as still obtainable

Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV 720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired with 3D support Box attached directly to TV or channeled thru receiver 3D Supported HIGH SPEED Bandwidth supported HDMI with Ethernet NOT supported Audio Return Channel NOT supported 50 to 1000ft Maximum Length Needed

Fiber Optic HIGH SPEED HDMI Cable with 3D

Designed for commercial, studio and residential system contractors, our FiberOptic HDMI Professional cable solves the problem of distance limitation forHDMI signal transfer. These certified cables provide full HDMI signal integrityup to 1000 feet including HIGH SPEED and 3D support. This is possible throughthe leading edge Fiber Optic HDMI technology which connects HDMI connectorsvia a precision glass fiber optic cable. Unlike conventional copper HDMI cables,the fiber optic cable is EMI-free and can transfer the full HDMI protocol overlong distances

HDMI Feature/SpecHDMI Version

1.0 1.1 1.2/1.2a 1.3a/b/c 1.4

Maximum signal bandwidth (MHz) 165 165 165 340 340

Maximum TMDS bandwidth (Gbit/s) 4.95 4.95 4.95 10.2 10.2

Maximum video bandwidth (Gbit/s) 3.96 3.96 3.96 8.16 8.16

Maximum audio bandwidth (Mbit/s) 36.86 36.86 36.86 36.86 36.86

Maximum TV Re-fresh Rate (240, 480, 600Mhz, etc) Any Any Any Any Any

Resolutions at 24bits per pixel 1920x1080p 1920x1080p 1920x1080p 2560x1600p 4096x2160

RGB

YCbCr

xvYCC

Deep Color

Maximum Color Depth (bits per pixel) 24 24 24 48 48

Consumer Electronic Control (CEC)**

Updated list of CEC commands***

Auto lip-sync

8channel/192 kHz/24-bit audio capability

DVD-A support

SACD (DSD) support ****

Dolby TrueHD bitstream capable

DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream capable

Blu-ray/HD DVD video and audio at full resolution, such as 1080p*****

Maximum standard HDMI (19 wire) cable length available using Copper 200ft+ 200ft+ 200ft+ 200ft+ 200ft+

Maximum Length for 10.2Gbit/sec High Speed Support CERTIFIED Not Available Not Available Not Available 25 feet 50 feet*

3D Support from HIGH SPEED Devices (such as BluRay)

Ethernet Channel Support (HEC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC)

4K Resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels)

* Lengths of up to 50 feet supporting 10.2Gbps (High Speed) can be obtain by using a specialized HDMI cable or up to 1000ft using a Fiber Optic Cable

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