In order to understand the HDMI and its functionality in detail, let us first see what is an HDMI cable and how does it look like.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and provides an interface between any audio/video source so as to tranfer HD signal over a single cable.
HDMI is used in industry sector as well as in homes where people connect their laptops, DVD players or playstation devices with the television. In the commercial sector, HDMI is frequently used for education and presentation purposes.
HDMI Cables:
The standard HDMI cable comes with Type A and Type B connectors. Type A is called the male connector whereas Type B is known as the female connector.
You can also find mini-version HDMI cables in the market that are used for smartphones and tablets.
Standard Cat 1 HDMI cables can travel a transmission distance of 10 metres. However, Cat 2 HDMI cables can achieve cable lengths of up to 15 metres.
In order to increase HDMI signal distance, you can use repeaters that could help you increase the signal up to unbelievable 100 metres!
HDMI Inputs & Outputs:
It is not easy to figure out the difference between HDMI inputs and outputs as they look almost the same.
For HDMI output, you will have HD audio/video into an HDMI suited display via HDMI inputs. HDMI inputs can be located on HDTVs and screen projectors, which can accept the HD signal coming from your game console or media streamer and dispay it accordingly.
How to Verify if You Have HDMI?
When purchasing a TV or a media streamer or any other AV product, always remember to check product specifications whether it has got HDMI connections and if yes, how many connections does it have.
To locate HDMI ports, you can check at the back side of the device. However, there are some devices which have got HDMI connections on sides or at the front. Nevertheless, they are labeled as “HDMI” and you should not have any difficulty therefore.
Note that if a device has multiple HDMI connections, they will be numbered as HDMI 1, HDMI 2 and so on.
Ways to Connect HDMI:
HDMI can be connected in 3 different ways:
- Connect your Computer to the TV
- Connect your Home Theater System
- Connect your Game Console to the TV
I am only going to discuss the first method over here as I use it for connecting my computer to the TV.
Connect your Computer to the TV:
1. First of all you need to locate the HDMI ports. Remember that not all computers have HDMI ports but all newer ones do. HDMI ports are thin and wide with a slightly tapered base and usually reside at the side of a laptop. However, if you have a desktop, you need to check an HDMI at the back of your PC.
Now if your desktop PC does not have an HDMI port, you can either install a new video card or get a converter. There are USB-to-HDMI adapters available in the market for computers that have no video ports.
2. Connect one side of the HDMI cable to your computer whereas the other side of the cable to your TV. As for the TV, the HDMI slot it is most likely at the back of your TV. If the TV is powered on, your laptop or computer will detect it automatically and display the laptop’s screen on the TV.
3. Pick up your TV remote and select the correct HDMI input on your TV. In order to check the correct input, you need to verify the HDMI slot number to which the cable is connected
4. Go to your laptop’s display settings and set the display mode such as using the TV screen as your output.
HDMI Cable Prices:
If you are going to purchase a high-speed HDMI cable that can accommodate 1080p, 3D and 4K formats, they can be as costy as nearly 1000 USD!
But I would suggest you to get the normal inexpensive HDMI cables (about 5-6 quids) because the experience is hardly any different than those expensive cables. If you are interested in buying a normal HDMI cable, you can check out at Amazon as it gives you the best price.
Typically speaking your HDMI cable is one of many cables that you will connect to a power source. Cables that can get mixed up, tangled, tugged and pulled, which can ultimately result in wear and tear. Not to mention being a safety concern to both personnel and equipment. You should always take steps to protect your HDMI and all other cables you rely on, to ensure longevity, efficiency and of course safety. Visit www.singularsound.com for premier cable protection and management solutions.
If you have any questions or feedback regarding HDMI and its connectivity, simply drop a comment below and I will surely get back to you.
Haider Khalid
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What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect number of posts like these. Thank you very much.
Thanks for your appreciation. I am glad that it helped!
A very good piece of information!! Nice article
Thank you, Fatima.
Interesting & comprehensive article.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks. I am glad that you liked it.