Queries about buying an HDMI cable? We teach you to distinguish the different versions

Just us with a new TV at home and in establishing appropriate connections to other peripherals such as a home theater or a musical team we realize we do not have at hand an HDMI cable (High-Digital Multimedia Interface), so we have to buy one.

We go to the store or surf the Internet in search of us with one and well advised by the buyer or by the opinions of other users think that all are equal and there is no difference … big mistake. Still, do not rush because although it may seem, all cables are not equal and here we are going to help differentiate them.

HDMI stands for “high definition multimedia interface” and through this connection to transmit digital audio and video can exchange data between various devices such as televisions, media players, tablets, Smartphone or PCs.

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A single cable that will allow us to send video and audio signals of multiple high data transfer rates (we saw 4K wires) so that playback HD content without interference is allowed.

Not all HDMI cables are the same

The first thing to do is differentiate based on the version you have each wire (is set in the box) and which is related to the performance or requirements of the equipment that will connect and the needs of the content that will transmit so that not all versions allow for example 4K or use the same number of audio channels.

• HDMI 1.0: This is the first version that came to light and allows up to 1080p / 60Hz resolution and 8 audio channels in 192 kHz / 24-bit with a maximum transfer rate of 4.9 Gbit / s.
• HDMI 1.2: Just like the previous one and also to Nade support for One Bit Audio, used in SACD.
• HDMI 1.3: Now increases bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbit / s is support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD adds.
• HDMI 1.4: Now the differences are remarkable, now can send and receive data over an Ethernet connection on the same cable. In addition, the maximum resolution is increased to 4096 × 2160 pixels at 24 FPS or 3840 × 2160 at 30 FPS. Also support surround sound systems connected directly to a TV is added.
• HDMI 2.0: The bandwidth up to 18 Gbit / s, enabling video resolutions 4K,support for 32 audio channels 1536 kHz and capable of carrying the simultaneous signal up to 2 streaming video. It’s the most significant update.

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HDMI cable types depending on connections

Once we have seen the different varieties if you stick to the specifications must refer to 5 different HDMI connectors that can be found on the market. This is the “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” types although only the first four are used regularly.

• HDMI type A: The most common, it consists of 19 pins and a size of 13.9 x 4.45 mm.
• HDMI type B: Use 29 – pin allowing carry twice bandwidth than the previous one and has dimensions of 21.2 x 4.45 mm
• HDMI type C: It is a clone feature of type A but with reduced dimensions drop to 10.42 x 2.42 mm.
• HDMI type D: With 19 – pin is the most widely used in portable devices and has a size of 5.8 mm.
• HDMI Type E: With a minority use, its structure is designed to withstand high temperatures and movements so are often used especially in the automotive industry.

These are the different types of HDMI cables that can be found in the market and making us one must study what is the use we will give, the specifications will define and compatibility of connections, taking into account that the latest versions of HDMI are backward and that we use the most modern for devices that require the older ones.