If you have invested in a high definition television set, video gaming system, or home theatre system, then there is a very inexpensive, must-have accessory that you need to purchase – an HDMI cord. High Definition Multimedia Interface cables, or HDMI cords, all contain 19 wires wrapped in a sole cable, and they all have the ability to carry information at a bandwidth of 5 gigabits per second. Because this is more than two times the bandwidth needed to carry such information, it is safe to assume that HDMI will be the gold standard in connectivity for the foreseeable future.
As opposed to other types of interfaces, like S video or component video, HDMI cables do not compress the signals that travel over them. This results in a sharper, clearer picture and sound, with no distortion. And, with HDMI, you only need one cord coming from each device, rather than the messy rat’s nest of cords that was previously required. Most of the cords on the market today have 1080p resolution, which translates to a sharp, clear and beautiful picture and vivid color on high definition television sets and monitors.
In 2003, when these cables first hit the electronics market, they were fairly expensive, and it was not unheard of for people to spend $90, $100 and even $100 plus for a cable. Now that HDMI is the preferred method for connecting components, competition in the marketplace has increased, and prices have come down significantly. As a result, it now is possible to buy HDMI cords for bargain prices. Multiple manufacturers sell their six foot cables for under $20, and some even sell the same cables for $5 or less. Certain certifications are required for a manufacturer to sell a cable designated as “HDMI”; therefore, so long as a manufacturer has the requisite certifications, even the lower priced cables should have the same functionality as a competitor’s more expensive product.
When purchasing these cables, it is extremely important to measure the distance between the components you seek to connect. There is nothing more frustrating than getting your television, video gaming console and surround sound system home and finding that your cords are a foot too short to connect the components. Although three or six foot cords are the most common lengths typically purchased and sold, long HDMI cords for in-wall installation – as long as 100 feet or more – are also available for purchase. As would be expected, the longer cords are more expensive than the shorter cords. Essentially, a reasonable rule of thumb is: the longer the cord, the higher the price.
Popular manufacturers of these cables include Sony, Belkin, and Monster, to name a few.
If you have invested in a high definition television set, video gaming system, or home theatre system, then there is a very inexpensive, must-have accessory that you need to purchase – an HDMI cord. High Definition Multimedia Interface cables, or HDMI cords, all contain 19 wires wrapped in a sole cable, and they all have the ability to carry information at a bandwidth of 5 gigabits per second. Because this is more than two times the bandwidth needed to carry such information, it is safe to assume that HDMI will be the gold standard in connectivity for the foreseeable future.
As opposed to other types of interfaces, like S video or component video, HDMI cables do not compress the signals that travel over them. This results in a sharper, clearer picture and sound, with no distortion. And, with HDMI, you only need one cord coming from each device, rather than the messy rat’s nest of cords that was previously required. Most of the cords on the market today have 1080p resolution, which translates to a sharp, clear and beautiful picture and vivid color on high definition television sets and monitors.
In 2003, when these cables first hit the electronics market, they were fairly expensive, and it was not unheard of for people to spend $90, $100 and even $100 plus for a cable. Now that HDMI is the preferred method for connecting components, competition in the marketplace has increased, and prices have come down significantly. As a result, it now is possible to buy HDMI cords for bargain prices. Multiple manufacturers sell their six foot cables for under $20, and some even sell the same cables for $5 or less. Certain certifications are required for a manufacturer to sell a cable designated as “HDMI”; therefore, so long as a manufacturer has the requisite certifications, even the lower priced cables should have the same functionality as a competitor’s more expensive product.
When purchasing these cables, it is extremely important to measure the distance between the components you seek to connect. There is nothing more frustrating than getting your television, video gaming console and surround sound system home and finding that your cords are a foot too short to connect the components. Although three or six foot cords are the most common lengths typically purchased and sold, long HDMI cords for in-wall installation – as long as 100 feet or more – are also available for purchase. As would be expected, the longer cords are more expensive than the shorter cords. Essentially, a reasonable rule of thumb is: the longer the cord, the higher the price.
Popular manufacturers of these cables include Sony, Belkin, and Monster, to name a few.
