Overview of HDMI Cable

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface which is a connection system used in the digital audio and video. The first HDMI product was developed in 2002 in order to meet the requirement of a higher quality digital audio and visual system. Then after, the HDMI specifications have been adopted for a wide range of computer, television and other electronic manufacturers.

The HDMI cable is designed specially for transmitting the uncompressed digital audio and video at the same time. This cable is used to connect the digital input sources to digital televisions, receivers and computer monitors. It can also support any TV or PC video format that ranges from the standard to high definition. Thus, HDMI cable is a replacement for two analog cables, video and sound.

There are two different types of HDMI cable, category one and two. Category one cables of this type are labeled as the standard HDMI cable and are ideal for transmitting 720p or 1080i audio and video signals. Category two are also high speed cable of this type and are capable of carrying 720p, 1080i and 1600p audio and video signals. Only the cables of the category two are guaranteed to perform with a cable length greater than 16 feet.

While selecting the HDMI cable, it is important to consider the cable length. There is a limit to the length of the cable due to signal attenuation. The digital signal may become weak and the images on the screen start blinking if the length of this type of cable is very long.