For Beginners: “What is HDMI?”

2024-09-09

HDMI Cable

HDMI stands for “High-Definition Multimedia Interface”, a standard created in 2002 by semiconductor and consumer electronics companies to allow high-quality transmission of video and audio between digital devices. One of HDMI’s key features is that it transmits both audio and video over a single cable.

Points to Consider When Choosing an HDMI Cable

Resolution Comparison

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The higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the image will be.

Data Transfer Speed Comparison

In HDMI 2.0, the bandwidth was 18 Gbps, but with HDMI 2.1, it has dramatically increased to 48 Gbps. HDMI 2.1 requires cables that support this 48 Gbps bandwidth. With the ability to transmit more data at once, you can enjoy high-quality video more smoothly.

HDMI Versions

HDMI comes in four categories: Ultra High Speed, Premium High Speed, High Speed, and Standard. Here’s a brief overview:

HDMI 1.2

The Standard version supports a data rate of 4.95 Gbps and can transfer Full HD video. However, it may not be sufficient for playing recent high-resolution data or high-bandwidth content.

HDMI 1.4

Supports Full HD and low-frame-rate 4K video, with a maximum bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps. It supports 3D video and 4K and includes Ethernet capability, allowing for internet connectivity without the need for a separate LAN cable.

HDMI 2.0

Fully supports 4K video with a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps. You can enjoy high-quality Ultra HD Blu-ray content as well. Recommended for use with satellite broadcasts and 4K content.

HDMI 2.1

Ultra High Speed supports high-resolution, vibrant 8K video. With a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 products (such as game consoles and monitors) offer finely detailed and smooth visuals when used with Ultra High Speed HDMI cables.

*Different versions of HDMI cables have the same connector shape, so they can connect to devices. However, the functionality and performance will be limited to the lower version. Using an older version of an HDMI cable with the latest devices might prevent you from fully utilizing the device’s capabilities.

Types of HDMI Cables	Maximum Bandwidth	Resolution
Ultra High Speed (HDMI 2.1)	48 Gbps	8k/60Hz
Premium High Speed (HDMI 2.0)	18 Gbps	8K/30Hz
High Speed (HDMI 1.3–1.4)	10.2 Gbps	3D対応(1.4) 4K/30Hz対応(1.4)
Standard (HDMI 1.2 and earlier)	4.95 Gbps	1080i(1920×1080) 720p(1280×720)

Connectors

There are five types of HDMI connectors, but the three most commonly used are the HDMI connector, Mini HDMI connector, and Micro HDMI connector. Here’s an overview of the shapes and features of each type.

Type A

Type A is the standard size HDMI connector, which is widely used the most. It is found in a variety of devices including televisions, Blu-ray recorders, gaming consoles, computers, and projectors.

Type C

Known as HDMI-mini, this slightly smaller connector is primarily used in digital video cameras and similar devices.

Type D

Known as HDMI-micro, this is even smaller than Type C. It is often used in smartphones and other compact devices.

*Connector Images, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Reference: Wikipedia)

*In addition to HDMI cables, there are various types of connectors such as USB cables, Mini USB cables, and Micro USB cables. Be sure to check the type of connector when purchasing or using cables!

nishiyama naoki

2022年からソロミュージシャンとして活動をスタート。都内を中心に弾き語りとバンドセットで月4本ほどライブをやっています。幼いころからFunk、Soul、Jazzなどのブラックミュージックをよく聴いており、中でも愛してやまないのがPrince。リスペクトを込めてPrinceと同じギター「MAD CAT」を使用。レコードでDJをするときは、一発目にかけるのは決まってPrinceの「sign of the times」。趣味はDVカメラで撮影する事、詩集を読む事。使用しているDVカメラはビクター製。好きな詩人は俵万智。