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HDMI Cables: Which One for Me?

Different solutions require different types of HDMI cables depending on the specific feature (or speed rating) you require for your application. The newest cable, "HDMI with Ethernet" (as defined in the
version 1.4 test specification) is FULLY compatible with all previous HDMI cable versions.
HDMI 2.0: Next Generation
In 2013, HDMI LLC released NEW specifications for the HDMI version 2.0 standards. This new specification provides for the following additional functionality:
Increased bandwidth to 18Gbps for HDMI Cables designated, and passing ATC testing as a "High Speed HDMI Cable"
4K@50/60 Cycles (2160P), which is 4 times the clarity of previous 1080P/60 cycle resolution
Up to 32 audio channels for true multi-dimensional immersive audio experience
Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency support
Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to 4)
Support for wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio
Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams
CEC (signal coding) extensions
HDMI 2.0: Do I Need New Cables? Do I Need HDMI 2.0?
Fortunately for MOST consumers, existing HIGH SPEED HDMI cables that were manufactured, certified, and tested to the version 1.4x specification will meet HDMI 2.0 standards. So how does a version 1.4x
cable - previously tested and certified to 10.2Gbps (for example) now meet the version 2.0 specification which states support to 18Gbps? A version 1.4x HDMI cable has 19 connector points - and up to 19
wires. In version 1.4x, only 6 wires (1 each for Red, Green, and Blue plus ground) are used for the 3.4Gbps (times 3 = 10.2Gbps). The HDMI 2.0 specification makes uses of the other connectors and wires
to "spill-over" data to achieve the 18Gbps. For example, the wire controlling CEC information only was used to send a very tiny data stream of codes back and forth between HDMI devices. HDMI 2.0
protocols (for devices supporting HDMI 2.0), the additional bandwidth needed uses a more efficient signaling method as well as the additional wires to achieve this newer 18Gbps. Both the SOURCE DEVICE
(such as a 4K Media Player) and the DISPLAY DEVICE (such as a 4Kx2K Ultra HDTV) must support these specific HDMI 2.0 features in order to make use of these new capabilities.
To read more about HDMI 2.0, click HERE.

All of My Cable Mart's existing HDMI v1.4 cable inventory - including inventory sold 2011 through to 2014 (and beyond) sold as a HIGH SPEED HDMI cable to the version 1.4 specifications meet the new HDMI 2.0 specifications
Do I need "Ethernet HDMI"? For most home theatre and computer applications, the answer is "no". A small number of advanced 3D Blu-ray players and Home Theatre receivers are now finally providing
support for HDMI v1.4 (aka "HDMI with Ethernet" or "HEC"), but still even FEWER devices are actually making use of this specific feature. Nearly all our current HDMI cable stock is now "HDMI with
Ethernet". Any device needing an HDMI cable can use HDMI with Ethernet cable as it is fully backwards compatible. This cable feature allows your internet-ready entertainment devices, from gaming consoles
to Blu-ray Disc players and more, to share an internet connection without any need for a separate Ethernet cable. Devices connected by the HDMI Ethernet Channel will be able to exchange digital content in
its native format, enabling recording, storage, and playback options across a connected system, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. The HDMI Ethernet Channel accommodates current and future
IP-based networking solutions for consumer electronics, such as UPnP, LiquidHD, and DLNA. HDMI with Ethernet is the ideal one-cable solution for connecting devices in these advanced home-networking
environments using network protocols TCP/IP, UPnP, DLNA, LiquidHD, and so forth.
Do I need "Audio Return Channel" or "ARC"? ARC was an added feature to the version 1.4 standard. A typical use for ARC allowed for the audio produced by a TV (attached using an off-air antena, for
example) to be fed back to a receiver for in-bound processing. "Return" then refers to the audio stream being returned upstream to the A/V receiver using the same HDMI cable that is normally used from the
receiver to "send" a video and audio signal to the TV. Previous to this feature being implemented, one would need a seperate audio cable (a legacy left and right RCA cable, or newer Toslink audio cable) that
would then OUTPUT from the TV and feed back into the receiver. Back to the question then. Do you NEED this feature? This can be useful if you have an off-air antena attached to your TV to receive free TV
channels, or if you have a TV that is supporting newer streamed media services (such as NetFlix, or Amazon Video On Demand). In order for this feature to work, your TV MUST support "HDMI ARC", your
receiver must support "HDMI ARC", and you must have a newer HDMI cable made using the newer version 1.4 standards - or look for an HDMI cable advertised as "HDMI with Ethernet".
What is CL-2 and CL-3? CL-2 is an abbreviation for "Class 2" as it refers to the wiring code in the USA. Many states require low voltage cables to be "CL-2" rated in order for them to be installed inside the
wall. A CL-2 rated cable has a slightly different outer insulation with a different fire rating. A CL-2 rated cable can also be used outside the wall. Class 3 is a rating for cables over 300 volts. As HDMI cables
only have 5 volts, a 5 volt HDMI Class-2 cable actually meets Class-3 specifications - but will still be called and labeled a CLASS 2 cable.
What is AWG? AWG is an abbreviation for American Wire Gauge. The SMALLER the number, the thicker the copper wire. A 22 AWG HDMI cable is almost twice as thick as a 24 AWG. A copper wire's
thickness for a longer length HDMI cable helps reduce the resistance. Longer HDMI cables tend to be made from thicker copper wire. Other factors - such as a silver tinned coating on copper wire add to a
cables conductivity.
Do I need a STANDARD SPEED or HIGH SPEED HDMI Cable? Nearly ALL HDMI devices need only standard speed support. "Standard Speed" means that the cable can sustain data speeds of at least
4.92Gbps as tested by HDMI LLC. Some newer Blu-ray players, and nearly ALL 3D Blu-ray players need a HIGH SPEED HDMI cable. They sustain speeds of at least 10.2Gbps due to the higher volume of
video and audio data it must transfer. Some of our HDMI cables have been lab-tested to reach speeds of up to 15.2Gbps. However, as of the v1.4A specification, cables are only certified and tested to meet
either 4.92Gbps (standard speed), or 10.2Gbps (high speed). Think of a cable that can reach speeds of 15.2Gbps as an over-sized garden hose: As the faucet can only output a maximum amount of gallons
per minute, putting an over-sized hose on the tap will not get the lawn any wetter! Some of our NEWER HDMI cables (our ELITE HDMI cable line, for example) can now reach tested speeds up to 20.7Gbps.
Currently, there are no devices making use of such incredible bandwidth capabilties - however, devices in the future may start to call for this expanded bandwidth. Buying a cable with beyond 10.2Gbps can
somewhat "future-proof" your purchase.
What is the difference between a DIRECT HDMI connection and a MULTI-SEGMENT HDMI? How does this affect my cable selection? A multi-segment HDMI cable connection uses MORE than
one HDMI cable to connect from the original SOURCE equipment (such as a Blu-Ray Player) and a TV. Intermediate equipment - such as an A/V receiver, HDMI Switch, or HDMI Splitter may be placed
in-between the source equipment and TV. When you use more than one HDMI cable to ultimately connect from the source equipment to the TV, a significant amount of added electrical resistence as added to
the circuit compared to a "direct HDMI connection". A direct HDMI connection would use a single HDMI cable connected to the SOURCE equipment and be attached directly to the end TV. Let's look at the
following two examples:

Multi-Segment HDMI and Direct HDMI Connections

Example Set-up

Cable Considerations
To the left is an example of a DIRECT HDMI connection. A Blu-Ray Player is connected to a TV using a
SINGLE HDMI cable.
There are a total of TWO connecting points made - one at the Blu-Ray Player, the other at the TV
A less expensive 28AWG (gauge) HDMI cable up to 12 feet can be used successfully to obtain a HIGH
SPEED connection.

DIRECT HDMI Connection

Beyond a 12ft total length, a thicker gauge HDMI cable rated as HIGH SPEED should be used if the
SOURCE device is known to require HIGH SPEEDs.
To the left is an example of a MULTI-SEGMENT HDMI connection. A Blu-Ray Player is connected to a
TV with a receiver in-between.
There are a total of FOUR connectings points made - one at the Blu-Ray Player, another at the INPUT
HDMI connector on the receiver, another at the OUTPUT HDMI connector on the receiver, and finally
one at the TV

Multi-Segment HDMI Connection

A THICKER GAUGE HDMI cable (26 or 24AWG) is recommended for BOTH segments in this circuit. The
4 connecting points are already adding a significant amount of resistence along the copper wires. By
using a THICKER (or higher grade) HDMI cable, the signal strength degradation can be minimized.

Why is a CERTIFIED HDMI Cable important? Only about half the vendors (store-fronts and websites) sell truly CERTIFIED HDMI cables. CERTIFIED means that cables have been tested by Silicon Images
and HDMI LLC, and they meet or exceed testing specifications set out by a specific test version (such as 1.3B or 1.4A). ALL our HDMI cables, and HDMI related products are certified. We refuse to purchase
cables or products that are not. Ask your store if they can produce the actual HDMI certification document. All our HDMI cables have this document available on-line or by request. Yes, there are CHEAPER
HDMI cables for sale. Certification and an ISO quality process ensure you are getting a top quality product from My Cable Mart at a reasonable price. Don't be fooled by $1.00 cables on E-Bay!
Read up on our HDMI FAQ to help explain why you should buy OUR HDMI cables, instead of our competitors.

HDMI version 1.4 added the following features

HDMI Ethernet Channel

HDMI Ethernet Channel ("HEC") technology consolidates video, audio, and data streams into a single HDMI cable, combining the unmatched signal quality and convenience of
HDMI connectivity with the power and flexibility of home entertainment networking. It incorporates a dedicated data channel into the HDMI link, enabling high-speed,
bi-directional networking at up to 100 Mb/sec. The HDMI Ethernet Channel enables a number of new possibilities via the HDMI link, including: Sharing an internet
connection The HDMI Ethernet Channel feature allows your internet-ready entertainment devices, from gaming consoles to Blu-ray Disc players and more, to share an
internet connection without any need for a separate Ethernet cable. Content distribution Devices connected by the HDMI Ethernet Channel will be able to exchange digital
content in its native format, enabling recording, storage, and playback options across a connected system, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. Home entertainment
networking The HDMI Ethernet Channel accommodates current and future IP-based networking solutions for consumer electronics, such as UPnP, LiquidHD, and DLNA. HDMI
with Ethernet is the ideal one-cable solution for connecting devices in these advanced home-networking environments. As of late 2011, there are very few devices making use
of this feature -

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I mage Source: HDMI LLC

Audio Return Channel

The Audio Return Channel ("ARC") in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data upstream to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasing
user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection. TVs have always been able to receive multi-channel audio through an HDMI connection, and
this is still a typical use-case, with the TV positioned downstream from content sources and any connected audio equipment. However, if a user had a TV with a built-in tuner
or DVD player, and wanted to send content upstream from the TV back to the audio system, a separate connection had to be installed, typically an S/PDIF cable. An Audio
Return Channel-enabled TV can either send or receive audio via HDMI, upstream or downstream, depending on system set-up and user preferences. LipSync functionality,
introduced in HDMI 1.3, ensures that the audio stays matched to the video, automatically compensating for any processor delays whether the audio is traveling upstream or
downstream.

I mage Source: HDMI LLC

Full 3D Support

Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications. 3D capability was supported for High Speed
HDMI cables meeting the v.3 specification. Some standard speed devices will also support 3D technology (such as Cable Boxes, and Satellite Boxes). Consult your output
device and your display device to determine if you need STANDARD or HIGH SPEED cables for your signal support.

4K Resolution Support

Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theatres. All High
Speed HDMI cables will support 4K functionality when connected to 4K devices.

Expanded Support for Color

Spaces

HDMI now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras, enabling more accurate color rendering when viewing digital photos. By supporting sYCC601,
Adobe RGB, and Adobe YCC601, HDMI display devices are capable of displaying more accurate, life-like colors when connected to a digital camera. All our HDMI cables support
these features.

Your Equipment & Application

HDMI Cable Recommendation

Comment and Notes

1.5 to 15ft Solutions (High Speed Supported)

Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV
720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver)
3D Support Not Required
HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required
1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

3D Blu-ray Direct to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver)
3D Support Required
HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required
1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

Any Source Video to A/V Receiver then to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Source equipment channeled first through Home Theatre
Receiver, then to HDTV (Multi-segment)
3D Support Required
HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required
1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

Any Source Video to Splitter or Switch then to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Source equipment channeled first either a SWITCH or
SPLITTER
3D Support NOT Supported*
HDMI with ETHERNET NOT Supported*
1.5 to 15ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable

While ALL of these cables can support HIGH SPEED data, only STANDARD
SPEED is actually required for this application. All Blu-ray players supported
(except for 3D)

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cable or our

ELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable
While most Blu-ray players will work fine with standard 28AWG cables (see
above), 3D BluRay players require the BEST possible signal at 10.2Gbps (and
possibly beyond). We recommend our EXTREME PERFORMANCE HDMI
Cables for these applications. Many 3D BluRay Players are now specifying HDMI
with ETHERNET technology as well

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cable or our

ELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable
Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, or
satellite box) first through your Home Theatre Receiver, and then to your HDTV
is considered a "multi-segmented" HDMI circuit with a total of FOUR HDMI
connection points. For this reason, we recommend our EXTREME
PERFORMANCE HDMI cables for full high-speed and 1080P support.

HIGH SPEED HDMI 26 or 24AWG Gold Plated Cableor our

ELITE HIGH SPEED HDMI 28AWG Gold Plated Cable
Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, or
satellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a
"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections points
when the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend our
EXTREME PERFORMANCE HDMI cables for full high-speed and 1080P support.

20 - 50ft Solutions
Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV
720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver)
3D Support Not Required
20-50ft Maximum Length Needed

Any Source Video to A/V Receiver then to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Source equipment channeled first through Home Theatre
Receiver, then to HDTV (Multi-segment)
3D Supported*
HDMI with ETHERNET Supported*
20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

Standard HDMI 24-22AWG Gold Plated Cable

While many of these cables can support HIGH SPEED data, only STANDARD
SPEED is actually required for this application. All Blu-ray players supported
(except for 3D) to 1080P. 3D Satellite and Cable Box supports. See below for
3D Blu-ray players (which require a HIGH SPEED solution)

HIGH SPEED HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, or
satellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a
"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections points
when the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend our
THICKER 22 AWG HDMI cables for full support. For SHORTER lengths (1.5 to
15ft, use the EXTREME cables noted above)

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Any Source Video to Splitter or Switch then to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Source equipment channeled first either a SWITCH or
SPLITTER
3D Support NOT Supported*
HDMI with ETHERNET NOT Supported*
20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

Channeling source video equipment (such as any Blu-ray player, cable box, or
satellite box) first through a VIDEO SPLITTER or SWITCH is considered a
"multi-segmented" HDMI cirucit, with a total of FOUR HDMI connections points
when the signal finally gets to the HDTV. For this reason, we recommend our
THICKER 22 AWG HDMI cables for full support. For SHORTER lengths (1.5 to
15ft, use the EXTREME cables noted above)

3D Blu-ray Direct to HDTV

720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver)
3D Support Required
HDMI with ETHERNET Technology (possibly) Required
HIGH SPEED Bandwidth Absolutely Required
20 to 50ft Maximum Length Needed

HIGH SPEED HDMI Long Length Gold Plated Cable

Most 3D Blu-ray players require a HIGH SPEED HDMI connection - and many
now require "HDMI with Ethernet" support. We can obtain 10.2Gbps for our 20
and 25ft lengths using our thick 22AWG HDMI cables. For lengths GREATER
than 25ft, we have specialized HDMI Cables with our REDMERE Equalizer
Booster. REDMERE is currently the ONLY company that are certified to sustain
HIGH SPEED HDMI data throughput beyond 25ft (as of 12/10/2010) using
copper wire solutions.

Beyond 50ft Solutions

Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV
720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired
Box attached directly to TV (not channeled thru Receiver)
3D Support Not Required
50 to 100ft Maximum Length Needed

Standard HDMI 22AWG Gold Plated Cable

HDMI is currently only supported beyond 60ft lengths in STANDARD SPEEDS
(except for Fiber Optic solitions - see below). For MOST source devices (cable,
satellite box, PCs, and Standard Blu-ray players), 1080i and in many cases
1080p signals as still obtainable

Note: Connection of 3D Blu-ray players beyond 50ft is not yet supported using HDMI technologies.
Cable, Satellite Box, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, or PC Direct to HDTV
720, 1080i, or 1080p Support Desired with 3D support
Box attached directly to TV or channeled thru receiver
3D Supported
HIGH SPEED Bandwidth supported
HDMI with Ethernet NOT supported
Audio Return Channel NOT supported
50 to 1000ft Maximum Length Needed

HDMI Feature/Spec

Fiber Optic HIGH SPEED HDMI Cable with 3D

Designed for commercial, studio and residential system contractors, our Fiber
Optic HDMI Professional cable solves the problem of distance limitation for
HDMI signal transfer. These certified cables provide full HDMI signal integrity
up to 1000 feet including HIGH SPEED and 3D support. This is possible through
the leading edge Fiber Optic HDMI technology which connects HDMI connectors
via a precision glass fiber optic cable. Unlike conventional copper HDMI cables,
the fiber optic cable is EMI-free and can transfer the full HDMI protocol over
long distances

HDMI Version

1.0

1.1

1.2/1.2a

1.3a/b/c

1.4

Maximum signal bandwidth (MHz)

165

165

165

340

340

Maximum TMDS bandwidth (Gbit/s)

4.95

4.95

4.95

10.2

10.2

Maximum video bandwidth (Gbit/s)

3.96

3.96

3.96

8.16

8.16

Maximum audio bandwidth (Mbit/s)

36.86

36.86

36.86

36.86

36.86

Maximum TV Re-fresh Rate (240, 480, 600Mhz, etc)

Resolutions at 24bits per pixel

Any

Any

Any

Any

Any

1920x1080p

1920x1080p

1920x1080p

2560x1600p

4096x2160

24

24

24

48

48

RGB
YCbCr
xvYCC
Deep Color
Maximum Color Depth (bits per pixel)
Consumer Electronic Control (CEC)**
Updated list of CEC commands***
Auto lip-sync
8channel/192 kHz/24-bit audio capability
DVD-A support
SACD (DSD) support ****
Dolby TrueHD bitstream capable
DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream capable
Blu-ray/HD DVD video and audio at full resolution, such as 1080p*****
Maximum standard HDMI (19 wire) cable length available using Copper
Maximum Length for 10.2Gbit/sec High Speed Support CERTIFIED

200ft+

200ft+

200ft+

200ft+

200ft+

Not Available

Not Available

Not Available

25 feet

50 feet*

3D Support from HIGH SPEED Devices (such as BluRay)

Ethernet Channel Support (HEC)
Audio Return Channel (ARC)
4K Resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels)

* Lengths of up to 50 feet supporting 10.2Gbps (High Speed) can be obtain by using a specialized HDMI cable or up to 1000ft using a Fiber Optic Cable

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