Have you ever wondered how many types of HDMI cables exist?
There are 4 broad types of HDMI cables: Connection, speed, specification and gender. Each one has a specific use and purpose.
If you do the math there are 504 types of HDMI cables (in theory):
4 X 9 X 2 X 7.
These guys have really made a lot of cable types!
HDMI connection types
HDMI cables have different connections types (A, B, C or D):
Type A (Standard HDMI)
Type A HDMI carry video and audio signals. They use a 19 pin configuration.
This type is widely used. Examples:
- TVs.
- Monitors.
- Computers.
- Video game consoles.
Type B (Extended HDMI)
Type B carry video and audio signals. They use an extended 29 pin configuration.
I do not know any practical use of this type. We could say this type is already obsolete.
Type C (Mini HDMI)
Type C carry video and audio signals. These mini HDMI cables use a 19 pin configuration.
This type is commonly used in:
- Recording devices.
- Tablets.
- Other small devices.
Type D (Micro HDMI)
Type D does the same as type C but uses a smaller 19 pin configuration.
This type is commonly used in:
- Cell phones.
- Small cameras.
- Other portable devices.
Speed and resolution
- Standard.
- High speed.
- Premium high speed.
- Ultra high speed.
Standard HDMI Cable
- They are designed for resolutions up to 1080p.
- Speed: 4.95 Gb/s.
Note: This cable does not transmit 4K resolution.
Standard HDMI Cables are recommended for:
- Satellite television.
- Screen projectors.
- DVD players.
- Other common displays.
They may also come with a dedicated Ethernet channel or automotive resistance.
High Speed HDMI Cable
- 4K @ 30 Hz.
- 10.2 Gb/s.
They may also come with a dedicated Ethernet channel or automotive resistance.
Premium High Speed HDMI Cable
- 4K @ 60 Hz.
- 18 Gb/s.
Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
- 8K @ 60 Hz
- 4K @ 120 Hz
- 48 Gb/s
It makes me wonder what the next generation of HDMI cables will be called?
- Super High Speed
- Mega High Speed
- Super Mega High Speed
- Mega Super High Speed
Let me know in the comments your guess.
HDMI gender (Male and Female)
HDMI cables may be male or female.
Male example
Both connection ends are male. They are the most common type of HDMI connection type.
Female example
The left connection is male while the connection on the right is female. Female HDMI cables are normally used as adapters.
The HDMI Specification
HDMI has evolved a long way since its first launch in 2002.
| Specification | Year | Resolution and Refresh Rate | Bandwidth | HDR | Audio Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.0 | 2002 | 1080p @ 60 Hz | 4.95 Gb/s | No | 8 audio channels |
| HDMI 1.1/1.2 | 2005 | 1440p @ 30 Hz | 4.95 Gb/s | No | DVD-Audio, One-Bit Audio |
| HDMI 1.3/1.4b | 2009 | 1080p @ 120 Hz 4K @ 60 Hz |
10.2 Gb/s | No | ARC, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD |
| HDMI 2.0b | 2013 | 5K @ 30 Hz | 18.0 Gb/s | Yes | HE-AAC, DRA, HDR, 32 audio channels |
| HDMI 2.1 | 2017 | 4K @ 120 Hz 8K @ 30 Hz |
48.0 Gb/s | Yes | eARC, Dolby Atmos |
As you can tell from the table above, the latest specification type of HDMI cable is 2.1.
Second to that, it is clear that the type of HDMI cable you choose can make a huge difference in the quality of what you can see.
You may have a high end computer and monitor. But if you use a older HDMI cable, you will only experience what that cable is capable of showing.
For instance, a 4k monitor or TV will only display 1080p resolution on a HDMI 1.2 cable. Or they may not display anything at all!
Note: If you have a 4k device you need a HDMI cable 1.3 or newer.
What Type do I need?
I have written an article to answer this question:
What Type of HDMI Cable do I need?
If you want to skip poor quality HDMI cables, pick one of the two below. They are all type A (male to male):
I have written an article to answer this question:
What Type of HDMI Cable do I need?
If you want to skip poor quality HDMI cables, pick one of the two below. They are all type A (male to male):
HDMI 2.1 (8k)
4k and lower resolution
Guide
I also created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:
How to Choose a HDMI Cable (Step by step Guide)
Citation
When you need to include a fact or piece of information in an assignment or essay you should also include where and how you found that piece of information (Types of HDMI Cables).
That gives credibility to your paper and it is sometimes required in higher education.
To make your life (and citation) easier just copy and paste the information below into your assignment or essay:
Luz, Gelson. Types of HDMI Cables (Speed, Resolution and more). Technology Blog. Gelsonluz.com. dd mmmm. yyyy. URL.
Now replace dd, mmmm and yyyy with the day, month, and year you browsed this page. Also replace URL for the actual url of this page. This citation format is based on MLA.
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