Which hdmi cable do i need

Actually, even if you are buying an 8K TV, you probably don't need them. For more info on that, check out HDMI 2. Some of you, though, are looking for something with a longer cable length.

There are a lot of variables to consider, which we'll discuss, so we don't have a simple pick. In broad strokes, the build and material quality is much more important in a long HDMI cable than short. Over 15 feet there is a much higher chance that a mediocre cable won't work, or won't work at the resolution you want. This still doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune on a long cable, there are plenty of options for roughly the same price per-foot as the ones mentioned above.

It does mean that no-name cables might be less likely to work. To put it another way, a poorly made 3-foot cable will probably work fine for most people, but a poorly made foot cable probably won't.

Many options can't. There are three technologies to consider:. These cables cost a little extra, but are far more likely to work. A long passive cable might work for you, but it might not. It depends on your gear. Since they're not significantly more expensive, they're worth considering for any long run.

Optical: Though a similar technology to the old-school audio interface , HDMI-over-optical is capable of far greater bandwidth. It's also capable of far greater distances. It's easy to find options that are over feet. Prices have dropped radically in the last few years, with options available for similar prices per-foot as traditional copper cables.

Most don't even need external power. They work and look just like a thin HDMI cable. Wireless: You could also skip cables completely and just go wireless.

This isn't quite as simple as it sounds, though. There are far too many considerations to get into here, but a few things to keep in mind: 1 They're going to cost more than cables; 2 4K options often only work in-room and can be blocked by anything, including cabinet doors and even people.

Though wireless seems like it should be easy for multiple devices in this era of near-ubiquitous Wi-Fi, it's not. If you're considering this, definitely do your research before you buy.

In September a CNN article brought attention to a number of Amazon's own products that have caught fire. Like any copper cable, voltage can be transmitted over the cable, but that's an issue with the source, the display or perhaps the lightning bolt hitting your house.

There was no fire in that case, however: The reviewer's cable melted for unknown reasons. We don't think the CNN report is a reason to dismiss AmazonBasics AV cables, but if you're not comfortable with the idea, there are other options listed here, including Monoprice, which we've had in our labs and homes for years.

And it's an added bonus if it has a great warranty like the Amazon or Monoprice cables. Keep in mind there's no such thing as HDMI cable "versions.

The version numbers refer to the physical connections in your TV, receiver or sound bar. It's just a dumb pipe. As long as that pipe is "big" enough, which is to say it has enough bandwidth, you should be good to go. The new Ultra High Speed cables are capable of 48Gbps, but that's far beyond what any current source can send. Lastly, if you want to run the cables through a wall, make sure you get HDMI cables specifically made for that. Check your local building codes for the HDMI specification you need.

Has the same capabilities as standard HDMI, but also has a dedicated data channel for device networking, allowing you to connect your devices to the internet without needing a separate ethernet cable. Suitable for vehicle connectivity. Enables you to enjoy HD video from your personal media player, HD camcorder and other digital sources while on the go. Has the same capabilities as high-speed HDMI, but also has a dedicated data channel for device networking, allowing you to connect your devices to the internet without needing a separate ethernet cable.

Designed and certified for ultra-reliable performance for 4K Ultra HD including advanced features such as 4K at 60 frames per second, HDR and expanded colour spaces. They can be identified by an Anti-Counterfeiting Authentication Label. Ensures ultra high-bandwidth dependent features are delivered including uncompressed 8K video with HDR.

Supports up to 48 Gbps bandwidth and features exceptionally low EMI electro-magnetic interference which reduces interference with nearby wireless devices. Your choice of cable will depend on the HDMI devices you have — they need to be compatible with the features you want.

For instance, if you want p video resolution, both your TV and source device, such as a DVD player or set-top box, must be capable of p displays. If your TV is capable of p resolution but the source device is only capable of p, your TV will display p video even if you have a high speed HDMI cable.

All these cables have 19 pins. The standard HDMI connector measures 14 x 4. The mini HDMI connector measures Also called HDMI Type-D, these cables are the smallest of all and are used for smaller devices such as digital cameras, ultra books and smaller tablets. The micro HDMI connector measures 6.

And until recently, it was also the highest resolution supported by TVs and other AV components. As of late , there are more HDMI 2. But it will be at least a couple years before native 8K video content is available. But don't expect to see native 8K games any time soon. If you have an older receiver or sound bar, you might need to use an optical digital cable to get audio from your TV, even if your TV supports ARC. It provides much greater audio bandwidth and can handle multi-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio signals via streaming.

It can sometimes be added via firmware update to components that didn't come with support for HDMI 2. Each new HDMI version is backward-compatible with older versions, so you don't have to worry much about compatibility issues.

Here is a brief rundown of the most recent versions of HDMI leading up to 2. HDMI 1. It also adds eARC capabilities. But they do support video resolutions up to Full HD p, which is still widely used.

The HDMI 2. But it offers some features you can take advantage of now if you have compatible gear, like the ability to stream high-resolution multi-channel audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and faster refresh rates for 4K video.

So if you have a brand new 8K TV hooked up to a receiver or other component that only supports 4K, you'll be able to enjoy up to 4K resolution video on your screen. They are also CL2-rated for safe in-wall installation. Using multiple cables? Cable labels help you keep track of your connections. Not sure where to start? We'll answer some of the most important questions you might have below. Higher speed HDMI cables also allow for quicker refresh rates at different video resolutions.

The easiest way to figure out if an HDMI cable is 4K compatible is to check its speed rating or its maximum bandwidth. A cable rated at 18 Gbps maximum bandwidth is fast enough to give you 4K video. As mentioned above, 8K TVs are still less common than 4K, but if you're a gamer, ultra high speed HDMI cables will give you the quickest refresh rates with the latest game consoles, even if 4K is the maximum resolution your TV will allow.

As a rule, you'll want to use the shortest HDMI cable you can manage to keep audio and video signals from having to travel a long distance. Most hookups are easy to do with cables that are under six feet in length. Longer HDMI cable lengths can cause issues, depending on the quality of the cable and how you have it routed.

Any sharp bends can cause problems, and if you're running a cable for a distance of over 20 feet, it's wise not to skimp on quality.

And what if you need to run your cable over an extra long distance, like to connect a projector, for example? You have a few options. For distances of 12 feet or more, we recommend active HDMI cables. These specialized cables include a processing chip to ensure that your signals travel from your video components to your screen with no loss or interruption. Look for HDMI cables that are in-wall rated if you want to run them through your walls or ceiling.

High-tech fiber optic HDMI cables deliver outstanding picture and sound quality at distances up to 1, feet. With these cables, there's no signal loss over long runs. And they're immune to interference from appliances, wireless devices, and computers. Fiber optic cables are very delicate, so installation is best left to a professional. Active hybrid HDMI cables offer most of the benefits of fiber optic cables in a more rugged and stable package that's much more DIY-friendly.

These slim, flexible cables are a good choice for pre-wiring new homes. When it comes to transmitting high-quality audio and video signals, nearly all HDMI cables of decent quality are up for the job, especially when they only have to go a short distance.

Most of us won't notice subtle differences in audio or video quality between different brands. If something about the cable is off, you simply won't have a picture on your screen. One caveat here is that not all of the HDMI cables in the world are of great quality. Our Tech Support director Phil says that many cables are advertised and packaged so they seem to be of high quality but are not. Still, you don't have to break the bank to get a good cable — there are lots of reasonably priced options from reputable manufacturers.

Some HDMI cables use higher-quality materials, which ensures they'll stand up to long-term use. For longer cables, or cables you want to run through a wall or ceiling, it makes sense to step up to a more expensive option so you won't have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. Using components with different HDMI versions may cause some interoperability issues.

For example, you won't be able to take advantage of HDMI 2. And if you're using an AV receiver, you may encounter "handshake" problems when powering on your system. HDMI handshake problems usually happen when the multiple components in your system fail to "talk to" one another. If you are getting a blank screen when you go to watch a movie or play a video game, it could be because one component in your system failed to complete the HDCP authentication process.

It could also be due to a faulty connection. So the first thing you'll want to do is to check that your cable isn't bent, and that both ends are firmly plugged in to your TV and Blu-ray player or game console. Most directional cables, like the ones made by AudioQuest , have arrows printed on either end to show you how to plug them in.

Are you using a directional HDMI cable? If your connection is solid, try powering off your system and powering it back on, switching on your components in a different order than you normally do. If you usually turn the TV on first, try switching on the receiver before you do that. Sometimes that's all it takes. If that doesn't work, you can try using a different input on your TV or receiver. If you still aren't getting a picture after trying the tips above, check online to find out if there's a firmware update available for your TV or receiver.

Occasionally, HDMI handshake problems are caused by a fault in manufacturing. They should support HDMI version 1. Here are some links to guide you through the process of activating HDMI Control for these three brands:. Sony Bravia Sync. If your receiver or sound bar isn't switching to the TV or audio input on its own when you go to watch something, it means that HDMI Control isn't activated on one or possibly both devices and needs to be turned on.

If you have to turn on HDMI Control on any of your devices, our Tech Support team recommends that you power all of them off and then turn them back on and try playing something on the TV.

If your receiver or sound bar is switching to the TV input but no sound is coming out, it means that HDMI Control is already activated on both devices.

So either there is a problem with the cable, or it is plugged into the wrong port on the TV. If you are using a high-speed cable and things still aren't right, it's possible you have a bad cable.

You can always try a different cable and see if that works. Sometimes ARC just won't work. Once you've verified your cable and connections are right, and that HDMI Control is on, then it's time to move on and use an optical digital cable for your audio connection. It's pretty annoying when you're watching your favorite show and the audio is out of sync with the video. If you're having lip-sync problems with a single source component, like your Blu-ray player or streaming device, you may be able to fix the problem via settings on the component that is giving you trouble.

Your TV, receiver, or other components might have settings that let you correct lip-sync issues. If it doesn't, you may need a firmware update. Or you may need to activate eARC through the settings menu on one or both devices. Unplugging the HDMI cable while everything is on then plugging it back in can also fix lip-sync issues. Still have questions about which HDMI cable would work best in your system?

We know these products inside and out. Feel free to leave us a comment below, or get in touch with one of our expert Advisors. Free lifetime tech support is included with every Crutchfield purchase.

Is it not possible to decode DTS:X? I'm using a high speed Ethernet hdmi. Will up grade TV and blue ray in near future. I need an 8m hdmi cable that can carry 4k signal from amp to projector