The first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box (HDTV Receiver), DVD player, Blu-ray player, and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).
The new HDMI digital interconnect provides:
- Superior, uncompressed digital video and audio quality.
- Simple, user-friendly connector that replaces the maze of cabling behind the entertainment center.
- Integrated remote control.
- A popular interface enabling the transmission of high-definition content. HDMI opens the floodgate of digital content from major motion picture producers.
The advantages of HDMI over existing analog interfaces such as composite, S-Video and component video are.
- Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
- All Digital HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions.
- Low-cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner.
- Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound.
- Ease-of-use HDMI combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems.
- Intelligence HDMI supports communication between the video source (such as a Blu-ray player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality.
HDMI is fully backward-compatible with DVI using the CEA-861 profile for DTVs. HDMI DTVs will display video received from existing DVI-equipped products, and DVI-equipped TVs will display video from HDMI sources. To see our selection of HDMI cables and adaptors, please Click Here.
HDMI technology has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at long lengths. In order to allow cable manufacturers to improve their products through the use of new technologies, HDMI specifies the required performance of a cable but does not specify a maximum cable length. Cables are expected to be lengths of up to 15 meters.
HDMI Connectors
 Type A |
 Type B Dual-Link (not used much) |
 Type C Mini HDMI |
 Type D Micro HDMI |
 Type E Automotive |
Versions of HDMI
- HDMI 1.1 – Audio added for DVD support.
- HDMI 1.2 – Provides better support for PCs. Supports more resolutions.
- HDMI 1.3 – Higher Speeds (up to 340 MHz), Deeper Colors (up to 48 bit). Came with a smaller (Type C mini) connector for use on cameras and camcorders.
- HDMI 1.4 – Added an Ethernet Channel, allows devices to connect to the internet. Support for 3D and 4K video. Came with the smaller Type D micro and Type E automotive connector.
- HDMI 2.0 – Higher Speeds to support 4K at 60 frames per second. Also supports up to 32 channels of audio.
Length rules
HDMI cables can be up to 65 feet in length without any boosters or amplifiers. The longer lengths do require a heavier gauge wire. Our M5133B comes in a variety of lengths. Our M5133B-PL cables have a plenum jacket. For lengths that require an amplifier, we have the M5133A.
Our ADP5130 combined with M5133-100 can provide a length of 100 feet. HDMI amplifiers connect to the receiving end of the HDMI connection. It would seem logical to connect it to the transmitting end but in the case of HDMI, it needs to be at the receiving end.
Our ADP5411 can extend HDMI up to 120 feet using two Cat 5e cables (resolutions up to 1080p)
Or use ADP5412 to extend HDMI up to 328 feet using a single Cat 5e cable (resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps)
Use WDB681090 wall jacks along with two Cat 5e / Cat 6 cables run inside the walls, up to 100 feet (resolutions up to 1080p), these decora inserts require a decora cover plate. These jacks will mount into our Wall Box Eliminators.
Use WDB681091 wall jacks along with two Cat 5e / Cat 6 cables run inside the walls, up to 150 feet (resolutions up to 1080p), also supports IR remote control connections. These jacks will mount into our Wall Box Eliminators.