HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are today the most common cables used for home theaters, used for transmitting audio, video and other types of signals between devices without or with very little distortion. The devices that use HDMI include TVs, computer monitors, DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD players, cable boxes, projectors, laptops, digital cameras, projectors, to mention just the most common applications. The end-connectors on HDMI cables are different depending on the application – here are the most common sizes:
- Type A – these are regular size connectors used most commonly and suitable for connecting computers, cable boxes, TVs, game consoles, projectors and the receivers of home theaters;
- Type C – these are mini-connectors, most commonly used for connecting tablets and video cameras on one end and PC monitors and TVs on the other;
- Type D – these are micro connectors, suitable for the outlets on portable devices, including smartphones, tablets and digital cameras;
- Type E – these end-connectors have been developed for the automotive industry and are suitable for connecting diagnostic devices to the onboard computers installed on vehicles.
When buying HDMI cables, you need to consider not only the size of the end-connector, but the length as well. Like many video, audio and data cables, HDMI cables can suffer from signal degradation at longer lengths. Make sure that you purchase a long hdmi cable or shorter version for the application as needed to avoid making usage difficult or impossible.