The right HDMI cable for every device – tips and recommendations
They are loved and hated: HDMI cables. The reason for this can be explained by history, because HDMI connections were developed from DVI cables and were intended for connecting graphics cards to computer monitors, so short cables for high-resolution images and simple sound.
The first tip
HDMI cables can of course do more today – more resolution, more sound formats, more power, and they have HDCP integrated copy protection. Unfortunately HDMI connectors are not only smaller than DVI connectors but also much simpler mechanically.
So here we have the first tip for, "which HDMI cable is the right one?" The HDMI connector must fit well physically, must not wobble or be too loose, so that the electrical contacts are perfect. This is especially true for Mini HDMI jacks (type C), which some laptops and mobile devices use.
FYI: There are different types of HDMI connectors: HDMI connector type A is the standard HDMI connector and the most widely used. If a more compact connection is required, HDMI connector type C (Mini HDMI) is used. The smallest HDMI connector is type D (Micro HDMI), which is mostly used for cameras.
What can HDMI cables actually do?
HDMI cables work at the limit of the frequencies that we can transmit with copper cables. The necessary transmission quality restricts the length a HDMI cable can have. You’re generally on the safe side with 2 to 3 m. Neither shorter nor longer cables are recommended for the latest standards with data rates of 48 Gbps, and in the future even 96 Gbps, although lengths between 1 and 5 m are available. In any case at least HDMI Premium High Speed certification should be provided.
Sound via HDMI
If you want to transmit the sound from your TV set to a soundbar or even an AV receiver, you can use the ARC function, the Audio Return Channel. If you want to transmit Dolby Atmos or DTS sound, you’ll need the extended eARC function, the Enhanced Audio Return Channel. For eARC you need a cable that is designed for this and is either identified for eARC or offers IP over HDMI, which uses the same cables.
Attention – abbreviations!
Then there are some abbreviations that are mentioned in relation to HDMI cables, but which make no difference to the actual cable itself. This largely concerns functions that ensure better image display in the computer and gaming sector, which includes VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). This allows the game console or graphics card to change the frame rate within a certain range, without causing dropouts or other artifacts on the screen. The same applies to QMS (Quick Media Switching) and QFT (Quick Frame Transport) which, however, play no role in the transmission of a video signal.
But game consoles like to send the signal for the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which causes the TV or projector to switch to the game mode with shorter latencies. This often has an imperceptible effect on image quality, but reduces the time for image composition and therefore the delay between what happens on the controller or joystick and what you see on the screen, which improves the game experience with responsive gaming.
To use the listed features the source and the television interfaces must offer the features, but this doesn’t require a special HDMI cable.
Which HDMI cable for which purpose?
If you have to cover long distances, from the AV receiver to a projector on the ceiling, for example, you won't get very far with today's resolutions with HDMI 2.1 with copper cables. There are, however,
fiber optic and hybrid solutions with copper and fiber optic, which is now even the norm. Hybrid HDMI cables have the advantage that they do not require an external power supply, as the plug on the receiver side (projector), is supplied with power from the source, via the integrated copper cable.
The actual image and sound signal is transmitted via a fiber optic, with the same technology used to establish Internet connections between continents. Electronics in the connectors convert the electrical signal into laser light and back again. Attention – with longer lengths: The image signal is always transmitted over the entire length, but eARC is often limited with the cable length. Some fiber optic lines do not transmit eARC at all. If you need this for the sound from a smart projector to a soundbar, or simply for devices that are far apart, make sure you bear it in mind when making your purchase.
Handling the cables
There are a few things to bear in mind when using HDMI cables. In contrast to cinch or speaker cables, HDMI cables and especially the connectors are comparatively sensitive. Bending around tight radii or even kinking is the death of any HDMI cable, whether it is fiber optic or copper. This also applies to the connectors, which are extremely sensitive and shouldn’t be bent or permanently stressed. If you need a cable around a corner, be sure to buy one with an appropriate angled connector or use an appropriate angled adapter. There are also a few HDMI connectors with movable joints that can be problem solvers.
Another really important tip: If you want to
hide HDMI cables, please do not install them permanently. As its still very recent history shows, the standard is constantly evolving, and you will probably have to replace cables again in a few years. So be sure not to install them fixed or concealed. You can either use a cable duct you can open, or an empty conduit big enough to pull an HDMI cable and connector through, as on-site cable assembly is virtually impossible.
Planning ahead
When should you replace your cable? Answer: Usually when you buy one or more new devices, such as a Blu-Ray player, for example, which can handle a higher data rate than older devices. A cable with a HDMI standard older than version 2.0 is de facto obsolete and will cause problems with up-to-date TVs or game consoles or will limit the quality. If you want to be equipped for all current features (as of 2025), you need HDMI standard 2.1.
These cables must be able to transmit up to 48 Gbps and be HDMI Ultra High Speed-certified, which is also sufficient for resolutions up to 4K at up to 120 fps or 8K at up to 60 fps. The HDMI 2.2 standard presented at CES 2025 with bandwidths up to 96 Gbps will be sufficient in the future for resolutions up to 12K at 120 fps or 8K at 240 fps. This is still a long way down the road, even in the gaming sector, but it is not de facto necessary for video applications.
Most important facts at a glance
If you want to purchase an HDMI cable today you should ensure you have the right standard – it should be at least HDMI 2.0, preferably 2.1. If you want to be future-proof, you need a cable that transmits 48 Gbps and has an official HDMI Ultra High Speed certificate. This means all demanding signals from streaming in 4K and HDR, as well as current gaming requirements, can then be transmitted.
Careful: HDMI cables are sensitive, so please do not kink or bend them sharply or stress the connector. Instead simply choose suitable products with angled connectors or adapters. Lengths up to 3 m are not critical, but from 5 m it is better to choose hybrid or fiber optic cables. And then it should all work fine!
The right HDMI cable
Find the perfect HDMI cable for your setup: Learn everything about standards, connector types, key features like eARC & VRR, plus tips on choosing the right length and proper handling to ensure the best picture and sound quality! A guest article by Raphael Vogt | lowbeats
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