HDMI cables let you connect not only desktop devices such as video game consoles, DVD and Blu-ray players, and receivers to your TV but mobile devices too like tablets, cameras, and camcorders. You just need the right connector type.
HDMI is now the standard when it comes to connecting devices to a TV or computer monitor to work; watch TV, films, or series; or play video games. While DisplayPort is a strong alternative in the PC world, beyond that HDMI technology dominates – with a matching connector for almost any type of hardware. Read on for an overview.
HDMI 2.1, 2.0, or perhaps 1.4 will do? It all depends on what you’re going to use the cable for
The type that’s probably used most in everyone’s home is the regular full-size HDMI connector (Type A). You’ll find this type of input or output on practically every TV, video game console, and TV receiver. In this regard, you don’t have to worry about the connector format – just the right type of cable: 4K video at up to 120Hz and even 8K are only possible with ultra-high-speed cables supporting the HDMI 2.1 standard. HDMI-A cables are also ideal for use on computers, with modern graphics cards always having at least one HDMI output.
Micro and Mini HDMI for mobile devices
But this type of full-size cable is of little use if, for example, you want to connect a tablet or a digital camera to a TV set to show relatives your latest holiday snaps on the big screen. Mobile devices usually don’t have a “regular” output but a compact Mini or Micro HDMI output – that is, if the traditional HDMI output hasn’t been done away with in favour of USB-C. If you have such a device, you’ll need a cable with a USB-C plug on one end and a Type A plug for the TV on the other.
There are hardly any technical differences between Mini (Type C) and Micro HDMI cables (Type D); they only differ in terms of the connector format. Both are basically not only perfect for tablets and digital cameras but also for camcorders, notebooks, and action cams. Micro HDMI cables are also ideal for connecting microcomputers such as the Raspberry Pi to a display.
However, don’t confuse Micro HDMI cables with HDMI MHL cables: “Mobile High-Definition Link” (MHL) is a technology for direct communication between the TV and smartphone/tablet, which both devices must support. Before you buy a cable, check what type of connection your device has so you don’t pick the wrong one.
Go for cables with superior build quality
For flawless performance, all HDMI cables available from our shop are machine soldered and put through rigorous functionality tests. And for interference-free signal transmission, our cables have gold-plated connectors, multi-layer shielding, and high-quality copper conductors.