The standard in home entertainment: HDMI cables
If you’ve got consumer electronics in your living room, your guaranteed to use HDMI cables. This interface has been around since 2002, and today it’s hard to imagine life without it. TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, video game consoles, or receivers: All these devices have HDMI outputs or inputs. If you’re a PC user, you’ll also be familiar with this technology as all the latest graphics cards can be connected to a monitor via an HDMI cable. At KabelDirekt, you’ll find premium cables to connect your entertainment devices and enjoy films, series, and video games in the best picture and sound quality.
HDMI 2.0 vs. 2.1
HDMI has undergone several iterations over the years. We’re now at HDMI 2.0 (including 2.0a/b) as well as 2.1. Since the latest versions are backwards compatible with 1.4 and the older versions are no longer relevant, you’re best off investing in at least HDMI 2.0-compatible cables – or to go straight for even better HDMI 2.1-compliant cables.
However, the version of the HDMI standard alone doesn’t say much about the cable’s actual capabilities. That’s why the most powerful cables based on the 2.1 standard are better recognised by the designation: Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable.
Our range includes cables of both standards, and no matter which one you choose you’ll always get premium cables that have been machine-soldered and put through stringent functionality tests.
Choosing between an HDMI 2.1 cable or a more cost-effective 2.0 cable depends on how you intend to use the cable. Both variants support 4K at 60Hz, but only Ultra High Speed HDMI (2.1) also offers 120Hz at this high resolution – the cables even support 8K at 60Hz, making them future proof. However, it’s only worth getting an HDMI 2.1 cable if both your TV and the device you want to connect to the TV each have an HDMI 2.1 port.
HDMI 2.1 trumps 2.0 in several areas when it comes to other video and audio features too – something that will pique the interest of gaming fans in particular:
- HDR10+ instead of regular HDR (high dynamic range) for even richer colours and stronger contrasts
- VRR (variable refresh rate) matches your TV’s frame rate to that of your video games for a smoother gaming experience
- ALLM (auto low latency mode), where your TV switches to gaming mode automatically when you use your video game console
- eARC (enhanced audio return channel) instead of basic ARC for even better audio quality
HDMI cables for any scenario – from short to long
Our HDMI cables are available in many lengths, starting at 25cm and ranging all the way up to extra-long HDMI cables of 20m, 50m, or even 100m – although these longer cables aren’t your typical copper cables but optical fibre cables. That’s because you start to see a drop off in performance with the former type once they exceed certain lengths. We therefore only stock copper-based Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cables up to a length of 5m. If you need HDMI cables of the fastest variety with a length of 10m or more, go for their optical cousins. And if you have an HDMI 2.0 cable that’s too short for your requirements, we have a solution for you here too: Extension cables. We offer versions ranging from 1 to 10m, and our range also includes active HDMI repeaters.
From Micro and Mini HDMI to Type A
Our online store includes special HDMI cables with a small-format connector for hooking up your smartphone, tablet, notebook, camcorder, or mini computer (such as a Raspberry Pi) to a large screen or projector. We also offer Mini HDMI and Micro HDMI adapter cables – with each version having a “standard” sized Type-A plug on one end which is compatible with all TVs, monitors, and projectors. In addition, all these cables meet the HDMI 2.0 standard and offer 4K, Ethernet, ARC, and 3D support.
HDMI cable FAQs
Which HDMI cable is best for 4K?
To enjoy 4K content, you’ll need at least a High Speed HDMI 2.0 cable, or opt for 2.1 if you need support for a higher 120Hz refresh rate at that resolution.
Will an HDMI cable fit a DisplayPort port?
You’ll need to buy an adapter to use HDMI cables with devices and equipment with DisplayPort ports.
Which is better: HDMI or DisplayPort?
Although there’s no simple answer, DisplayPort offers advantages especially when used on a gaming PC whereas HDMI is the predominant standard in home cinema.
What is HDMI Type A?
Type A is the designation for the standard HDMI connector that’s compatible with every TV, PC monitor, DVD and Blu-ray player as well as every video game console. By contrast, Mini and Micro HDMI are for portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, and such like.
Are all HDMI cables alike?
The simple answer is no. The older standards in particular, like HDMI 1.4, lack support for many modern features like 4K at 60Hz due to their limited bandwidth. There are also differences between High Speed and Ultra High Speed cables based on the HDMI 2.1 standard.
How do I connect my smartphone to my TV?
To connect your smartphone to a TV you usually need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which you can also get from us. However, find out first whether your phone supports one.
