Everything You Need To Know About HDMI Connection

Question	Answer
1. What is an HDMI cable?	HDMI cables transmit high-definition audio and video between devices like TVs, monitors, laptops, and game consoles.
2. What types of HDMI cables are there?	Standard HDMI – Up to 1080i High-Speed HDMI – 1080p, 4K @30Hz Premium High-Speed HDMI – 4K @60Hz, HDR Ultra High-Speed HDMI – 8K @60Hz, 4K @120Hz, HDMI 2.1
3. What HDMI versions are available and what do they support?	HDMI 1.4 – 4K @30Hz, 3D, ARC HDMI 2.0/2.0a/2.0b – 4K @60Hz, HDR10 HDMI 2.1 – 8K @60Hz, 4K @120Hz, VRR, eARC, ALLM
4. Are HDMI cables backwards compatible?	Yes, newer HDMI cables can be used with older devices, but the connection will only support the features of the lowest HDMI version in use.
5. Do expensive HDMI cables perform better?	Not necessarily. Certified cables that meet HDMI specs provide the same performance, regardless of price, as long as they support the required version.
6. What HDMI cable length should I use?	For up to 5m, standard copper HDMI cables are fine. For longer runs (10m–100m), use active or optical HDMI (AOC) to prevent signal loss.
7. What is ARC and eARC?	ARC: Sends audio from your TV to a soundbar or AV receiver. eARC: Enhanced ARC supports high-quality formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
8. Can HDMI cables carry Ethernet?	Yes, if both devices support HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC). This allows devices to share an internet connection via HDMI.
9. What is an Active HDMI Cable?	Active HDMI cables have built-in electronics to boost signal strength, allowing longer cable runs (typically up to 100m). These are directional and must be connected correctly.
10. What devices use HDMI?	TVs and monitors Game consoles (PS5, Xbox) Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV) PCs and laptops Blu-ray players and projectors AV receivers and soundbars
11. How can I tell if my HDMI cable supports 4K or 8K?	Check the label or specs. High-Speed HDMI supports 4K @30Hz, Premium High-Speed supports 4K @60Hz, and Ultra High-Speed supports 8K and HDMI 2.1 features.
12. How do I know if my HDMI cable is faulty?	Common signs include no signal, screen flickering, distorted audio, or inability to reach expected resolution or refresh rate.
13. Do HDMI cables support surround sound?	Yes. HDMI supports Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos (with eARC or compatible setup).
14. What are the different HDMI connector types?	Type A: Standard HDMI – TVs, monitors, consoles Type C: Mini HDMI – Tablets, DSLR cameras Type D: Micro HDMI – Smartphones, GoPros Type E: Automotive HDMI – In-vehicle systems