What is HDMI? How many types of HDMI cables are there?

Using an HDMI cable is the most common way to connect a smart device to a TV or home theater setup. Computer monitors, laptops, HDTVs, and game consoles all use HDMI. Let's find out what HDMI is and what types of HDMI cables are there? 

What is HDMI?

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, which is a high-resolution multimedia interface. HDMI is a connection standard that transmits sound and images from one device to another while still ensuring quality. HDMI is used for projection screens, TVs with computers, laptops, PCs, etc.

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Function of HDMI cable

With one cable, you can transmit images, sounds, videos to large screens such as TVs, laptops, etc. HDMI ensures good resolution that can be transmitted from one device to another. You can be completely assured of studio-standard sound quality, giving you a great experience when watching movies or listening to music. You can easily connect HDMI cables to other devices, serving well for entertainment, study and work needs.

How many types of HDMI cables are there?

What are the types of HDMI cables? You must understand the standards and capabilities of the cables. HDMI cables are classified based on the HDMI version and signal transmission speed.

Standard HDMI cable

The most basic type is the standard HDMI cable, which was designed for earlier consumer applications. The cable has a bandwidth of 5Gbps and supports 1080i or 720p resolution. Standard HDMI cables do not transmit 4K or higher resolutions.

Standard HDMI cables with a 30Hz refresh rate are the top choice for satellite TV, DVD players, and display projectors. 

Standard cable with Ethernet

This cable works like a standard HDMI cable. It is equipped with a dedicated data channel. Both connected devices must have Ethernet Channel enabled to use this feature.

Standard Automotive

Standard Automotive is designed for in-vehicle HD video systems. The cable has similar features to the standard HDMI cable used to connect portable or in-car DVD players to in-vehicle video displays. Standard cables can transmit strong signals and withstand vibration.

High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

High Speed ​​HDMI Cable is designed to carry 1080p, 4K at 30Hz and 3D signals. It has a bandwidth of 10.2Gbps and is optimized for HDMI versions 1.3 to 1.4a.

High Speed ​​HDMI cables also support 3D and Deep Color technology, recommended for 4K-capable video consoles and Blu-ray Disc players.

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High Speed ​​HDMI Cable with Ethernet

High Speed ​​Ethernet HDMI Cables feature the same features as High Speed ​​Cables, supporting 1080p up to 4K and advanced display technologies. The difference here is that they come with a dedicated data channel, called HDMI Ethernet Channel.

While very few devices are compatible with this type of cable, it is a great choice for systems that support Ethernet streaming channels.

High-Speed ​​Automotive

High-Speed ​​Automotive HDMI Cables feature the same features as regular High-Speed ​​HDMI Cables, except that they are specifically designed for use in the automotive industry. High-Speed ​​Automotive can operate easily under the unique stresses of the automotive environment such as high temperatures.

Premium High-Speed

Premium High-Speed ​​HDMI cables will provide bandwidth up to 18Gbps and are optimized for HDMI versions 2.0, 2.0a and 2.0b.

The cable also has low electromagnetic interference and is available for both HDMI Type A and Type D connectors. Premium High-Speed ​​HDMI Cables are a great choice for PC gaming and design software.

Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

High Speed ​​HDMI cables are designed to support uncompressed 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz with up to 48Gbps of bandwidth. The cable supports video playback at resolutions up to 10K and up to 240Hz on HDR TVs.

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Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI supports HDMI 2.1a, it works with most HDMI devices, as it is also compatible with previous standards and is less affected by EMI caused by some wireless devices.

Cables support new features like eARC and VRR. To meet the specifications, check the High Speed ​​HDMI certification label on the cable packaging.

Through the above article, TipsMake has helped you better understand what HDMI is? How many types of HDMI cables are there? Hopefully, this information will help you find the right HDMI type for your electronic devices. You can contact TipsMake for advice on choosing HDMI cables and making purchases as quickly as possible!

Kareem Winters

Update 16 January 2025