What is HDMI? Instructions for connecting devices via HDMI port

HDMI is being used extremely widely in the process of transmitting data from images to audio from one device to another. However, in reality today there are many types of HDMI with different uses. To know what HDMI is and what uses it has, let's find out with TipsMake in the article below!

Content

1. What is HDMI?
2. What is the structure of an HDMI cable?
3. Operating principle of HDMI
4. Advantages and disadvantages of HDMI
   1. Advantage
   2. Defect
5. HDMI classification
   1. According to connection speed
   2. According to compatibility with devices
6. Distinguishing types of HDMI ports on TV
   1. HDMI port (MHL)
   2. HDMI port (ARC)
   3. HDMI port (STB)
7. Which devices support HDMI?
8. Compare the difference between HDMI and VGA ports
9. Instructions for connecting laptop to TV via HDMI
10. Instructions for connecting your phone to TV via HDMI
11. What are frequently asked questions about HDMI ports?
    1. Does HDMI cable length affect image quality? 
    2. Are HDMI ports and USB ports the same?
12. Epilogue

What is HDMI?

HDMI is abbreviated from the phrase High-Definition Multimedia Interface , which means high-resolution multimedia interface. HDMI will help you transfer data from one device to another simply and quickly with just one cable.

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When using the HDMI port, you can easily transmit data such as audio, video, images from your phone, computer to devices with large screens such as laptops, televisions, etc. Furthermore, HDMI also ensures Image and sound quality are maintained even when transmitted from one device to another. 

What is the structure of an HDMI cable?

HDMI is designed with a structure of 19 small pins . Each leg will have a certain task and data transmission principles that must be followed.

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Because the HDMI cable is specially constructed, it will be able to support the most vivid sound quality, ensuring studio-like standards. Therefore, users can freely use it to transfer data to other devices without worrying about data conversion.

Operating principle of HDMI

HDMI has 19 small pins with the specific operating principle of each pin as follows:

1. Pin 1 to pin 9 : These first nine pins will be divided into 3 TMSD data channels for image and sound information. These pins play a key role in transferring data with the lowest level of error. At the same time, each TMDS channel will have 3 separate wires with -/+ values ​​and a ground or signal shield.
2. Pins 10 to 12 : Play a key role in transmitting data to the TMDS clock channel, supporting the signal synchronization process. 
3. Pin 13 : This pin is placed in the CES channel and has the function of controlling power consumption. Pin 13 helps send commands and control data that is being connected to other devices.
4. Pin 14 : This pin plays a role in storing data for situations where it needs to be used in the future.
5. Pins 15 and 16 : These two pins are dedicated DDC pins, can display data and use EDIC communication information. Pins 15 and 16 act as intermediaries for the devices.
6. Pin 17 : This is the DDC and CEC channel, acting as a barrier.
7. Pin 18 : This pin contains +5V power source.
8. Pin 19 : Has a protective role, helping to monitor the operation of electric current and wire plugging and unplugging activities. 

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Advantages and disadvantages of HDMI

Currently, the HDMI port is being used very commonly in transferring data from one device to another. However, HDMI also has some advantages and disadvantages that need to be noted.

Advantage

1. High-quality image transmission: HDMI is capable of transmitting high-resolution video and images, full HD resolution standard of 60 frames per second . This is the standard for transmitting sharp content that can be viewed on large screens such as televisions without causing image breakage.
2. Convenient to use: HDMI brings users convenience, because HDMI can transmit from sound to image through many devices with just a single cable.
3. Vivid sound : HDMI supports 8 audio channels, giving users studio-quality sound quality. Therefore, users can comfortably watch good movies, watch football or play online games,. with extremely realistic sound sources.
4. Compact size : The HDMI port is nearly twice as small as the VGA port. Therefore, it is more aesthetically pleasing and does not take up much space on the computer. The HDMI floating cable is compact so it can be easily carried anywhere, serving all users' tasks well.

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Defect

1. High price: Because the HDMI port possesses many outstanding features and a more complex design than VGA cables, the price of this product is quite high.
2. Lack of stability : HDMI cables are not equipped with plug locks. Therefore, it is easy for the socket to become loose after a period of use. This affects the instability of the data transmission line.
3. Not yet popular: In public places such as offices, schools, etc., devices that support HDMI ports are still not really popular. Therefore, when users want to connect, they need to use another conversion cable to convert HDMI to the device's VGA port.

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HDMI classification

HDMI ports are classified according to connection speed and compatibility with devices.

According to connection speed

Based on connection speed, HDMI is divided into 5 types, including:

According to compatibility with devices

Based on compatibility with devices, HDMI is divided into 4 types, including:

Distinguishing types of HDMI ports on TV

Different types of TVs will also have different types of HDMI ports. Currently, on TV there are 3 main types of ports: HDMT (MHL), HDMI (ARC), HDMI (STB). So how are these 3 types of connection ports different?

HDMI port (MHL)

MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link , this is a wired connection standard that helps you present data from mobile devices that support MHL to another device. The method is very simple, just plug the MHL cable into the phone and TV charging port to connect.

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HDMI port (ARC)

HDMI (ARC) is one of the very special connection types and can be considered an upgrade of the MHL port. Besides images, this type of port can help users output sound to amplifiers, speakers, systems, etc. via HDMI cable. Televisions with HDMI (ARC) ports will both be able to view images and hear sound emitted from the TV's speakers transmitted by the player, disc player or laptop.

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HDMI port (STB)

HDMI (STB) is disabled from Set-top-box . This is a type of receiver that decodes signals for television. TVs with STB ports can watch satellite TV, digital TV, internet TV, etc. Some types of STB players are commonly used today such as: VTC digital receiver, VTVCab, VTVCab digital receiver. K+ receiver, Android TV box, Apple TV.

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Which devices support HDMI?

Nowadays, you can easily find devices that support HDMI connection . Some devices that are frequently designed with HDMI ports are:

1. Mini HDMI : DSLR cameras, tablets, video cards,.
2. Micro HDMI: LG phones, Sony Xperia ARC phones, tablets and some laptops with a tablet combination design,.
3. HDMI MHL : This HDMI port is currently designed for most mobile phones on the market. Thereby, users can connect their phone to a projector or TV using the HDMI port.

Compare the difference between HDMI and VGA ports

Below is a detailed comparison table between HDMI and VGA ports through each criterion:

Instructions for connecting laptop to TV via HDMI

To be able to connect your laptop to your TV, you need to make sure that both devices support HDMI ports . At the same time, you also need to prepare an HDMI cable to make the connection. 3 specific steps to connect a laptop to TV are as follows:

Step 1: Use a cable to connect one end to the HDMI port on your laptop and one end to the HDMI port on the TV. You need to pay attention to placing the position between the two devices to match the length of the cable.

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Step 2: Use the remote to press the TV's power button and select HDMI . At this time, a command line will appear on the screen to add a connection port.

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Step 3: After that, the laptop and TV will automatically create a connection to each other. However, if it has been more than 15 seconds and you still do not see the connection status, you need to press the Windows + P combination on your laptop.

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A frame will then appear and click on Duplicate to begin reconnecting.

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So the connection process has been completed. You can then select the program you want to watch on your laptop to start enjoying it on the wide screen of your TV.

Instructions for connecting your phone to TV via HDMI

To connect your phone to the TV using the HDMI port, follow the 3 steps below:

Step 1: Prepare a set of HDMI or MHL connection cables .

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Step 2: Then, you plug the cable ends into the connection ports on your 2 devices one at a time. The smallest end will be plugged into the phone's charging port. The first end of the HDMI cord will be plugged into the HDMI port on the TV and the last cord you plug into the USB port .

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Step 3: Use the TV remote to select the power button and click on the Input List item on the TV. Then, click to select the HDMI/MHL port . Finally, you just need to wait a few seconds to connect successfully. 

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What are frequently asked questions about HDMI ports?

While using the HDMI port, you may encounter the following problems:

Does HDMI cable length affect image quality? 

The length of the HDMI cable actually does not have any effect on the quality of the displayed image. Because the cable is specially constructed, the quality of transmitted data will not be determined by length. You can choose the cable length depending on the connection distance between the two devices.

Are HDMI ports and USB ports the same?

– These are two completely different connection ports. Specifically:
+ HDMI port is the port used to connect between a source device containing an HDMI drive (such as a DVD player, phone, tablet) with an HD screen (such as a TV, projection screen,.). Through the HDMI port and cable, audio and video data are transmitted in high quality and are not altered during transmission.
+ USB port is a port used to connect computers (such as PCs, laptops) with hardware devices (such as mice, printers, keyboards,.). Through the USB port and cable, devices can use the same language without the need for software or intermediary support.

Epilogue

Above is all the information about the HDMI port that TipsMake wants to send to you. Hopefully the information just provided in this article can help you know what HDMI is and the uses of the HDMI port. If you still have any questions about the HDMI connection port, please leave a comment below.

Micah Soto

Update 02 October 2023