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The functions of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

By: Robert Deans Click author's name for more of his/her articles

With the capability to transfer up to 5 gigabits per second, utilising 19 wires tapped into a single USB cable, the High Definition Multimedia Interface, or otherwise known as HDMI is commonly used for audio and visual equipment. Examples of this include high definition entertainment systems and home theatre systems. HDMI has set itself as the standard interface for most high definition displays, with the capability of transferring data at twice the speed required of a standard audio / video cable, HDMI is set to become the next generation of media display systems, setting itself apart from its predecessors. Since 2003, HDMI leads have grown to be one of the most commonly utilized digital cables around the world.

A standard HDMI has two types of wire – ‘Type A’, utilizing 19 wires, and ‘Type B’, which holds 29 wires. Professional media industries tend to prefer ‘Type B’ wires, as the extra number of wires packed into the cable allows for top speed data transfer to support the high resolution displays. The standard HDMI wire, when compared to the original analogue video cables or S-Video cables have a distinct advantage as HDMI Cables have the capability to deliver high quality sound and vision without the risk of quality loss. This is due to the fact that with HDMI, there fewer messy cables and creating the best experience for a home theatre system.

HDMI quality video should be clean and smooth, without distortion or noticeable levels of colour loss. Unlike the standard analogue cable, the HDMI delivers better transfer and conversion rates of electronic signals sent through the wire. The HDMI is in general, much faster than the standard S-Video or Component cables due to the design structure that it is built with. This greatly decreases the chance of data loss during the process, and is thus why HDMI is a much preferred alternative to the standard analogue cable where the process is much more likely to lose quality.

So what types of products actually support HDMI? If you’re looking for some sleek display, projectors, a wide variety of new screens and additionally DVD players support HDMI systems.

If you’re looking for a good HDMI cable, be sure to choose the right version for your equipment. The latest model of HDMI is version 1.3c, although there are a variety of older models, ranging from 1.0 to 1.3 that may or may not be compatible with your existing equipment. High quality TV’s can also come packed with a HDMI cable, so that an external purchase is not required. If you do own a component that supports HDMI and want to upgrade it for a more aesthetically pleasing experience, there are several manufacturers who have a good reputation at creating HDMI cables, including Belkin.

The HDMI has become the standard of high definition video and audio. Most professional sound and audio systems have adopted the HDMI as the primary system of transferring, compression and converting data to maintain high quality video. If you are looking for the ultimate home entertainment system or can afford to spare some money for a better TV, HDMI is the way to go.

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About The Author: Article by Robert Deans, Marketing Manager at Cables & Leads. Cables & Leads are the UK’s premier Cable distributor, for all cables from Scart to HDMI Leads visit www.cables-leads.co.uk