Which HDMI cable do I need?
HDMI is the most commonly used HD signal for the transferring of both high-definition audio and video through a single cable, from one device to another. It's one of the best ways to hook up DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and streaming media devices. There are a variety of HDMI leads available including Ultra High Speed, Fibre Optic, Premium High Speed, High Speed and Standard versions. We provide a whole range of HDMI to suit your needs.
Find your hdmi cable:
ULTRA HIGH SPEED HDMI
Ultra High Speed HDMI are designed for high quality video and performance. These cables are a perfect match for 4K TVs that have a true 120Hz refresh rate (like use with a PlayStation or Xbox). They also support 8K resolution at a refresh rate of up to 60Hz.
FIBRE AOC HDMI
Fibre AOC HDMI use strands of fine glass filament to transfer data as light pulses. They are very similar to Premium HDMI, supporting data speeds of up to 18GBps. The biggest advantage to installers is that fibre optic technology allows for transfers over much greater distances without issues with interference and length, compared to copper HDMI cables.
PREMIUM HIGH SPEED HDMI
If you want ultra-reliable streaming or gaming performance that push 4K at 30 or 60fps, Premium High Speed are perfect for you. They push the bandwidth up to 18GBps and include advanced features such as 4K60, HDR, and expanded color spaces including BT. 2020 .
HIGH SPEED HDMI
High Speed HDMI cables are much faster than standard options, with a minimum bandwidth of 10GBps. They have the bandwidth to support 4K video at 24fps, HDR and wide color gamuts. In addition, they can transmit 3D video signals and support Audio Return Channel (ARC).
| Standard HDMI | High Speed HDMI | Premium High Speed HDMI | Fibre Optic HDMI | Ultra High Speed HDMI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 720p or 1080i resolution at a 30Hz refresh rate | Up to 4K resolution (including 1080p) at a 30Hz refresh rate | Up to 4K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR) at up to 60Hz refresh rate | Up to 4K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR) at up to 60Hz refresh rate | 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 8K video at 60Hz |
| Bandwidth | 4.95GBps | 10.2GBps | 18GBps | 18GBps | 48GBps |
| Features | HDR, wide colour gamuts | 4K60, HDR, BT. 2020 | 4K Ultra HD (4:4:4), HDR, BT. 2020, Long-distance functionality | 4K and 8K video, HDR, VRR, eARC |
Terminology & FAQs
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. First introduced in 2011, this technology allows both high definition video and audio signals to be carried through a single unobtrusive cable.
No. A digital signal means that the image quality going into the cable is exactly the same as the image quality coming out of the cable. Unlike an analogue transmission, there is no signal decay. Just make sure the HDMI cable used supports the resolution of both the video source and your TV, or you won’t get the full effect.
HDMI with Ethernet is available in both High Speed and Standard Speed categories. The cables have all the same functionality but also include a dedicated channel for Ethernet data transfer. This is only usable if both the connected devices are HDMI Ethernet channel enabled. Although not yet widely used, it could support device networking.
It depends on what the attached device is capable of sending, but if you want to future proof the connections to your 4K HDR Smart TV, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable will ensure the signal received is a good as it can be.
HDMI isn’t like analogue, so distance doesn’t degrade the signal quality. It either works, reproducing the image perfectly, or it doesn’t work at all. However, at longer distances build quality does become a factor in relation to reliability. More expensive cables are often more durable, incorporating stronger plugs, rugged jackets and better materials – and therefore much less likely to fail.
Yes. But be warned, the lowest resolution of the connected devices will be a limiting factor. Basically, don’t expect a 4K image from a 720p DVD player, even if your TV is 4K capable and you’re using a Premium High Speed HDMI cable.
There a two broad categories; High Speed and Standard Speed HDMI cables. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are tested up to 8K at 60Hz. Premium High Speed HDMI cables are tested up to 4K at 60Hz. High Speed HDMI cables are tested up to 4K at 30Hz. Standard Speed HDMI cables are tested to 1080i (but can often carry up to 1080p). There’s also Ethernet enabled versions of each type, for use with compatible devices.
No. The cost of a high speed HDMI cable usually relates to the length of the cable and the quality of materials used to manufacture it. Although purchasing a more expensive HDMI cable won’t improve the quality of the signal being transferred, it will likely be of a superior build quality, and therefore last longer and be more reliable.
If your console is capable of producing 4K HDR video (such as a Playstation 4 Pro or an Xbox One X) and you have a 4K TV, get an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. This can handle 4K video at 120Hz and transfer speeds of up to 48GBps, meaning the very best image possible. Unless you want to future proof yourself, for anything else a regular High Speed HDMI cable will handle Full-HD 1080p and 4K at 30Hz.
Yes, but don’t expect to see 4K video. This is because a Standard Speed HDMI cable is only rated to 1080i and therefore doesn’t have the necessary bandwidth. Assuming the video source is 4K HDR, if you replaced your Standard Speed HDMI cable with a Premium Certified High Speed HDMI cable, you’d see an immediate improvement in the image because you now have ample bandwidth to carry all the 4K information being sent.
