HDMI Cables

HDMI® cables have established a stronghold in homes and offices, but as far as wiring solutions go, they are still relatively young. Furthermore, the technology behind HDMI cables has been enhanced in a variety of ways. Unlike many other cabling systems, these advances have been made without making changes to the exterior of the cable or its connectors, so making sense of different types of HDMI solutions can be difficult. We're here to help with a full set of FAQs pertaining to HDMI cables. Let's start with the basics and look at what HDMI technology is all about.

What does HDMI stand for?

HDMI is an acronym for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a moniker that establishes the cabling format as being able to handle multiple media types while moving the amount of uncompressed data needed for high-definition content. Specifically, the cabling system is designed to transmit uncompressed video data and either compressed or uncompressed audio from a display source to a television, monitor, projector or similar device.

Why would you use an HDMI cable?

There are plenty of reasons for using HDMI, but in the end most of it boils down to being able to carry audio and video at the same time. This is useful in the home because it makes it easier to connect anything from a video game console to a computer, set-top-box or similar device to a TV, monitor or projector. Having a single HDMI cable connecting these devices can make life much easier, especially if you are going to be mounting your TV on the wall and need to either run wires through the wall or otherwise try to hide unsightly cords.

The benefits in office settings are the same, but they escalate because of scale. In the home, HDMI is convenient and helpful. In an office, it can be a game changer. Many organizations have televisions spread throughout a facility to host teleconferencing meetings, support presentations and entertain workers during breaks or as background. Connecting all of these devices can create cabling complexity with legacy models, but HDMI makes the process significantly easier.

What has HDMI replaced?

HDMI is replacing coaxial cable in a variety of settings as it provides similar functionality in carrying both audio and video, but does so in a much less rigid wiring format. HDMI solutions are also used in place of DVI cables, component wiring systems and s-video connectors.

This is only the beginning of how HDMI is replacing many cabling formats and being used in diverse ways. Check out our other HDMI FAQs to get the details on the many uses and capabilities of HDMI cabling solutions.

Types of HDMI Cables 

The HDMI® cable features an internal wiring architecture that makes the solution applicable for a variety of purposes. With that in mind, let's take a look at the various HDMI cable types that are available: 

Standard HDMI cable

The standard HDMI cable is exactly what you'd expect. It carries high-definition video and audio from a source device to the monitor, TV screen, projector or similar display solution. 

Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet

The name says it all here. The standard HDMI cable with Internet does everything that a standard HDMI solution - carrying HD video and audio between devices - while also serving as an Ethernet connection between those two devices. It is important to note that the devices at both sides of the connection need to be equipped with HDMI Ethernet Channel ports to make the solution work.

Standard automotive HDMI cable

This HDMI cable is designed to meet the unique signal requirements in automotive vehicles. These wires do not feature Ethernet functionality, but do handle audio and video transmission.

High speed HDMI cable

This is the cable to use when you want to support 4K resolutions, 3D movies or similar advanced features. The high speed HDMI cable is built to support these advanced technologies as well as deep color functionality.

High speed HDMI cable with Ethernet

Like before, the name tells you what you need to know. High speed HDMI cables with Ethernet provide everything you want from a high speed HDMI cable, but also give you the dedicated data channel.

The HDMI standard has been built with common-sense nomenclature, making it much easier to know what you are getting into when you invest in a cabling solution. At the same time, the diverse solutions on display within the HDMI framework are making the technology a cable of choice for a wide range of technology deployments.

What are RedMere HDMI cables?

HDMI cables offer numerous convenience advantages because they carry both audio and video signal at the same time, in high definition. The one problem with HDMI cables is that they are fairly thick and rigid. Compared to coaxial wires they are great, but that doesn't mean they are ideal in a variety of settings.

What is RedMere technology? 

RedMere technology is a specialized chip that that uses SmartActive technology to transmit high definition audio and video signal through a smaller cable. Active technology has been tried with HDMI before, but RedMere manages to deliver a combination of price and functionality that is changing the way 

Making HDMI cables active in nature through the RedMere SmartActive makes it easier to extend the signal for longer distances over a thinner cable. The result is a cable that is longer, more resistant to bend and capable of working with a smaller connecter. As such, RedMere is making HDMI cables a prime option for connecting with smartphones, tablets, wall-mounted TVs and other devices that benefit from working with a smaller cabling format.

RedMere technology is changing the HDMI landscape by integrating active elements into the cabling infrastructure to resolve some of the limitations of the wiring format.