HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a video and audio connectivity standard that uses pure digital and uncompressed signals. For most people, HDMI is a type of cable they use to connect their cable boxes, DVD players, Apple TV or receivers to another device such as a TV, projector, or monitor. Many large companies like Samsung, Sony and Fox, support this standard, which is why it’s important to learn the purposes and features of the HDMI cable .
Transmit Audio and Video Through a Single Cable
Anyone who has put together any home theatre set-up knows that it is a challenge to ensure the right cables go into the right inputs, not to mention tame all those cables snaking behind the console. The purpose of an HDMI cable is to connect an audio or video source to an output device. However, this particular cable can run both audio and video signals through a single wire, so there is no need to use multiple inputs and outputs.
All Digital Signals
Older types of video and audio cables, like composite and S-video, use analogue signals. When transferring information from the source to the TV, for example, the signal requires conversion from analogue to digital. HDMI, on the other hand, transfers pure digital signals, which eliminates the need for any type of conversion. Not only does this make the process faster, but the result is a perfect 1:1 picture and audio quality transference.
Uncompressed Audio and Video
Video and audio signals tend to be very large, so in order to ensure a smooth transfer, the analogue cables can only receive and transmit compressed signals. This means the viewer might not see or hear all the information on the screen or in the speakers. HDMI, on the other hand, can transfer pure uncompressed information, including ATSC HDTV standards, 8-channel, 192kHz audio, and even Dolby TrueHD.
HDMI cables can communicate both ways between two devices, such as a Digital TV and DVD player. That means the DTV, for example, could detect the type of DVD player or device to which it is connected and make any necessary adjustments without user intervention. The HDMI can detect which highest quality format both devices support and automatically use that one to ensure viewers only receive the best pictures and sound.
Backwards Compatible with DVI
People who have invested heavily in DVI or Digital Video Interface need not worry that they wasted their money. As far as video goes, HDMI is compatible with DVI and all they need is a special HDMI-to-DVI cable to convert the signals. For example, some people may have older TVs that do not have an HDMI port. With a converter cable, they can connect newer devices, like gaming consoles or internet TV devices, using the HDMI standard.