HDMI Cables

What is HDMI ?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video format transmitted over a single cable. HDMI supports high definition video resolutions of up to 4096x2160 and 8 channels of digital audio. HDMI features include up to 340Mhz signal bandwidth, data speeds up to 10.2Gbps, Deep Color, Audio Return Channel and most recently option Ethernet capability among other features. HDMI supports two-way communication between the audio source (such as a DVD player) and the audio rendering device (such as an A/V receiver), enabling new functionality such as automatic configuration and one-touch play.

HDMI Connection Types:

First, there are 5 Connector Types to be aware of:

Type A: This is the Standard Connector Nineteen pins, with bandwidth to support all SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV modes. Type A is electrically compatible with single-link DVI-D. This is the common HDMI connector most often used and it’s measurements are 13.9 mm x 4.45 mm.

Type B: This connector (21.2 mm x 4.45 mm) has 29 pins and can carry double the video bandwidth of type A, for use with very high-resolution future displays such as WQUXGA (3,840x2,400). Type B is electrically compatible with dual-link DVI-D, but has not yet been used in products to date

Type C: This is a Mini connector at 10.42 mm x 2.42 mm as  defined in the HDMI 1.3 specification. It is intended for portable devices. It is smaller than the Type A plug connector but has the same 19-pin configuration. The differences are that all positive signals of the differential pairs are swapped with their corresponding shield, the DDC/CEC Ground is assigned to pin 13 instead of pin 17, the CEC is assigned to pin 14 instead of pin 13, and the reserved pin is 17 instead of pin 14. The Type C Mini connector can be connected to a Type A connector using a Type A-to-Type C cable.

Type D: This is a Micro connector defined in the HDMI 1.4 specification. It is also for portable devices and computers but is smaller than the C style. The Type D connector keeps the standard 19 pins of Types A and C but shrinks the connector size to something resembling a micro-USB connector.

Type E: Used for Automotive Connection System as Defined in the HDMI 1.4 Specification.

Features That Matter:

1.) Application: While not an actual feature of the cable of course, how you will use the cable is critical in making your purchasing decision. Will you be using a short length cable in perfect operating conditions? Will you need a longer length cable that needs to be more robust to perform? Will you be repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the cable as in educational and rental use? If a cable fails will it bring down your entire multi-room system or is it just a minor inconvenience? These are questions to think about before making your purchase.

2.) Accurate Twists and Connector Solder Process: Inaccurate twists and poorly performed soldering can dramatically affect the performance of an HDMI cable or cause it to fail. Inaccurate twists can cause jitter or cause a cable to fail and poor soldering at the connector can also cause impedance issues which will cause problems over longer distances. No way to shop this important feature so always purchase from a proven quality brand with experience you can trust

3.) Gauge and Center Conductor: The gauge (size) of the center conductor(s) and the material (high purity tinned copper is best) from which it is made is one of the most primary features for the conductivity of any copper cable. While a digital signal can be somewhat re-constituted by the front end equalization circuit of a digital receiver, the gauge and center conductor still play an important role in bandwidth/speed capability and distance. Be sure to check your specs. 

4.) Quality Control: One thing often over looked in the cable discussion is quality control. Good quality control is essential and helps ensure consistent performance from one cable to the next-something which is especially important for Pro A/V and B2B customers as a system is only as good as its weakest link.

5.) Durability and Reliability:  This may not be as important to the average consumer but it is a primary consideration of Pro A/V customers. Jacket durability, bend radius and number of insertions to name a few are crucial and not always thought of when comparing. When a series of digital signage monitors, classrooms or an event stage is wired up, its show time again and again. The cables HAVE to work each and every time.

6.) Lifetime Warranty: Comprehensive invented the Lifetime Warranty for cables and connectors back in 1974 and we put our money where our mouth is. 

All of these features add cost to a cable, however not $25, $50 or $100 dollars of cost. Ironically a very well known leading consumer brand does not publish its gauges. However, through examination we were able to determine it uses a small 30 gauge center conductor on almost all of its HDMI cables! (In contrast, Comprehensive does not even use gauges that small for our standard grade cables let alone “performance” cables.)This means not only are you being overcharged, you are not even getting a true performance product.

Features That Don’t
High Refresh Rates: Refresh rates are a feature of the display, not the cable so avoid paying more.
24k Gold Connectors: 24k gold connectors is a consumer trapping (Pro’s have always used nickel). 24k gold has little tangible benefit beyond corrosion resistance so unless you will be using near salt water, it’s not too big of a concern.

Braided Jackets: That net jacket looks kind of cool and interesting but does not provide any real value and is often used as a cosmetic to justify high prices.

Fancy Packaging:  Fancy blister packaging that is far from green and that you can’t open? Cables resting on velvet in a box? All ways to part you from your money. Stick to the performance of the product and reputation of the brand and you will save a lot of money.  
Performance Grades



Standard HDMI Cable

Standard HDMI cables are usually 30 or 28 gauge, sometimes with a ferrite core to supplement the lower-cost shielding method. These HDMI Cables are perfectly fine for general purpose use and short runs usually 15ft or less.

Professional Grade HDMI Cable

Professional Grade HDMI cables are actually rare. Most companies offering a Pro HDMI cable rely on packaging and cosmetics but the cable is actually no different than a standard cable. A Comprehensive Pro Grade HDMI cable is constructed of a larger 26 gauge or sometimes 24 gauge center conductor with true Pro Grade Tinned Copper braid triple shielding for enhanced performance. It also has a thicker, heavy duty CL3 Rated jacket for increased durability which is important for system integration and more demanding applications. Pro Grade HDMI cables  also feature enhanced performance data speeds as well to ensure future proofing for tomorrows increased needs.

Ultimate XHD HDMI Cable

Super Premium XHD HDMI cables usually feature a large 24 gauge high purity tinned copper construction, Accu-Twist construction, Pro Grade Triple shielding with a 85% tinned copper braid shield and polished Metal connectors. XHD HDMI cables also provide increased performance such as 75% increased data speed and throughput at 3 meters and almost 50% at 6 meters compared with standard HDMI cables.  XHD HDMI cables are recommended for longer distance, future proofing and the most demanding applications.

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