HDMI 1.4 is the latest release of the HDMI specification and it has some great new and exciting features*.  More and more manufacturers are adopting the HDMI standard. From a connectivity point of view, this means HDMI Cables will soon replace many of the analog formats such as VGA Cables, Component Video Cables and S-Video Cables. However DVI Cables and more recently Display Port Cables are competing for HDMI market share.

As with all new technology releases, there is always some confusion as to what new features HDMI 1.4 includes and how it will handle backwards compatibility so Comprehensive helps you sort out the details below. 

New Features

• HDMI Ethernet Channel
  The newly released HDMI 1.4 specification adds a data channel to the HDMI connection, enabling high-speed, bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature (many are expected to in the years ahead) can send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application. The HDMI Ethernet Channel allows internet-enabled HDMI devices to share an internet connection via the HDMI link, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. It also provides the connection platform that will allow HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices.
• Audio Return Channel
  The new specification adds an audio channel that will reduce the number of av cables required to deliver audio "upstream" from a TV to an A/V receiver for processing and playback. In cases where a TV features an internal content source, such as a built-in tuner or DVD player, the Audio Return Channel allows the TV to send audio data upstream to the A/V receiver via the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.
• 3D Over HDMI
  The 1.4 version of the specification defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices, enabling 3D gaming and other 3D video applications. The specification standardizes the input/output portion of the home 3D system, facilitating 3D resolutions up to dual-stream 1080p.
• 4K x 2K Resolution Support
  The new specification enables HDMI devices to support extremely high HD resolutions, effectively four times the resolution of a 1080p HDMI device. Support for 4K x 2K allows the HDMI interface to transmit digital content at the same resolution as the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many movie theaters.
• Expanded Support For Color Spaces
  HDMI now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras, enabling more accurate color rendering when viewing digital photos. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe®RGB, and Adobe®YCC601, HDMI display devices are capable of displaying more accurate, life-like colors when connected to a digital camera.
• HDMI Micro Connector (Type D)
  The HDMI Micro Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin HDMI connector supporting up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices such as cell phones, portable media players, and digital cameras. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini connector.
• Automotive Connection System (Type E)
  The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification provides a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, car manufacturers now have a viable solution for HD distribution within a vehicle.

When should we expect to see products with some of these new features?

While the HDMI Licensing authority has no special insight into manufacturers' product plans, prior experience tells us that when a new version of the specification is released, products featuring the new capabilities typically start to reach the market within six to nine months. A number of products featuring HDMI 1.4 functionality were introduced at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Accessory devices such as HDMI Switchers, HDMI Splitters and HDMI adapters are also being upgraded if necessary to handle the additional features.

Are manufacturers required to implement all of the new HDMI 1.4 features?

No. HDMI technology is designed to enable a wide variety of manufacturers in different markets to implement the feature sets that work best for their customers.

How will I know which HDMI 1.4 features are implemented in a device?

Shop for the specific features that interest you, rather than shopping for an HDMI version number and assuming that a certain feature is supported. Since many of the capabilities detailed in the HDMI 1.4 specification are optional implementations, it's the responsibility of the manufacturer to tell you what features are supported in any given device.

Will any of the new HDMI 1.4 features require a new cable?

The HDMI Ethernet Channel feature will require a new cable that supports this functionality (a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet Cable)  The Automotive Connection System will also employ a new class of cable, the Standard Automotive HDMI cable, which is designed specifically for automotive use. All of the other new HDMI 1.4 features will be compatible with the existing categories of HDMI cables including  HDMI 1.3 cables.

Are HDMI 1.4 devices going to be backwards-compatible with older HDMI (v.1.0 - 1.3) devices?

Yes, devices built to the HDMI 1.4 specification will be fully backwards-compatible with existing HDMI devices and their features.

Can older HDMI (v.1.0 - 1.3) devices be firmware-upgraded to take advantage of the new features introduced in HDMI 1.4?

Probably not. Most of the new features introduced in HDMI 1.4 will require a new HDMI chip to enable, and cannot be upgraded via firmware.

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Cable Construction Basics: Under the Jacket and Beyond

Before doing any comparison shopping, you need to understand the electrical science and construction behind cables. While cables may look very similar from the outside, they can be completely different on the inside. Construction practices, materials used, quality control and other factors all contribute to the performance of a cable. Regardless of what brand you choose to buy, one thing is for certain: There is a difference between cables. That's certainly not to say there is a $50 or $100 dollar difference as some companies would claim - that is ludicrous. These issues effect all users of everyday common cables including VGA Cables, HDMI Cables, USB Cables, Plenum Cables and more. So we wanted to take you "under the jacket" to look at basic av cable construction so you can make an informed choice as to the cable type, quality level and brand that is right for you. While each topic could be indulged for multiple pages, we are sticking to the main points a buyer needs to be aware of when comparison shopping for everyday video cables, audio cables or computer cables. Basic Coax cable construction consists of the following:

Let's take them each one by one: Center Conductor: A good center conductor is made up of quality materials and a well sized gauge for the application. The center conductor itself can be solid or stranded. Stranded conductors are actually a group of individual strands of copper. Some center conductors use tinned copper which improves the bandwidth and capacitance.

• Gauge: When you hear the term gauge, for lack of a better description, think size. The larger the size of the center conductor, the higher conductivity it will have. Why? Because the larger the gauge, the lower the resistance. The lower the resistance, the less signal loss a cable will have. The less signal loss a cable will have, the more signal that makes it to the display from the source. Be aware that although gauge size can be expressed universally (12 awg is larger than 18awg etc), the properties of a center conductor can actually vary somewhat depending on the construction process.
• Materials: The material used for the construction of the center conductor greatly effect the performance of the cable. Copper is the material of choice for most audio and video cables because of it's well known conductive properties and flexibility which is important for cable durability.
• Silver coated center conductors actually use a very thin coating of silver on top of a copper center conductor. This improves the conductive properties of the cable (though not always in line with the prices some charge). One thing to watch out for is some China factories and internet importers have begun substituting a material known as copper coated steel. This is an inferior conductive material and is not suited for audio/video use. Copper clad steel has much poorer conductivity properties than true copper and does not perform nearly as well. It is used by some companies because it is much cheaper and significantly lowers the cost of the cable as a whole.
• Oxygen Free Copper: Oxygen free copper is the purest copper available and reduces oxidation and improves all signal response. It does add to the cost of the cable as well.

Center Conductor Summary: The center conductor is the primary conductor in the cable. The size of the gauge and materials used will play a large role in the cables final performance. Copper is the best overall material while silver coated copper adds a small additional conductivity advantage. Large gauge center conductors (smaller numbers) outperform smaller gauge center conductors (larger numbers). Beware of copper coated steel as a cheap alternative for copper in audio/video and computer cables.

Dielectric: The dielectric is the white material covering the center conductor under the shield(s). The dielectric acts as an insulator for the cable and determines the impedance of the cable. Most dielectrics are made of Foam Polyethelyne or FPE. The density of the air injected into the dielectric plays a key role in the quality and consistency of the dielectric. Premium dielectrics will sometimes be made via a process known as Nitrogen Gas Injection. This process uses very small, dense nitrogen bubble distribution which improves the uniformity and insulation qualities of the dielectric and is usually found on premium, more costly cables.

Shield(s): The shield does as the name implies; it shields the center conductor to prevent it from picking up any extraneous electromagnetic or radio frequency noise which could disturb the signal you are trying to send. The shield also acts as a ground in the construction of the circuit. A cable can be made up of several different types of shields and can also have an outer shield as well as individual shields on particular wires or conductors. The four primary types of shielding are braided, spiral, foil and twisted. Generally, the larger the percentage of coverage the greater the shield's effectiveness and all four shields have different properties for protection of your signal. Shields are usually measured in "percentage of coverage". The higher the percentage the better the coverage (i.e. 90% is better than 60%). The percentage of coverage is critical to it's shielding capabilities. Let's explore the most familiar types of shielding:

• Braided Shield: A braided shield is a woven braid of either aluminum or preferably copper that is extremely conductive and provides the best shielding of all types. The angle of the braid can also add to the overall coverage. Braided shields can be used alone or in conjunction with other shielding methods such as foil shields (more on that below). Copper braided shielding is highly effective and the percentage can increase the overall performance and price of a cable significantly. Typically a very well made cable is 90% braid or more. This shield type can commonly be found on premium video cables, audio cables and computer cables.
  
  
• Spiral or "Serve" Shield: A spiral shield is made up of individual strands of copper wound around the conductor(s) of a cable in a single direction. Spiral shields have excellent flexibility and are used most often on audio cables such as microphone cables for instance. However when the shielding flexes to accommodate cable bending, it can create gaps in coverage which can allow interference an entry door. The spiral shielding itself has a higher transfer impedance than braided shields and therefore are not as effective.
  
  
• Foil Shield: Foil shields are very common because they are made of inexpensive mylar backed aluminum with a drain wire and they provide 100% coverage. While they provide good coverage, they are not very flexible or durable. Foil shields are commonly used as an additional shield in conjunction with other shielding method for it's coverage properties and ability to compliment a braided shield which works well at lower frequencies while foil is better at the higher end of the spectrum.
  
  
• Multiple Shielding: You will see a lot of claims such as "Triple Shielded" but what does that really mean? Although the inference is that it is better than single shielding (and many times it is), as discussed above, you have to also be concerned about the type and quality of the shields being used, not just the quantity. That said, multiple shielding can be much more effective than say a single foil outer shield.
  
  
• Twisted Pair: Although not a type of shield itself, the twisting of wires in what as known as twisted pair cable, more commonly referred to as Cat5 Cable, Cat6 Cable and even now Cat7. The difference in the cable is limited to only one factor, twists per foot. The more twists per foot the greater the amount of shielding per cable. Any of the above mentioned cables starting with the Cat5 would allow you to run power in the same jacket as signal and still avoid bleed over. Some twisted pair cable also uses a foil, spiral or braided shield in addition to the shielding provided by the twisting.
  
  
• Shield Summary:
   Shielding plays a very important role in av cable performance. While there are different types of shields for different applications, for coax cabling, a high percentage (90% and above) copper (not aluminum) braid with 100% foil coverage should be the benchmark for most cables. A well shielded copper braided cable and/or multiple shielded cable will cost more than poorly shielded import cables so take this into consideration when comparing prices. It is no accident that the shielding types or percentages are left off of many cable offerings. Ask to for the detailed specs of a cable when something looks to good to be true.

Cable Jacket: The primary role of the cable jacket is to provide protection for the inner materials of the cable. There are several types of jacket material used in cable construction some of the most common ones are:

• PVC (Polyvinylchloride) This is the most common material due to it's low cost and is rated for use in temperature ranges of -20C (-4 deg. F) to 80 deg. C (176 deg. F).
• Teflon has good electrical insulating properties as well as resistance to chemical splash and high heat conditions. The downside is Teflon is an expensive material and raises manufacturing costs. Teflon is rated for temperature ranges of -70 deg. C (-94 deg. F) to 200 deg. C (392 deg. F). LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) is a thermoplastic compound that reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gases emitted during combustion. This is a good choice for cables that will be run in poorly ventilated areas, low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular with military contractors. Typically rated for temperature ranges of -20 deg. C (-4 deg. F) to 80 deg. C (176 deg. F).
• Plenum properties consist of high flame resistance and do not emit a toxic smoke when ignited making it safer for in wall or in ceiling use. Most institutions and government buildings require the use of only plenum cabling. Plenum can be made from several materials such as Teflon and specially treated PVC. (Plenum tends not to be as flexible as PVC). Since there are different material used in each plenum jacket the temperature ranges vary per construction. There are many additional cable jackets for more specific uses that we will not go into here. Keep in mind, the more flexible the cable is overall which is partially dictated by the jacket, the more resilient and durable the cable will be when bending around corners or put under duress.

Cable Jacket Summary: Look for a durable, flexible jacket to ensure long life for your cable. Bes sure to choose a plenum jacketed (fire retardant) cable for installing in plenums, below floors and ceilings.

Impedance Matching: Most audio/video/computer devices send and receive 75 ohm signals. As any audio-visual professional will tell you, this is important because of the characteristics of the cable are not within a very tight tolerance of 75 ohms (usually +/- 3 ohms maximum), the cable can actually cause signal reflections which can result in the "ghosting" of an image. This is another area of cable manufacturing that is often compromised when using inferior materials and can be an unintended result of poorly made no-name import cables. Impedance Summary: Impedance matching is critical to getting a good picture and impedance mis-matching can sometimes be an unintended consequence of poorly made cables.

Strain Relief Image
 The strain relief on a cable is designed to absorb the stress of bending and pulling so as to avoid cracking or breaking away from the connector itself and keeping the solder points intact. The strain relief is typically a series of ridges at the point where the cabling meets the connector. It can sometimes be an overmold where multiple conductors break out and in some cases, springs. A metal spring is attached to the connector and runs down the cable anywhere from 1/4 " to 1 1/2" or longer. However, this does not attach to the cable itself, which is why it is usually not considered the preferred type of strain relief. Ironically some of the fanciest and most expensive home theater cables all use assembled connectors which look great but do not have strain relief of their molded cousins. Strain Relief Summary: Strain relief absorbs the stress from bending cables.

Durability and Quality Control: One aspect often overlooked by consumers in the discussion of cable manufacturing is durability and quality control. Like any product, cables are subject to the same production issues any product is (Car recalls anyone?). The effort a cable manufacturer puts into quality control is critical for long term performance and customer satisfaction. Pro A/V professionals understand this all too well. They are installing tens or hundreds of displays in public places at a time. Downtime for them is more than missing the afternoon game...it's catastrophic and costly. If a cable is working well today or this year is one thing, what about down the road? What about under stress? What about repeatedly connecting and disconnecting? Even for home users, once the cable is run through the wall and sometimes even terminated to a wall plate, it can be a costly inconvenience to have to swap a cable out.

Durability and Quality Control Summary: Quality control and durability are important considerations when purchasing cables as with any product. Be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer.

Connectors
 More than 50% of all cable failures happen at the connector. Either from bent pins because users impatiently push the connector in without lining up the cable properly or the cable is poorly made which causes a soldered connection within the connector to come loose so connectors matter. Connectors can be made of many different materials which can have an impact on the performance and durability of the cable overall. For instance, nickel over brass is one of the preferred connector materials because of it's transmission properties and durability but it costs more. Many internet importers substitute this with what are called "die cast" connectors. It takes a sharp eye to spot.

Testing
 There are several ways to test cable and cable assemblies. The first and most common test is the continuity test. All cables regardless of their function need to pass this test. A continuity test confirms that the signal is travelling from one end of the cable to the other end without intermittent problems. The next type of test is an attenuation test used to verify the bandwidth of a cable. There is a capacitance test to insure how much of the signal is being absorbed by the jacket material. An impedance test is required to verify the impedance going in the cable matches what is coming out of it, to insure the cable meets design specifications. There are several other tests required for different types of cables such as time delay, skew, durability, solder joint strength, dielectric withstanding voltage test, and a shielding effectiveness test. The final test is a quality control test which includes a visual inspection of the cable, a final continuity test, and a video test to confirm cable meets design specifications. All of these tests are including in what is called a parametric test procedure.

Whether you are looking for an HDMI Cable, USB Cable, VGA Cable, Ethernet cable, DVI Cable or any of the other types of  video, computer or audio cables,  choosing the right cable can be confusing if not downright overwhelming. It's almost as if the equipment manufacturers were trying to make it difficult! With so many types and price ranges, where do you start?

With Comprehensive's cable buying guide, that's where! We break down the basics of cables and use some cool tools to help you make an informed choice that is right for you.

What types of cables and connection are there?

Some common types of video cables are HDMI cables and component video cables for 1080p HDTV, VGA Cables, DVI Cables or Display Port Cables for computers, Cat5e cables for networking and RCA  Cables or Toslink Cables for audio. Although there are too many to list here, use our Connections Tool below that shows you the primary connection types you will come across. Hover over them and you will get a brief description of what they are and if you click them, you will be taken to the appropriate cable type for each connection.

What type of cable do I need to wire my system?

What type of cable do I need to wire my system?
It is very common for the average person to have some connector anxiety as the manufacturers certainly don't make it easy.  Some connection types are easily discernable but some like the various versions of USB Cables are harder to differentiate.
There are many different cable formats and connection types for video, audio and networking. Which cable you need depends first on the type of equipment you are connecting to each other and what connections they offer. Although in some cases it is possible to use a video adapter or audio adapter or an adapter cable such as HDMI to DVI it is always better to connect directly from one device to another whenever possible. Most connection formats are unique to video, audio or networking but some are used for more than one or all three applications. RCA connectors for example are used for both composite video and analog audio and the latest version of HDMI supports Hi-Definition video, multi-channel audio and has network capability built right in to the same cable!
Many DVD players and televisions give you multiple connection options for audio video cables. If given the choice, always wire devices using a digital format such as HDMI for example as opposed to analog whenever possible and cost effective.
Use our Cable Consultant Tool below which shows the back end of common equipment. Simply hover over the connectors to get a description of the cable needed and click through to see and order the cables you need!

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