(HDMI)对于任何处理过家庭影院设置、游戏机甚至简单的笔记本电脑到高清电视(HDTV)连接
的人来说, HDMI已经成为家喻户晓的名字。
然而, HDMI(HDMI)的世界远比单一电缆类型或HDMI连接器复杂得多。由于HDMI(HDMI)电缆类型和HDMI版本不同,很容易意外购买错误的硬件,最终导致不合格甚至无法正常工作的结果。

了解基础知识:HDMI 标准(Standards)和版本
高清晰度多媒体接口(High-Definition Multimedia Interface)(通常称为HDMI)是作为模拟视频标准的数字替代品而建立的。自问世以来,HDMI已多次修订,产生了众多具有不同功能和规格的版本。版本的激增使HDMI格局变得复杂,但了解这些版本对于确保最佳视听性能至关重要。
HDMI作为既定标准的故事始于 2002 年的HDMI 1.0。然而,随着 2006 年发布的HDMI 1.3 ,事情才真正开始升温。HDMI 1.3(HDMI 1.3)是向前迈出的重要一步,将带宽增加到 10.2 Gbps并引入了深色(Deep Color),允许数十亿种颜色。
HDMI 1.4于2009年发布,在1.4b修订版中增加了4K视频信号支持。它采用相对较低的 24Hz、25Hz 和 30Hz 刷新率,与电影内容和大多数电视内容几乎通用的 24fps 帧率相匹配。HDMI 1.4还引入了HDMI 以太网通道(HDMI Ethernet Channel)( HEC ) 和音频回传通道(Audio Return Channel)( ARC )。这意味着HDMI现在不仅仅是一条 AV 电缆。
HDMI 2.0于 2013 年推出,将带宽提高到高达 18 Gbps,为更高的时间保真度(即帧速率)打开了大门。具体来说,我们在 60Hz 下获得了 4K,远高于 24Hz!HDMI 2.0还包括对HDR(高动态范围(High Dynamic Range))的支持。HDR具有相当大的带宽成本,但带来的图像质量提升比从 1080p 到 4K(HDR)超高清的(Ultra HD)跳跃更为显着。

HDMI 2.1于 2017 年获得批准,真正改变了游戏规则。它带来了带宽的巨大飞跃,高达 48 Gbps,使HDMI 2.1支持高达 8K 的分辨率和 4K 时高达 120Hz 的高帧速率,这对于现代游戏机至关重要。
HDMI 2.1 还引入了动态 HDR(Dynamic HDR)(改进HDMI 2.0的静态HDR)、增强型音频回传通道(Audio Return Channel)(eARC) 和可变刷新率(Refresh Rate)( VRR )等功能,使其成为沉浸式家庭影院和游戏体验的完美选择。
HDMI 2.1之后,HDMI标准在(HDMI)HDMI 论坛(HDMI Forum)的指导下不断发展。HDMI 2.1a是截至 2023 年的最新更新,本质上与 2.1 相同,但带来了一项称为基于源的色调映射(Mapping)( SBTM ) 的新功能,这使得源设备可以在以下情况下执行一些处理工作:说到HDR。
HDMI 电缆(HDMI Cables)的类型:从标准(Standard)到超(Ultra High)高速
当我们想到HDMI时,我们通常会想到将电视连接到游戏机、DVD播放器或蓝光(Blu-ray)播放器的典型HDMI电缆。然而,并非所有HDMI电缆都是一样的。HDMI电缆有多种类型,每种类型均设计用于特定用途并提供一定的性能水平。

从基础开始:标准 HDMI 电缆(Standard HDMI Cable)
标准HDMI(Standard HDMI)电缆是最常见的。它随HDMI 1.0(HDMI 1.0)一起推出,旨在满足大多数家庭应用的需求。该电缆可传输高达 1080p 的高清视频,并与所有 HDMI 以前、当前和(可能)未来的版本兼容。
高速 HDMI 电缆:一个进步
高速 HDMI 电缆(High-Speed HDMI Cable)旨在处理 1080p 及以上的更高分辨率。它还包括 4K UHD、3D 和Deep Color等先进显示技术。如果您正在寻找一条能够处理 30Hz 4K 视频分辨率(通常标记为 4K@30Hz)或蓝光(Blu-ray)播放器中的 3D 内容的电缆,那么高速 HDMI 电缆(High-Speed HDMI Cable)就是您的最佳选择。
优质高速 HDMI 线缆(High-Speed HDMI Cable):适合发烧友

优质高速 HDMI 电缆经过测试和认证,能够可靠地处理(High-Speed HDMI Cables)HDMI 2.0提供的总 18Gbps 带宽。它们支持先进的HDMI 2.0功能,例如 60Hz 的 4K 分辨率、HDR(高动态范围)、 (High Dynamic Range)BT.2020等扩展色彩空间,甚至高达 32 个音频通道,可实现沉浸式多维音频。这些电缆还带有认证标签,以防止可能无法提供承诺性能的假冒电缆。
超高速 HDMI 电缆:让(Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable)您的(Your)设置面向未来
这些电缆的设计符合最严格的HDMI规范- HDMI 2.1。它们拥有 48Gbps 的超大带宽,并支持所有HDMI 2.1功能,包括分别在 120Hz 和 60Hz 下播放 4K 和 8K 视频。此外,它们还支持动态 HDR(Dynamic HDR)、eARC,甚至支持面向未来的格式,例如用于专业商业 AV(Audio/Video)设置的 10K。
如果您是一位希望让您的设置面向未来的发烧友,无论是下一代游戏机还是高端家庭影院系统,请查看这些电缆。

请记住(Remember),虽然使用正确类型的电缆至关重要,但源设备和显示设备都支持所需的功能也很重要。即使使用超高速 HDMI 电缆(Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable),如果您的电视或游戏机不支持,您也将无法享受 8K 分辨率或 4K 120hz。例如,您需要索尼 PlayStation 5(Sony PlayStation 5)或Xbox Series X游戏机才能受益于 4K@120Hz 支持视频游戏。
HDMI 2.1a 使用相同的电缆,因此如果您已经拥有超高速(Ultra High-Speed)电缆,则无需购买新电缆。
HDMI连接器(Connectors):不仅仅是(Than)A型(HDMI)
(图片来源:英特尔公司)
A型 HDMI连接器是我们所知道的最熟悉的(Type A HDMI)HDMI连接器类型。但是,还有其他类型的HDMI连接器需要考虑。
例如,C型(Type C)(Mini HDMI连接器)和D型(Type D)(Micro HDMI连接器)主要用于便携式设备,包括数码单反(DSLR)相机、智能手机和一些笔记本电脑。这些连接器比 A 型连接器小,但提供相同的功能(只要设备支持)。

B 型(也称为双链路)旨在传输(Dual-Link)双链路 DVI(Dual-Link DVI)信号,尽管随着HDMI标准的后续更新使用 A 型连接器满足这些需求,它的吸引力不大。尽管HDMI(HDMI)规范文档中包含此连接,但我们找不到任何使用此连接的商业设备示例。
E 型(Type E)汽车HDMI(Automotive HDMI)专为汽车应用而设计,带有锁定片,可确保电缆在车辆移动过程中保持牢固。
HDMI 规格(HDMI Specifications)和功能(Capabilities):丰富的功能
除了增加分辨率和帧速率支持之外,HDMI标准还引入了几个关键功能。
HDMI以太网通道(HDMI Ethernet Channel)( HEC ) 随(HEC)HDMI 1.4一起推出,允许HDMI电缆传输以太网(Ethernet)信号,无需额外电线即可为您的设备提供互联网连接。
音频回传通道(Audio Return Channel)( ARC ) 及其改进版本 e ARC(增强型音频回传通道(Enhanced Audio Return Channel))可将音频从显示器发送回源或接收器,从而简化家庭影院设置中的连接过程。
消费电子控制(Consumer Electronics Control)( CEC ) 功能使用户可以使用单个遥控器控制多个HDMI设备。(HDMI)这是有时相当烦人的功能,它会使您的主机关闭电视或在您关闭电视时打开。
HDMI 和其他技术
虽然HDMI在家庭影院和游戏机领域占据主导地位,但DVI、DisplayPort和USB-C等其他类型的连接在计算机显示器等特定领域也很流行。
适配器和转换器可用于在这些连接和HDMI之间进行互换。光纤(Fiber)和光缆也有其自身的优势,以更高的价格和安装复杂性为代价提供卓越的带宽和长度能力。

HDMI可能会继续存在一段时间,但在 PC 领域,由于对超高刷新率和先进的可变刷新率技术的需求,
DisplayPort成为主导标准。(DisplayPort)
选择最好的 HDMI 电缆
选择最好的HDMI电缆取决于您的需求。亚马逊(Amazon)和其他零售商提供了大量有关HDMI 的(HDMI)选择。电缆长度、EMI(电磁干扰(Electromagnetic Interference))屏蔽以及是否包含锁定片都会影响功能和兼容性。
请记住(Remember),HDMI标准是向后兼容的,这意味着较新的电缆可与较旧的设备配合使用。但是,只有您的设备支持新电缆,您才能从其先进功能中受益。
避免陷入价格过高的HDMI线缆也很重要。HDMI是纯数字标准,因此经过相同标准认证的廉价HDMI或昂贵HDMI电缆之间的图像质量差异为零。(HDMI)不要(Don)购买“镀金”或“全铜”的东西,以保证您可以获得更好的图像质量。
花更多的钱可以帮助提高电缆的耐用性、抗干扰能力(正如我们刚才提到的)、电缆可以有多长(how long the cable can be),以及它可以处理多少个HDMI端口插入周期。在大多数情况下,只要它是满足您需求的正确标准,您就可以节省电缆费用,并将其花在更好的电视或信号源设备上。
HDMI Cable Types and Specifications Explained
HDMI haѕ become a hoυsehold name for anyone who has dealt with a home theаter setup, game consoles, or even simple laptop to HDTV connectіons.
However, the world of HDMI is much more complex than just a single cable type or HDMI connector. With many types of HDMI cables and different HDMI versions, it’s easy to accidentally buy the wrong hardware and end up with substandard or even non-functional results.

Understanding the Basics: HDMI Standards and Versions
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface, more commonly called HDMI, was established as a digital replacement for analog video standards. Since its inception, HDMI has been revised several times, resulting in numerous versions with distinct capabilities and specifications. This explosion of versions complicates the HDMI landscape, but understanding these versions is vital to ensure optimal audiovisual performance.
The story of HDMI as an established standard began in 2002 with HDMI 1.0. However, things really started to heat up with HDMI 1.3, released in 2006. HDMI 1.3 was a significant step forward, increasing the bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps and introducing Deep Color, which allows billions of colors.
HDMI 1.4, released in 2009, added 4K video signal support in the 1.4b revision. At a relatively low refresh rate of 24Hz, 25Hz, and 30Hz, it matched the almost-universal 24fps frame rate of cinematic content and most TV content. HDMI 1.4 also introduced the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) and Audio Return Channel (ARC). This meant that HDMI was now more than just an AV cable.
HDMI 2.0, introduced in 2013, increased the bandwidth to a whopping 18 Gbps, opening the door to much higher temporal fidelity – i.e., frame rate. Specifically, we got 4K at 60Hz, much higher than 24Hz! HDMI 2.0a also included support for HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR has a sizable bandwidth cost but brought an even more significant image quality improvement than the jump from 1080p to 4K Ultra HD.

HDMI 2.1, ratified in 2017, has been a literal game-changer. It brought a massive leap in bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, allowing HDMI 2.1 to support resolutions of up to 8K and high frame rates of up to 120Hz at 4K, essential for modern game consoles.
HDMI 2.1 also introduced features like Dynamic HDR (improving on the static HDR of HDMI 2.0), enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making it a perfect choice for immersive home theater and gaming experiences.
Following HDMI 2.1, the HDMI standards continued to evolve under the guidance of the HDMI Forum. HDMI 2.1a, the most recent update as of 2023, is essentially the same as 2.1 but brings a new feature known as Source-based Tone Mapping (SBTM), which makes it possible for the source device to do some of the processing work when it comes to HDR.
Types of HDMI Cables: From Standard to Ultra High Speed
When we think of HDMI, we often picture the quintessential HDMI cable that connects our TV to a game console, DVD player, or Blu-ray player. However, not all HDMI cables are created equal. There are various types of HDMI cables, each designed to serve specific purposes and deliver certain performance levels.

Starting with the Basics: Standard HDMI Cable
The Standard HDMI cable is the most common. Introduced with HDMI 1.0, it’s designed to handle the needs of most home applications. This cable can carry high-definition video up to 1080p and is compatible with all HDMI’s previous, current, and (likely) future versions.
High-Speed HDMI Cable: A Step Up
The High-Speed HDMI Cable is designed to handle higher resolutions of 1080p and beyond. It also includes advanced display technologies such as 4K UHD, 3D, and Deep Color. If you’re looking for a cable that can handle 4K video resolution at 30Hz (often labeled 4K@30Hz) or 3D content from your Blu-ray player, the High-Speed HDMI Cable is the way to go.
Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable: For the Enthusiasts

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cables are tested and certified to reliably handle the total 18Gbps bandwidth provided by HDMI 2.0. They support advanced HDMI 2.0 features such as 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR (High Dynamic Range), expanded color spaces like BT.2020, and even up to 32 audio channels for immersive multi-dimensional audio. These cables also come with an authentication label to guard against counterfeit cables that might not deliver the promised performance.
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable: Future-Proofing Your Setup
These cables are designed to comply with the most demanding HDMI specification – HDMI 2.1. They boast a massive bandwidth of 48Gbps and support all HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K and 8K video at 120Hz and 60Hz, respectively. Additionally, they support Dynamic HDR, eARC, and even future-facing formats like 10K for specialized commercial AV (Audio/Video) setups.
Look at these cables if you are an enthusiast looking to future-proof your setup, whether for next-gen game consoles or high-end home theater systems.

Remember, while using the correct type of cable is essential, it’s also crucial that both the source and display devices support the desired features. Even with an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, you won’t be able to enjoy 8K resolution or 4K 120hz if your TV or game console doesn’t support it. For example, you need a Sony PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console to benefit from 4K@120Hz in supporting video games.
HDMI 2.1a uses the same cables, so you won’t need to get new cables if you already have Ultra High-Speed ones.
The HDMI Connectors: More Than Type A
(Image Credit: Intel Corporation)
The Type A HDMI connector is the most familiar type of HDMI connector we know. However, there are other types of HDMI connectors to consider.
For instance, Type C (Mini HDMI connectors) and Type D (Micro HDMI connectors) are used mainly with portable devices, including DSLR cameras, smartphones, and some laptops. These connectors are smaller than Type A but offer the same functionality, provided the device supports it.

Type B, also known as Dual-Link, was designed to carry the signal of Dual-Link DVI, although it gained little traction as subsequent updates to HDMI standards catered to these needs using Type-A connectors. We couldn’t find any examples of commercial devices that used this connection, although it is within the HDMI specification documents.
Type E, the Automotive HDMI, is designed specifically for automotive applications with a locking tab to ensure the cable remains secure during vehicle movement.
HDMI Specifications and Capabilities: An Ocean of Features
Besides the increased resolution and frame rate support, HDMI standards also introduced several key features.
The HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), introduced with HDMI 1.4, allows HDMI cables to carry Ethernet signals, providing internet connectivity to your devices without extra wires.
The Audio Return Channel (ARC) and its improved version, eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), send audio from the display back to the source or receiver, simplifying the connection process in a home theater setup.
The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature lets users control multiple HDMI devices with a single remote. This is the sometimes rather annoying feature that makes your console turn off your TV or turn on when you turn the TV off.
HDMI and Other Technologies
While HDMI reigns supreme in the home theater and game console domain, other types of connections like DVI, DisplayPort, and USB-C are prevalent in specific areas, like computer monitors.
Adapters and converters are available to interchange between these connections and HDMI. Fiber optic and optical cables also have their niches, offering superior bandwidth and length capabilities at the cost of higher prices and installation complexity.

HDMI is likely to stay around for some time, but in the world of PCs, DisplayPort is the dominant standard, thanks to a need for ultra-high refresh rates and advanced variable refresh rate technology.
Choosing the Best HDMI Cable
Choosing the best HDMI cable depends on your needs. Amazon and other retailers provide a literal mountain of choices regarding HDMI. The cable length, EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding, and whether it includes a locking tab can all affect functionality and compatibility.
Remember, the HDMI standard is backward compatible, meaning newer cables will work with older equipment. However, you will only benefit from the advanced features of the newer cable if your equipment supports it.
It’s also essential to avoid falling for HDMI cables with exorbitant prices. HDMI is a purely digital standard, so there is zero image quality difference between a cheap HDMI or an expensive HDMI cable certified for the same standard. Don’t buy something “gold plated” or “all copper” on the promise that you’ll get better picture quality.
Spending more money can help with the cable’s durability, ability to withstand interference (as we just mentioned), how long the cable can be, and how many HDMI port insertion cycles it can handle. For the most part, as long as it’s the correct standard for your needs, save yourself money on cables and spend it on a better TV or source device instead.