As an AV enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the advice that you don’t need to spend extra money on fancy HDMI cables as long as they’re built to spec and function properly. This is because digital transmission is less susceptible to interference than analog connections. However, this doesn’t mean that you should opt for the cheapest, most basic cable either. Here are some things to consider when buying an HDMI cable.
Firstly, using the correct material inside an HDMI cable can make a big difference. Avoid cables made of steel, which isn’t a good conductor. Instead, go for cables with pure copper wiring. Copper cables aren’t super-expensive, and you don’t need anything higher grade such as silver-plated copper.
Thick wiring is also important, and this is measured by something called a gauge number. Counter-intuitively, a lower number means a thicker wire. As a general rule of thumb, your cable length shouldn’t exceed 1.5 meters with a thin 32 gauge wire. However, as you go thicker, you can safely have a longer cable run without worrying about signal attenuation or interference.
The connectors on the end of the cable are also important. Gold plating can give you better longevity as the gold is an effective barrier against wear and corrosion. Gold plating won’t affect your performance, but it’s important to note that this refers to the actual contacts inside the connector, not the large part on the outside that manufacturers often color gold to give the cable a more premium look.
Once you’ve found a cable made with good materials, find out if it has been tested to work with a wide variety of equipment. Cheaper cables may only be tested with a couple of monitors, so they might not play nicely with your gadgets if you’re running them in any kind of setup that isn’t straightforward, such as with an HDMI splitter.
If you want 4k at 60 hertz or HDR, make sure you’re buying a Premium High Speed cable. These have a speed of around 18 gigabits per second as opposed to the 10 gigabits of the more standard high speed cable. You’ll need the extra bandwidth to enable higher frame rates and deeper colors.
Remember, generally speaking, shorter and thicker is better. Boutique cables with fancy materials may be over-engineered and overpriced, but don’t opt for the cheapest option if you want to ensure good performance and compatibility.
In conclusion, don’t get caught up in the hype of boutique cables. Stick to the basics, such as pure copper wiring and a gauge number that suits your needs. Always check that your HDMI cable is compatible with your equipment and opt for a Premium High Speed cable if you want 4k at 60 hertz or HDR.