HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. Okay-but what is HDMI? It is basically used to transfer digital video signals from a source to a television. HDMI cables can carry a bandwidth of 5 Gbps. Their large bandwidth and speed allow them to carry upto 8 digital audio channels for uncompressed surround sound. This means that you can replace all those wires behind your home theater system with a single HDMI cable.
HDMI cables are becoming the standard in HDTV. By 2008 there will be around 300 million devices that will be DVI and HDMI enabled. HDMI standard was established by Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Toshiba, Thomson and Silicone. It is also compliant with HDCP. It can support standard NTSC and PAL, enhanced, high-definition video formats, and 8 audio channels on a single cable.
HDMI application in computers is also increasing. If in future you like to watch HD content on your computer, you should ensure that it is HDMI-HDCP compatible. The trend is definitely towards HDMI as the latest version of Xbox 360 proves. The latest Xbox 360 HDMI cable compatible version offers 120GB hard drive, HDMI port, a high-definition cable, wireless controller and Xbox live headset.
Advantages
There are several advantages associated with HDMI connection.
- With HDMI you get uncompressed digital audio and video signals, which mean high fidelity images and audio.
- It is backward and forward compatible with DVI. All that you need to buy is either a HDMI to DVI adaptor or a DVI to HDMI adaptor.
- It offers two way communications between the video source and the display device.
- With HDMI you can use long copper wire of upto 15 meters without any amplifier or repeaters.
- HDMI gets rid of all the cable jungle behind your home theater system.
Buy Quality Products
If you are thinking about shopping for HDMI related devices and cables, you should ensure that you shop from an electronic store that values quality. Before you go to the store make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. Do you know what kind of HDMI switch you want? Or what kind of HDMI wall plates you are looking for? If you are not sure, the salesperson will always be more than happy to help you out.
The final point is, whether you are looking for HDMI DVD players or HDMI cables, you should always go for quality. Buy branded products and ensure high quality performance.