Since HDMI 2.1 devices like the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards use more pixels than ever before, your last thing is a messy cable that’s causing problems. Let’s see how you can avoid being deceived.
The HDMI Standard manages the HDMI Forum and oversees the HDMI License Manager technology license. Device and accessory manufacturers must adhere to the standards of the HDMI Forum if they wish to produce products licensed or certified by the HDMI Licensing Manager.
The latest HDMI standard is known as HDMI 2.1, but HDMI controllers only use a separate nomenclature for connections. You need to look for the term “HDMI Ultra High Speed” in your package to get HDMI 2.1 compatible cable.
The cables are not explicitly sold as “HDMI 2.1 cables”. Previously, HDMI 2.0B cables were sold under the generic name “High Speed”.
Overview
Most screens on the market today support HDMI 2.0 with a bandwidth limit of 18 Gbps. This is enough to transmit a narrow 4K signal of 60 fps and 8 bits of color. It’s great for things like watching UHD Blu-ray or playing Xbox One X games.
HDMI is the next step in the 2.1 standard and supports 8K compressed 8K signals at 60 frames per second in 12 bit color. We do this with 48 Gbps bandwidth. With screen stream compression (DSC), HDMI 2.1 can transmit 10K 12-bit signals at 120 frames per second.
Some HDMI 2.1 applications use a port of about 40 Gbps. 4K 120fps 10 bit color signal processing and it is enough to make maximum use of 10 bit panel in consumer TV.
Appreciated by NVIDIA’s new 30-series card, the best players will be happy to hear that the company has confirmed 10-bit support in the future. However, it does not matter if your TV does not have 48 Gbps capacity.
See the “Ultra Certified Cable” hologram and QR code on the packaging for a high quality product. This means it has been tested to meet the minimum standards and is approved by the HDMI License Manager.
These cables are a bit more expensive than on-site options like Amazon and AliExpress, but it’s worth it to get all the features that HDMI 2.1 has it.
Guarantee of cable purchase in official application
When you buy a cable from a store or order online, you can verify the authenticity of the cable using the official HDMI-certified application for iPhone and Android.
Install the app and wait for your smartphone camera to be in the box. A “Congratulations” message will appear stating that the cable has been confirmed. The HDMI license manager says the name of the cable must be written on the outer jacket.
If the cable is tested or there is no hologram or label on the package, it will not be tested. While this does not necessarily mean it is low, there is no guarantee that it will be able to transmit a full 48 Gbps as defined in the HDMI 2.1 standard.
If the cable appears to be “approved” and is checked, you must return the cable for its refund. Cables from the best brands like Belkin ($ 39.99) and Jesskit (. 19.99) are individually tested and certified, but you should always try them.
The cheap HDMI cable Problems
Troubleshooting home entertainment settings can be time consuming and tedious. Especially if your mix has a receiver or a sound bar. By purchasing a certified cable, you remove one or more options from the list of possible problems.
There are some special issues that you will start to check if the cable you are using is working properly. This often happens when trying to use previous HDMI 2.0B cables in applications with more than 18 Gb / s specifications.
If you don’t play one or two 4K / 120Hz games on Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, that might not be a problem. Seems random.
You may experience a sudden power outage or consolation, or you may receive an error message indicating that the TV has a “handshake” problem. This means that the TV and the source device cannot communicate properly because the cable is not working properly.
You may want to buy cheap cable. This is especially true when traveling long distances. This is where HDMI cables can be very expensive. The longer the cable, the more distorted the signal can be before it reaches its destination. Therefore, the best cable for your bandwidth is the short cable.
There is no “standard” cable length, but we recommend using an HDMI cable that is no more than 3 meters (10 feet) for 4K resolution and high frame rate (120Hz). For low resolution, the upper limit is between 20 (6 m) and 50 ft (10 m). If you use a long cable and have problems, check the short cable.
Integrated HDMI fiber optic cables can provide better performance over longer distances. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, there is no ultra-fast HDMI cable on the market that uses fiber optics. If possible, it is advisable to bring the source device closer to the TV.
Don’t presume HDMI just for games requirement
Many retailers are trying to sell HDMI cables at a higher price when buying a TV or other home entertainment device. But often the device comes with it. It is a good idea to check the installation before spending extra money.
Certified wires are more expensive, but avoid cheap aper extra expensive wires. They give the impression that you are buying a high quality product, but it will cost you extra.
Gold connectors are often used to provide better signal quality, but go beyond what seems to be fashionable. Gold is a highly conductive metal, but it is also the metal from which most are made (not pure gold).
Wrap cables can be long lasting but HDMI cables do not usually wear out much. You don’t need a very strong one unless you buy one that you can always connect.
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HDMI 2.1 specification has many new features
HDMI is a high definition multimedia interface. It is designed to transmit digital signals from a source device, such as a game console, to a screen or receiver. The HDMI value has changed a lot and the latest version is HDMI 2.1.
The biggest difference between the old HDMI 2.0B standard and the new 2.1 is that the amount of data that can be transmitted at the same time is limited to HDMI 2.0 B18 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 supports 48 Gbps with full bandwidth. This means that 2.1 can send 8K video at 60fps or 4K video at 120fps.
- HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) – for games with variable refresh rates.
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) – automatically starts game mode on a compatible TV.
- enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) – support for voice bar and receiver management.
If you have an HDMI 2.1 welding device with 4K / 120Hz or 8K / 60Hz output, all you need is an HDMI 2.1 cable. All devices in the video chain must be compatible with HDMI 2.1.
Even if you have an HDMI 2.1 source device like your PlayStation 5, you can play 4K 60fps games using your existing TV or receiver. You need more bandwidth if you plan to use it.
Older devices and cards like the Xbox One X, PlayStation 4 Pro and NVIDIA 20 series just can’t be used quickly because they are limited to HDMI 2.0b. Therefore, you don’t have to buy any expensive HDMI simply unless you have a clear reason.
Most HDMI 2.1 devices are equipped with a consistent high-speed cable. It includes the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, both of which can produce 4K at 120Hz. Best performance cannot be achieved by replacing this cable with this after-sales product.
This replacement is recommended only if your cable only needs its long-term connection, if it is damaged, or if any other cable is needed to connect the source device to your TV by connecting to the receiver.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
