In the new high-def, 3D world, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables play a major role in transferring audio and video from an HDMI-ready device to your HDTV. Choosing the right one for you may be a confusing and stressful task at first, but it shouldn’t be a tough or even, expensive, purchase after you know the facts.
The most expensive HDMI cable may not always be the necessary cable for the job, but a cheaper cable may limit your device’s capable features. Buying the right cable depends a lot on what devices you’re using it with. There are four HDMI cable types for consumers to choose from. They are standard HDMI cable, standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, high speed HDMI cable and high speed HDMI cable with Ethernet.
Standard HDMI cables can transmit 1080i or 720p video plus surround audio. High speed HDMI cables can handle advanced display technologies like 3D and resolutions of 4x1080p and beyond. Go with a cable with a dedicated Ethernet channel for internet sharing and device networking if your devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.
You may also have heard of different version numbers of HDMI, such as HDMI 1.3 and 1.4. These numbers reflect the capabilities of the version, not the actual product features, according to HDMI’s website. HDMI strongly recommends consumers look for products with the features they want, rather than the version number of the HDMI cable.
Now that you know the facts. The best way to buy HDMI cables is online. You can get the newest technology at the lowest price. If time isn’t an issue, shop online and find the best deal. The top five HDMI cables for at home use are listed and described on the next page. The list was put together after taking price, over-all usefulness, future possibilities and length into consideration.
1. MonoPrice 6ft High Speed with Ethernet HDMI cable: MonoPrice.com is one of the best places to buy HDMI cables. This high speed cable has support for an Ethernet channel, audio return channel, 3D, 4K x 2K and more color spaces. More color spaces promise to deliver a wider palette of colors to bring more vibrant pictures. Don’t expect to pay a fortune for this high-tech cable.
Price: $3.28 for one, cheaper if you buy more than one.
2. MonoPrice 6ft High Speed with Ethernet Flat HDMI Cable: This cable has all the features of previous cable with a low-profile flat cord. Using a flat cable is useful when hiding it under carpet or against the wall.
Price: $7.67 for one, cheaper if you buy more than one.
3. AmazonBasics High Speed HDMI Cable: Most people have an Amazon account these days. Adding an HDMI cable into your cart doesn’t get much easier than Amazon. This high speed cable with Ethernet from Amazon has all the features you could need in an HDMI cable including support for 3D, 1080p resolution, increased color depth and networking.
Price: $9.99 for 6.5 feet, $11.99 for 9.8 feet
4. MonoPrice 25ft High Speed with Ethernet HDMI cable: What if you’re setting up a home theater and a 6-foot cable isn’t going to reach? You may need a 25-foot or maybe a 100-foot cable to set up your in-home theater experience. Get out the tape measure to know exactly what length to buy. Whether you want to hide the cable in the wall and use a HDMI wall plate or run the cable along the wall and up the ceiling to a projector, there is a HDMI cable for you. HDMI wall plates are fairly cheap and make it easy and clutter free when putting HDMI cables in walls. If you want to run it against the wall or under the carpet, go with a flat HDMI cable.
Price: $26.50 for 25 feet
5. Phillips High Speed HDMI with Ethernet: If you need an HDMI cable today and can’t wait for shipping, this cable from Phillips is your best bet when shopping in stores. You can find it in most Walmarts for fairly cheap. It was all the features of the first cable on this list with the convenience of buying it at your local Walmart.
Price: About $24 for 3 feet, $29 for 6 feet
Source:
HDMI Licensing, LLC, 2003-2011, www.hdmi.org.
