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High Definition Cable

High Definition Cable (Usually called HDMI, which is short for High Definition Multimedia Interface) was first introduced in 2003 to standardize high definition connections for the consumer market. High definition cable is capable of sending both high definition audio and video.

Most hd ready televisions include a HDMI connection on them. With this type of connection, you can ensure that when you purchase a high definition device (such as a blu-ray player), you will be watching high definition (with the exception of upscaled DVD's, even though this is being sent across high definition cable, this is not full HD in anyway).

A feature included in high definition cable (HDMI) is HDCP. HDCP means that all data that is sent across HDMI is copyright protected, and can only be viewed. It is not possible to record video and audio that is sent across a HDMI cable.

What's the difference between an expensive and a cheap HDMI cable? Answer = nothing. Expensive HDMI cables will simply either increase the quality of the picture by 0.1% or less, or make no difference at all. Do not be fooled. HDMI is digital, not analogue, and therefore there will be no difference in picture quality regardless of the type of HDMI cable. Never spend any more that £20 on a HDMI cable, any more is simply too much.

Some current, and some older hd ready televisions do not include a HDMI connection. However, you can still view a high definition picture. If your television is hd ready, and does not include a HDMI connection it will instead include a component connection. Component connection simply splits the colours into RGB (Red, Green and Blue) so it can transfer more data, unlike the other high definition cable.

As well as using this cable, an audio cable will be needed to be used otherwise you will hear no sound.

Good examples of this high definition component cable are the XBOX 360 high definition capabilities, and the PS3 using its special connection. Most DVD upscalers and blu-ray players also have component connections, as well as the HDMI connection mentioned previously.

It is recommended that when using high definition cable, you use HDMI wherever possible. This is to simplify the number of connections, and in some cases, to increase picture quality.