Everything you need to know about HDMI cables

I'll never forget the first time I bought a set-top box. I actually got a good deal on it at Best Buy, but before I reached the cashier the sales rep stopped me. He said I needed an HDMI cable, and guided me to one that cost $30.

Needless to say, I was pretty shocked by the price. $30 for a cable? That's ridiculous. I told him I already had one at home and walked away. It was only afterwards that I learned a $5 HDMI cable and a $30 cable are identical. Sure, the $5 cable may not be made with the same karat-quality gold, but it works just the same. In fact, the audio and video will be virtually indistinguishable from high-priced alternatives.

While pricing can create confusion over HDMI, so can the standard itself. There are multiple versions of HDMI, five types of cables, and four types of connectors. Luckily, we'll break down everything you need to know about HDMI so you can get the right cable for your entertainment system. While you're at it, check out the best HDMI cables you can buy.

HDMI Standards

The initial HDMI standard was been updated five times (six if you count 1.2a), with each adding certain features and improvements. But given the fact that the HDMI standard was created back in 2002, there are only a couple versions that you need to know about—primarily 1.4 and 2.0.

HDMI 1.4 came out in 2009 and added a number of important features to the standard. The HDMI website mentions that among the additions were some notable standouts, including the HDMI Ethernet Channel (allowing HDMI cables to act as ethernet cables), 3D support, 4K support up to 30 Hz, the HDMI Micro connector, and the Automotive HDMI system for cars.

Then in September 2013, the next and latest update—HDMI 2.0—was released.

The HDMI 2.0 increased the HDMI bandwidth to 18 Gbps, added 4K support at up to 60 Hz, and added support for the theatrical 21:9 aspect ratio, among other changes. You'll find HDMI 2.0

Types of HDMI Cables and Connectors

While you can buy all sorts of HDMI cables that are made with gold and offer all sorts of promises, there are actually only five cables that matter. And all five cables actually derive from two types: HDMI Standard and HDMI High Speed. As the name suggests, High Speed cables offer higher data transfer speeds and support higher resolutions.

But here's what really matters: HDMI Standard cables work with resolutions up to 720p and 1080i. HDMI High Speed cables work with 1080p and above, while also supporting features like 3D video.

There are three types of HDMI Standard cables: plain old HDMI Standard, HDMI Standard with Ethernet, and HDMI Standard Automotive. Lastly, there are two types of HDMI High Speed: regular HDMI High Speed and HDMI High Speed with Ethernet.

As the names suggest, the cables with Ethernet allow HDMI cables to transmit an internet connection, while the automotive cable is for use in automobiles.

Then there are the HDMI connectors. Luckily, there are only four types of connectors you need to know about. There's the standard HDMI connector used for devices like TV's, Blu-ray players, and laptops; the Mini connector, used for older cameras and display mirrors; the Micro connector, which replaces the Mini for small devices like smartphones and cameras; and the Automotive connector for cars.

How do I tell the difference between cables?

This all may seem a bit confusing, but it's actually easier than you think. The HDMI standard requires all cables to be labeled by type. If you're buying new cables, the packaging will indicate the type of cable you're looking at. As for the cables you already own, some will indicate what type they are on either the connector head or the cord itself.

On rare occasions, you may need an extra long HDMI cable (over 10 meters) to connect your system. These distances require repeaters and other Radio Shack doodads to carry the signal. But unless you have some crazy home theater setup, you probably won't run into this problem.

Ethernet-equipped HDMI is increasingly obsolete, so this option is also of little concern. Most new devices that use HDMI connect to the internet via WiFi, so unless you absolutely need a hardwired internet connection for your device, you can probably go without Ethernet HDMI.

Now you know pretty much everything you need to know about HDMI. Just heed this suggestion from the HDMI organization itself: Shop for cables last. Buy the products with the features you want, such as a Blu-ray player or 3D HDTV, then buy the necessary cables and accessories. That way you'll know exactly what you need to make your hardware compatible.

Now go forth and create the HD setup of your cinematic dreams!