How to choose an HDMI cable for your Xbox 360 and TV?

In recent years, the HDMI standard has become incredibly prevalent: this connector can be seen not only on TVs, but also on computer monitors. Through this cable, you can transmit sound and video equally well.

It should be noted that for the disclosure of the potential of all modern high-definition video formats, it is necessary to use the HDMI standard. Older cables simply can not transmit this amount of information, and the amount of signal distortion when using them is too great. So today we will talk about how to choose an HDMI cable. This topic is very relevant for today.

Price policy

It is known that a very high quality cable of this type will have to be laid out very, very much. And this is all the more annoying, the more strongly many companies exaggerate the merits of the product that they are delivered to the market. Moreover, given the demand, which still does not reach the price for selling hot pies, many manufacturers (and retailers - even more so) are trying to sell even very average (if I may say so) cable models at prohibitive prices.

Naturally, words like "gold-plated contacts", "higher data transfer rate" and the like are constantly flashing in the speech of the consultants. So how do you select the HDMI cable?

Introduction to the topic

First we will clarify that differentiated digital signals are used to transfer information via the HDMI port . And this standard is considered copy-protected because all information is coded by a rather complex algorithm. In addition, this technology reliably saves from interference.

With the use of some algorithms, it is even possible to completely restore the signal after its serious distortions during transmission.

Malfunctions

If the cable is short, and its technical condition is in order, then the signal passes without distortion and loss. In the case where you use an excessively long cable or its quality is not too high (or all together), the TV can not correctly interpret the received signal. There is a "failure", and on the screen or monitor there are different-sized asterisks and light spots.

In the case when the received data is partly enough, the picture will be diluted with "failures" with interference. But this is extremely rare, because the most often corrupted data will not allow the device to form an image.

Debunking Myths

Why do we all say this? This is necessary to understand one simple thing: all the words about "differences in the image" with different HDMI cables are in the same plane as the "warm tube sound".

The cable can not have any effect on the quality of the digital (!) Signal! Or the data passes, forming pixels of the image, or they do not pass at all. Someone may object, remembering the sparkles during playback. Alas. Such displays speak of cable damage: if you see "snow" or "sparkles", be prepared to remain without an image at all, since the signal soon can simply not pass through the defective site. Note that the cost of production for such phenomena does not affect: the smallest flaw can be found in the cable for $ 10, and in "choosing a music lover" for $ 1000.

On the reliability of signal transmission

Note that in many ways the quality of the transmission depends on the distance: if it is a matter of a couple of meters, you can take any cable. Long varieties (more than four meters) should be produced subject to the strictest quality control, since the slightest defect will lead to loss of signal.

So how do you choose the HDMI cable when you really need the longest transmission path? The need for this can arise in the event that you plan to broadcast a video signal from your computer to a TV located somewhere in the bedroom or the summer veranda. To find out the answer to this question, we suggest that you read all of the following.

Types of HDMI cables

There are four main types of HDMI cables: high-speed models of the first and second category. Where are the other two options? It's simple: each cable of the first or second type can support or not support Ethernet. And which HDMI cable is suitable for a particularly high resolution?

All models of the first category are theoretically designed for video transmission up to 1080 r. Accordingly, the second type supports a higher resolution. A little trick: most of the quality cables of the first category without problems allow you to watch 1080 r, although they are technologically not designed for it. So if the "lace" for five dollars carries such a signal, there is no reason to buy something more expensive there. Here's how to choose an HDMI cable without overpaying it.

A bit about the frequency

Many sellers "catch" potential buyers on the assertion that expensive models are "suitable" for a frequency of 200 Hz. This is a provocation and lies. Translation from 100 Hz to 200 Hz is performed exclusively by the receiving device itself, and therefore the cable to this process does not even have a remote relationship. The only exception is viewing 3D movies from a Blu-ray disc. And which HDMI cable should I choose for 3D? Only one that conforms to the HDMI 1.4 standard.

The real differences between cheap and expensive varieties

Perhaps the only difference between expensive and cheap models is the availability of a thicker and "capital" braid, a better connector. But is it worth it to overpay for it the money that sellers ask for them? The harder the cable, the easier it jumps out of the connector. Especially it concerns those cases when the set-top box or TV stand close to the wall.

In addition, the weight of a long cable with heavy insulation can eventually lead to damage and deformation of the port itself.

We select a cable for the attachment

All of the above was mainly for televisions. Are there any nuances in the case of prefixes? Which HDMI cable should I choose for the Xbox 360? Let's find out. At the same time, once again, we debunk some of the stereotypes that are popular with our sellers.

There is an opinion that is artificially maintained and inflated by sales consultants that there is a special HDMI cable. How to connect - there is no difference, but in the course goes and "gold spraying", and "especially pure metals for manufacturing." As you might have guessed, it's just advertising.

Of course, you should not buy a cable for the collapse for 200-300 rubles, as the quality of its manufacture is under a big question. But to take a model for 5000 rubles is also very stupid. Once again, we recall that with a length of up to four meters there is no difference in the manufacturer. Take when buying a check and, if the cable does not suit you, carry it on a replacement.

conclusions

Surely we will not be mistaken if we say about the needs of 99% of users. Most likely, you need a cable in 1.5-3 meters long to connect the console, Blu-ray player or monitor. At this length, even the cheapest model will give out the perfect sound and image. Even at great distances, cheap cables often perform their work perfectly, in no way differing from their insanely expensive "colleagues."

So when the "young and promising" manager in the store offers you HDMI for three or four thousand rubles, just pass by. Models for 300-400 rubles will show themselves no worse.

Here's how to choose an HDMI cable for your TV. As you may have noticed, it is not necessary to overpay wild sums for brand models, since you will not notice any real improvement in sound and video. The only exception (as we already mentioned above) is the selection of cables for watching 3D movies. In this case, a lot of information passes through the cord, and the signal is characterized by a high frequency. Standard models for this do not work.