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HDMI cable and features of use. Everything you need to know about the HDMI connector

The HDMI output is designed to transmit the highest quality digital signal. It is necessary for audio and video broadcasting. This will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy all the features of the new TV or other device that supports HDMI signal. To do this, you need to choose the right HDMI cable. This article talks about the types of HDMI cables and finds out how to choose the right cable for connecting modern technology.

Specifications for HDMI cables

Compared to legacy cable technology, HDMI cable delivers high quality picture, great sound, high quality digital signal at the same time. And all this is achieved with just one cable. An HDMI cable is used to connect or connect two compatible HDMI devices - a TV, computer, camcorder, DVD player, music center, home theater, laptop.

HDMI cable device

Any HDMI cable consists of several parts. From above it is covered with several insulating layers:

  • - The outer shell is most often made of PVC. It provides the cable with flexibility and durability. More expensive models may have a nylon outer shell.
  • - Shielding braid made of wire containing copper.
  • - Aluminum screen.
  • - Sheath made of polypropylene.

Inside the cable are twisted pairs of wires, each of which is covered with a sheath and solder wire. We can distinguish the following constituent elements inside the HDMI cable:

  • - Shielded twisted-pair cables of the fifth category with a resistance equal to 100 ohms for the synchronization signal and signals of 3 primary colors.
  • - Unshielded twisted pair for SDA SCL signals

Separately, there are conductors for power and control signals. Ferrite rings may be found on some models to eliminate RF interference.

There are three types of connectors at the ends of the cable: standard, mini or micro.

Types of HDMI cables

Five types of HDMI cables have been created for each performance standard:

Standard HDMI cable designed for home use. It support video resolution up to 1080p. This resolution is widely used in cable or satellite television, HD broadcasts. Suitable for use with simple devices such as a computer and TV. For many manufacturers, this type of cable with a length of more than 3 meters can already make noticeable noise on the screen. In this regard, standard cables are more suitable when the distance between connected devices is no more than 2 meters.

Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet in addition to the capabilities of a standard cable, it allows you to connect to the Internet at a speed of no higher than 100 Mb / s. This is available when both connected devices can support this feature.

Car HDMI cable routed inside machines that are equipped with HDMI devices. Such a cable can withstand high loads, such as temperature changes or fluctuations and vibrations.

High speed HDMI cable capable of supporting almost all video formats, including 3D and Deep Color TVs. Resolutions of 1080p and above are supported. It can be combined with any devices, it is perfect for LCD panels and Blu-ray players.

High Speed ​​HDMI Cable with Ethernet Supports all high-speed cable functions and can connect to a high-speed network. In this case also, both devices must support this feature.

How to choose an HDMI cable

Don't buy an overly long HDMI cable. The optimal length is 2 meters. If the signal source is far from the TV, then you should purchase a longer cable. It is worth remembering that the longer the cable, the greater should be its thickness. The thickness also indicates resistance to interference. The minimum recommended thickness for a 5 m cable is 5 mm, for an 8 m cable it is 8 mm in diameter. The standard allowable length is up to 10 meters. With an increase in length, the insulating properties improve, and the price increases accordingly.

When choosing a cable length, you must first measure the distance between the devices that will be connected, and add another 30-40 cm, which will prevent the cable from being stretched and the connectors will not break out.

You need to look at the type of cable connector so that you do not have to purchase an additional adapter. If the equipment is close to the wall, then it is better to purchase a cable with a plug with a swivel connector.

You should not choose the cheapest model, as it may be of poor quality. But at the same time, there is no need for the most expensive HDMI cable.

After purchasing the cable, be sure to properly set up the TV, as this may affect the sound and picture quality.

What is the difference between expensive and cheap

The technology for the production of HDMI cables of various price categories is almost the same. If a high-quality signal source, for example, a computer, is located near the TV, then even a professional cannot distinguish the type of cable in terms of the quality of the transmitted image and sound. Do not affect the quality of the signal and gold-plated contacts. This suggests that the wide fluctuation in prices for such cables is just a marketing ploy. Truly professional HDMI cables are many times more expensive than ordinary ones and, as a rule, are sold only in specialized stores. For home use, you can get by with a regular cable.

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HDMI (high definition media interface, ash-di-em-ay-rus.) – popular multimedia interface that transmits uncompressed digital video and audio signal. It is applied for connections receivers, players, recorders, mobile devices with display and playback devices.

Is peculiar SCART Oh, but not analog, but digital. Encrypts transmitted content using high-definition content protection technology.

Allows you to transfer different quality of video and sound, there are practically no restrictions on this matter. The signal is encoded by the method TMDS. It is possible to transfer uncompressed 8 channel sound down to quality one-bit(since version 1.2), Super-Audio CD.

TMDS allows:

  • o Transmit audio data up to 8 channels simultaneously
  • o Supports all known frequencies sound
  • o Pixel encoding: YCrCb 4:4:4,RGB 4:4:4 , YCrCb 4:2:2
  • o Transmission of Audio, Video and service information
  • o Transmit video pixel rate with frequency: from 25 MHz before 165 MHz(Type A), from 25 MHz before 330 MHz(Type B)

Connector types:



HDMItype A It has 19 contacts, compatible with DVI-D(through an adapter), which is used in most monitors and video cards, but does not allow the transfer of audio data due to limitations in the ability to transmit sound.

HDMItype B It has 29 contacts and is backwards compatible with DVI-D Dual Link, through an adapter. Allows you to transmit video signal with quality above 1080p.



Mini HDMI(Type C) - reduced version Type A, used primarily for mobile devices.

Micro HDMI (Type D)- standard for miniature, thin portable equipment such as smartphones, tablets PC. Compatible with regular HDMI Type A, via an adapter cable.

Versions:

1.0 first version to support video transmission 1080p and 8 channel sound 192kHz24bit. Transfer rate - 4.9 Gbps. Date of issue - December 2002.

1.1 added protection required to play sound from discs ( DVD-Audio). Date of issue - May 2004.

1.2 support single-bit audio signal for playback Super-Audio CD, designed HDMI Type A– for computer sources and LCDs + other compatibility improvements. Date of release - August 2005.

1.2 a added support CEC(a set of instructions for remote control).

1.3 - significant changes

  • Added color support ( deep color, 30 , 36 , 48-bit color), instead of the standard 24 bit.
  • Added support xvYCC colors, as well as automatic synchronization support for audio and video content.
  • Implemented - mini HDMI for mobile devices.
  • Added support for audio standards - Dolby HD and DTS HD.
  • Increased speed to 10.2 Gbps, by increasing the frequency of synchronization with 165 before 340 MHz.

Date of release - June 2006.

1.41.4 a - significant changes

  • Added support for permissions up to 4096×2160(24Hz).
  • Added support 3 D Images.
  • Added support ARC(reverse sound signal).
  • Added support HEC (HDMI Ethernet Channel ), to support transmission over HDMI– network traffic.
  • Improved support 3 D(for 1.4 a), in particular, mandatory supported modes have been added, both for games, movies, and television.

The interface is very sensitive to the quality of the transmission cable. With good quality, you can use a length of about 10 meters without loss of data transfer rate. It is desirable that it be shielded from interference and have ferrite rings at the input and output.

It is possible to use signal amplifiers with separate meals, to transmit a signal over a distance up to 40m.

Hello, friends.

From this article, you will get basic useful information about HDMI, what it is, where and why it is used, what characteristics it has and what types it can be. Why should you know?

Now most multimedia equipment is connected through this interface, and it is possible that you also use it, perhaps without knowing it yourself. Also, after reading the article, you will be able to choose the right cables for connecting devices.


Introduction to HDMI

This abbreviation means the phrase "High Definition Multimedia Interface", which exactly translates as a high-definition multimedia interface. It is used to send high-resolution digital video signals as well as copy-protected multi-channel digital audio.

Simply put, it is a channel for transmitting digital image and sound from one high-definition device to another. This process is carried out using appropriate cables. They can connect video cards and monitors, home theaters / game consoles and modern TVs, tablets / phones and computers, etc.

By the way, the connectors for the above gadgets differ in form factor (size): large equipment is usually connected, mini-HDMI - smartphones and some tablet models, micro-HDMI - laptops, tablet PCs, etc. equipment. Each port contains approximately 19 pins.

Characteristics

Consider the main features that distinguish this interface from others:

  • The data transfer rate ranges from 4.9 to 48 (new in 2017) Gbps.
  • Capable of transmitting uncompressed high-definition video, 3D TV signals, and 8 channels of digital audio.
  • Displays a high-quality picture on screens with an aspect ratio of 16:9, a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and higher. So that you can compare: obsolete TVs by today's standards had the corresponding parameters of 4: 3 and 704x480 pixels.
  • The hertz of supported resolutions in modern interfaces varies from 50/60 to 100/120Hz
  • Supports Ethernet connection at speeds up to 100 Mbps.

About cables

Sectional cable includes:

  • External coating;
  • Wire braid for shielding with the addition of a bare copper core for soldering;
  • Another shielding layer of aluminum foil;
  • Sheath made of polypropylene;
  • Twisted pairs of the 5th category with a resistance of 100 ohms, which are designed to transmit information;
  • Screening of the specified twisted pairs from external insulation and wire for soldering;
  • Another twisted pair without screening, sharpened for SDA SCL signals;
  • Additional conductors for control signals and power.

Length

The standard cable length is 10 meters. But you can extend it to the required size with the help of external or built-in repeater amplifiers. They are not installed at the signal output, but closer to the receiver.

To avoid interference, some manufacturers equip their products with ferrite rings on one side and the other.

And keep in mind that the longer the cable, the more massive the conductor should be.

Types

There are 5 types of HDMI cables:

  • Standard. Looking for a budget option? Standard is for you. Used to connect not too demanding household appliances (DVD player, satellite receiver, plasma and LCD panels, etc.).

It does not differ in super-quality work. Judge for yourself: it transmits a picture with a resolution of 1080i or 720p., The maximum bandwidth is 4.9 Gb / s, the bandwidth (video stream transmission) is 165 megapixels, and the color depth is 24 bits.

  • High speed. Do you own a Blu-ray/HDD player, widescreen or other upgraded technology, or are you just a connoisseur of high quality images? Pay attention to "High Speed".

Interacts with any formats, including Deep Color and 3D. It features support for Audio Return Channel technology (reverse audio channel), which allows you to transfer audio without another cable. Note that receiving devices must also support it. These are usually labeled ARC.

It has the following parameters: it works with a resolution of 1080i and higher, the same number of bandwidths (in megapixels), a speed of 10.2 Gb / s and a color depth of 48 bits.

  • Standard with Ethernet. The same as in the first paragraph, only in addition there is an option to connect to the Internet.
  • High speed with Ethernet. I think it's clear without explanation.

  • Automotive version (Standart Automotive). A separate type of cable used to connect devices to a car media system.

Difference between HDMI and DVI

The forerunner of HDMI was the . Most likely, you also dealt with it when you connected the monitor to your first computer. But only video was transmitted through this channel. As you can already tell by yourself, the main improvement of the HDMI interface is that it is able to transmit sound in addition.

But this is not its only difference from DVI. Another modern port has a smaller size. It also transmits only digital signals, unlike its outdated counterpart, which can also work with analog data. Also, the bandwidth of HDMI is higher than that of DVI (the latter operate at 3.4 Gb / s).

That's all.

I look forward to seeing you more often on my blog.

It is not enough just to purchase an HDMI cable, it is important to know the model, length and many other little things that directly affect the quality of information transmitted through it. Next, we will consider all the nuances of purchasing a quality HDMI cable, thoroughly studying all the available information regarding this issue.

Which HDMI cable is best?

The quality of the cable, and therefore the quality of the information passing through it, depends on many nuances. Let's analyze the most important of them:

  1. Price. A certain part of the interested people advises not to judge the price of the HDMI cable itself, because they believe that digital transmission is strictly regulated. That is, there is no difference between a $5 cable and a $100 cable - it will either transmit information or not. If you take a screenshot from the screen when using cables of different price categories, then their checksums will completely match (turn out to be completely identical).
    On the other hand, more expensive HDMI cables are made a little denser, thicker, which increases isolation, protects against extraneous interference, which directly affects the picture quality. If there is a serious source of interference, it is better to choose a more expensive cable, and if not, then low quality will do.
  1. VersionHDMI. Depending on the version of the cable, its main purpose changes, so you should choose the appropriate version that is supported by the devices it connects.

It is almost impossible to tell the HDMI version from the cable itself (sometimes the cable itself is marked, but often not), so you should save the packaging after purchase to know the version.

Today, the problem of connecting sound from a computer to a TV is becoming relevant, which is exactly what the HDMI cable will help with.

At the moment, the following versions of HDMI cables are most common:

  • 4 - support for HD resolution 4K, 3D video and Internet connection up to 100 Mbps;
  • 4a - even more features for 3D-image;
  • 4b - 3D now runs at 1080p at 120Hz; throughput per wire increased to 15 Gbps;
  • 0 - many improvements in 4K video transmission at 60 Hz, support for the highest sound quality, dynamic synchronization of video / audio streams, etc.;
  • 1 (from 01/04/2017) – increase the bandwidth of the video stream up to a resolution of 10K at 120 Hz.

HDMI cable version 2.1 can afford to produce a video stream with 10240 x 4320 resolution at a stable 120 frames per second. Even VGA and DVI combined cannot afford this. For a picture of this quality, you need the best possible and rather expensive HDMI cable. And this is not taking into account the characteristics of the outgoing device.

It is necessary to select a cable of a specific version according to the available equipment. If, for example, a computer cannot play video at least in 2K resolution, then it makes no sense to purchase HDMI 2.0. On the other hand, version 2.0 cable is backwards compatible. If the TV only supports HDMI 1.4, then a 2.0 cable will be able to transmit a picture, but with a quality level equivalent to 1.4, and not exceeding it.

From a change in the places of the terms, the sum does not change: the situation will be identical if the HDMI cable has version 1.4, and the TV supports 2.0 - the image quality will be equal to 1.4.

However, an inexpensive ($5) HDMI cable version 1.4 will be quite enough for an ordinary user, because it fully justifies the hopes placed on it and meets the necessary requirements. But this rule applies to cables no longer than 10 meters.

  1. LengthHDMIcable. There are some specific cable length indicators:
  • 0.75/0.8 m;
  • 1.5 m;
  • 2.5 m;
  • 3.5 m;
  • 10 m (cables longer than 10 meters are not standardized, so you can find and buy a cable of both 15 m and 55 m - it all depends on the desire of the buyer and his needs).

The length of the HDMI cable is chosen by everyone individually depending on the needs, but the longer the cord, the thicker it should be in order to avoid the influence of various interferences and the like.

The longer the cable, the stronger the interference will affect it. This is directly proportional to the quality of the resulting image. Expensive cables are made from special materials, so they are less prone to distortion.

  1. Cable quality. At this point in time, there are many companies that supply HDMI cables of various versions, types and sizes. The highest quality cables are from the following manufacturers:
  • ProLink
  • Belkin

They treat their products with enviable attention, so you can safely trust and purchase an HDMI cable from any of these companies. However, you should carefully inspect the technical documentation of the equipment in order to know which HDMI cable is best suited in your particular case.

Which is better: HDMI, DVI or VGA?

Now let's look at the differences between HDMI and VGA and DVI cables:

  1. Unlike HDMI, VGA performs an unnecessary conversion of information according to the “digital-analog” scheme, less often - “digital-analog-digital” (meaning digital and analog signals). HDMI avoids this by directly outputting it digitally, improving the overall quality of the transmitted information (in this context, the quality of the picture on the TV). Often, the difference is almost invisible, but it happens quite the opposite. Such cases are not at all uncommon, so it is much more preferable to use an HDMI cable.
  2. HDMI supports a much wider range of resolution standards, the image on the screen will be much more stable. VGA can not boast of this.
  3. The very fact of the absence of various transformations allows the picture to look much clearer in comparison with VGA. HDMI initially produces a clean digital signal, and the presence of a post-error correction mechanism immediately puts it a dozen steps higher than any other analogues. Although the post-correction directly depends on the length of the cable.
  4. VGA (like DVI) does not output audio (requires an appropriate, separate cable). In principle, HDMI does not have identical situations (in addition to the picture, it also outputs sound).
  5. If we separately compare HDMI and DVI, then it should be noted that the DVI interface is much more cumbersome. It requires additional mounts, and HDMI is used even in mobile electronics due to its compactness.
  6. The bandwidth of an HDMI cable is as much as 3 times higher than that of DVI (VGA is not compared due to the analog signal, which is worse than digital by default).

Summing up, it is difficult to notice a particularly large difference between VGA and HDMI outputs "by eye" (although sometimes it is quite obvious). But through careful study, it becomes clear why, all over the world, HDMI is far from the last position: a much better picture, the absence of "artifacts" on the screen, and many other advantages.

The VGI interface is much closer in quality to HDMI, but given its dimensions and the impossibility of transmitting sound, a reasonable question arises - is it really necessary if there is HDMI?

Taking into account the considered features and nuances, the HDMI cable for the TV should be selected depending on the needs: the version suitable for the characteristics of the device, the correct type of connector, the length is the minimum possible. HDMI is the best solution due to the highest quality, simplicity and undeniable versatility.

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The history of the digital signal and the HDMI connector

The history of digital signal transmission dates back to 1928 thanks to the work of an American telephony engineer from Sweden, Harry Nyquist, who isolated the bandwidth of a pulsed signal through wires. Due to the high efficiency and long transmission distance, the technology for converting analog signals into a pulse code has been constantly improved every year with the development of technological capabilities. The first digital audio recording on tape with encoding and decoding to sound was introduced by SONY in 1969 on a 2-inch tape for a VCR, however, the appearance of an audio signal in the modern sense of the mp3 format did not appear until 1994. The formation and recording of a digital video signal was carried out due to developments in Panasonic and SONY companies on DV and MiniDV video cassettes in the mid-90s. The active development of video signal coding into digital data with the improvement of the quality and speed of image processing led in 1999 to the adoption of a single world standard for high-definition television. The analog video signal was decomposed into 1125 lines, each line is converted into a digital signal and displayed on the screen. This is how the 1080i signal was born. At the same time, a new DVI digital data connector format is being approved, which was supposed to replace the outdated VGA.

When the first multimedia devices with digital video and audio transmission appeared in early 2002, there was a need for a single interface capable of transmitting a multimedia signal with one cable. For its design, leading Japanese companies Philips, Hitachi, Sony, Thomson, Panasonic and Silicon Image have allocated leading engineers. So in December 2002, the first digital interface appeared, capable of transmitting both video data and digital multichannel audio simultaneously. Due to its versatility, it was called an abbreviation for High Definition Multimedia Interface (High Definition Multimedia Interface), that is, HDMI.

HDMI interface in version 1.0 was able to transmit a signal at a speed of 4.9 Gb / s, digital video with a resolution of 1080p and a progressive scan rate of 60 Hz, as well as 8-channel audio at 192 kHz / 24 bits. For comparison, the transfer rate of the SATA II hard drive interface is 3 Gb/s, and SATA III is up to 6 Gb/s. HDMI has replaced the SCART connector and the analog RCA (tulips) interface. Between the end of 2002 and September 2013, the gradual improvement of the data transfer protocol optimized the connector to version 2.0 without changing the physical dimensions, except for the use of mini-HDMI and micro-HDMI. The main changes include:
- support for protecting audio data for the DVD-Audio format for multimedia players,
- since version 1.3 (June 2006), the interface bandwidth has been increased to 10.2 Gb / s, as well as support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio audio formats has been added, a mini-HDMI connector (Type C) has been designed,
- in version 1.4 (May 2009) there was support for an Ethernet network at a speed of 100 Mbps, 3D support, a micro-HDMI connector (Type D) was designed,
- version 1.4 a, b (March 2010 - October 2011) - improvements were made towards 3D support, support for 1080p video at a refresh rate of 120Hz.

On September 4, 2013, HDMI connector version 2.0 was announced. Its feature is an increased data transfer rate up to 18 Gb / s, which will allow full transmission of Full HD 3D video content with a resolution of 4K (3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz). In addition, the new interface was taught to transmit up to 32 channels of audio signal with a carrier frequency of 1532 kHz (natural sound). For the first time, HDMI 2.0 supports 21:9 aspect ratio.

The history of HDMI interface changes is shown in the table below:

-
HDMI Version 1.0 1.1 1.2
1.2a
1.3
1.3a
1.3b
1.3b1
1.3c
1.4
1.4a
1.4b
2.0
Analogue sRGB transmission + + + + + +
YCbCr 4:2:2/4:4:4 support + + + + + +
Sound 8 channels LPCM, 192 kHz, with a bit rate of 24 - bit + + + + + +
Support for Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD format in Full HD resolution + + + + + +
Bi-directional device control bus CEC + + + + + +
DVD audio support - + + + + +
Super Audio CD (DSD) support - - + + + +
30/36/48-bit chroma halftone transmission - - - + + +
XvYCC Hue Enhancement System - - - + + +
Audio signal synchronization system (Auto lip-sync)- - + + +
Dolby True HD audio codec support - - - + + +
Support for DTS-HD Master Audio - - - + + +
Extending the functionality of the CEC device control bus - - - + + +
3D transmission via HDMI - - - - + +
Ethernet support - - - - + +
Bidirectional audio bus (ARC) - - - - + +
4K resolution at 30 fps - - - - + +
4K resolution at 60 fps - - - - - +
Support for Rec. 2020 - - - - - +
YCbCr 4:2:0 support - - - - - +
Transmission of 32 channels of audio signals- - - - - +
1536 kHz audio signal transmission - - - - - +
Multi-streaming audio to 4 devices - - - - - +
Video transmission for 2 devices (Dual View) - - - - - +
21:9 aspect ratio support- - - - - +

Varieties of HDMI connectors and cables

Variety of HDMI cables

On the packaging of modern HDMI cables, the protocol version is extremely rarely indicated, since its specification will not tell anything to the average user, but we can see, holding the cable in our hands, such words as: STANDARD, ETHERNET, AUTOMOTIVE, HIGH SPEED and HIGH SPEED with ETHERNET. What do all these expressions mean? So:

HDMI STANDARD is a cable with specification 2.0 (versions below the industry are not released), used to connect consumer multimedia equipment for the transmission of video in FULL HD resolution and high-quality digital audio signals. This cable has the 1st category (Category 1).

A standard cable with the function of receiving and transmitting data via the Internet or an internal LAN network. The socket of such a port is additionally marked with the letters HEC. The technology for transferring the Internet to a device via an HDMI cable is not yet widely used, since there is no economic benefit. It is much easier to equip the same TV with an ordinary RG45 socket and connect the worldwide network via twisted pair cable and a network card, or via Wi-Fi.

AUTOMOTIVE is translated as "self-propelled". This cable is designed for use in modern car video systems. Its distinguishing feature is improved shielding from on-board electronics interference and double insulation for extreme operating conditions (flexibility, temperature and humidity differences). As a rule, this is one of the most expensive HDMI cables.

Ordinary HDMI 2.0 cable with an additional screen and an increased cross-section of conductors for stable data transfer. In fact, HIGH SPEED (increased speed) is an ordinary marketing ploy to increase the cost of the cable and argue for quality materials. There is also a modification of this cable with the transmission of ETHERNET signals. The cable comes with category 2 (Category 2).

According to its physical design, HDMI cables are produced in lengths from 30 cm to 20 meters. When using specialized HDMI amplifiers with independent power supply (HDMI repeaters), the distance can be increased up to 35 - 40 meters.

When buying a cable longer than 7 meters, special attention must be paid to its thickness. The thicker the cross section of the conductors (and, accordingly, the cable as a whole) and the denser the screen braid, the less losses and the more stable the picture (does not crumble) during signal transmission. This effect can be especially pronounced when transmitting a high-density video signal, for example, when there is a FULL HD dynamic picture with a high video bit rate. As a rule, the quality of the HDMI cable and connector (gold-plated or silver-plated) does not affect the picture and sound at all if the cable length is up to 2.5 - 3 meters. Longer lengths increase its cost several times, as well as the quality of workmanship and materials used (purity of copper, additional shielding, etc.)

Quite often they ask what are these “barrels” near the connectors? These are filtering chokes to protect devices from high-voltage static interference and external interference. The chokes come with cables that are either good quality or longer than 1.5 m. The author of this article was the victim of a cheap HDMI cable connected between the satellite tuner and the TV. When replacing the receiving head on the antenna, static electricity through the screen disabled the main processor of the TV. As a result, it was beyond repair. If there were protective chokes, this situation would not have happened. In this regard, we recommend that you pay attention to such an addition when buying an HDMI cable and choose just such a modification.

Variety of HDMI connectors

To date, there are 4 types of HDMI connectors Type A, B, C, D.

HDMI type A is the basis of all versions from 1.0 to 2.0. It is a 19-pin connector that is compatible with a DVI-D adapter, except that digital audio cannot be transmitted when the adapter is used. This connector is used in a very wide range of various household equipment where the transmission of digital audio and video signals is necessary: ​​video players, sound receivers, televisions.

HDMI type B is distinguished by the presence of 29 pins in the connector. In everyday life, it is used extremely rarely, since it was supplanted by type A.

HDMI type C or mini-HDMI - its main difference is a smaller version of type A. This connector is widely used in various portable media players, smartphones, PDAs, and camcorders. This type of connector has been released since version 1.3 in June 2006.

HDMI type D or micro-HDMI - used in modern cameras, portable web cameras, mobile devices. This type of connector was first used in May 2009. The first connectors of this type were produced by Molex.

The principle of data transmission via HDMI

To understand how HDMI works, it is necessary to understand terms such as TMDS Data, CEC, SCL, SDA, and DDC. TMDS Data (transition-minimized differential signaling) is a high-speed data transfer technology used in DVI and HDMI interfaces, as well as in other digital devices.
TMDS is a serial two-wire bus for the differential transmission of an electrical signal from a source (transmitter, such as a player or video card) to a receiver (monitor or LCD panel). The transmission of impulses is carried out synchronously. Those. there is a clock signal of rectangular pulses of increased frequency, on the basis of which "packs" of pulses are transmitted, forcing the matrix LEDs to be turned on through special drivers by illuminating one of three colors (R-red, G-green, B - blue), or several colors to convey shades or semitones. If the panel is FullHD (1920x1080), then signals are transmitted to the matrix to control special TFT LED transistors, the number of which is 1920 * 3 (RGB) = 5760 pcs. Signals are received and the glow is controlled by a driver-chip for controlling the operation of the LCD panel, otherwise called a “scaler”. Matrix control signals are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver via the TMDS line. The higher the oscillator reference frequency and the greater the number of TMDS lines (wires), the faster the screen control will become. The higher the color "bit depth", the more control pulses pass through the TMDS bus. In order for the driver control not to go astray relative to the oscillator reference frequency, it is necessary to control it with a synchronization signal for lines (HSYNC) and frames (VSYNC). It can be seen from the figure that the pulses are fed to the operational amplifier in a differential connection, hence the definition of the name of the bus. This topology makes the line immune to interference from external signals. CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) - control signal transmission line for device control. Theoretically, it can be used to combine all home devices via HDMI together and control them using a universal programmable control panel. SCL (Serial Data Clock) - the clock signal transmission line mentioned above. SDA (Serial Data Access) - transmits reference data. DDC (Display Data Channel) - data transmission line about the name and specification of the receiver (monitor, TV). Through this line, the transmitter (computer, for example) understands which drivers need to be installed in order to correctly control the device. The HDMI interface is parallel, as it contains 4 TMDS data lines (7 lines for HDMI type B), as well as TMDS Clock, which transmits the clock (reference) signals of the generator mentioned above.

HDMI connector pinout

The pin assignment can be determined from the table below:

Type A(standard) Type B Type C(mini) Type D(micro) Purpose
1 1 2 3 TMDS Data2+
2 2 1 4 TMDS Data2 Shield
3 3 3 5 TMDS Data2-
4 4 5 6 TMDS Data1+
5 5 4 7 TMDS Data1 Shield
6 6 6 8 TMDS Data1-
7 7 8 9 TMDS Data0+
8 8 7 10 TMDS Data Shield
9 9 9 11 TMDS Data0-
10 10 11 12 TMDS Clock+
11 11 10 13 TMDS Clock Shield
12 12 12 14 TMDS Clock
13 TMDS Data5+
14 TMDS Data5 Shield
15 TMDS Data5-
16 TMDS Data4+
17 TMDS Data4 Shield
18 TMDS Data4-
19 TMDS Data3+
20 TMDS Data3 Shield
21 TMDS Data3-
13 22 14 15 CEC
14 23 17 2 In HDMI 1.0 - 1.3c HEC signal In HDMI 1.4 and higher Ethernet line
24 Reserve
15 25 15 17 SCL (I2C Serial Clock for DDC)
16 26 16 18 SDA (I2C Serial Data for DDC)
17 27 13 16 DDC/CEC/HEC Ground
18 28 18 19 +5V Power (max 50mA)
19 29 19 1 Hot Plug Detect (All versions) HEC Data+ (HDMI 1.4+ with Ethernet)

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