HDMI versions? What do I buy?

UncleSporky

I recently got a new TV and receiver, the first things I own that can do HDMI. I need a cable to go from the receiver to the TV.

I was reading about HDMI on Wikipedia and there are all these different specifications:



Does it matter what I buy? Are most new cables going to be able to handle, say, 1.3 or better?

Also, I know that monoprice.com is this forum's preferred supplier of cables. But when I go there and search for cables, they have a lot of jargon I don't fully understand. Do I want an HDMI DVI cable, or just HDMI? Do I want 28AWG or 24AWG?

Too many choices.

matt has a problem

I can't think of any 1.4 devices on the market at this point. 4K isn't a resolution any consumer level TVs are pumping out yet. The 1.3a cables are the most popular, they're all you're going to need. You want an HDMI cable, HDMI DVI means HDMI to DVI, which would be an adapter. Use this page, and just pick the length you need - http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240

28 and 24 AWG are cable gauges, 24 is a slightly thicker cable than 28, but it's such a minuscule difference at that size it really doesn't matter.

Iceman.USAF

matthasaproblem wrote: »

I can't think of any 1.4 devices on the market at this point. 4K isn't a resolution any consumer level TVs are pumping out yet. The 1.3a cables are the most popular, they're all you're going to need.

Seconded.

Unless you spent like $10,000 on your new TV, and it's from the future, I don't think you need 1.4

This is basically what you need.

UncleSporky

Iceman.USAF wrote: »

matthasaproblem wrote: »

I can't think of any 1.4 devices on the market at this point. 4K isn't a resolution any consumer level TVs are pumping out yet. The 1.3a cables are the most popular, they're all you're going to need.

Seconded.

Unless you spent like $10,000 on your new TV, and it's from the future, I don't think you need 1.4

This is basically what you need.

Wow, that's a great deal. I just ordered some.

Thanks guys!

chrisburke

These rating 1.1 so on and so on are just new tests. The cables really haven't changed over time there are just new tests that are being add. I would say with the 1.3 because TVs really can't even use the 1.4 right now. The only real difference in the 1.4 and the 1.3 is that the 1.4 has the ability to connect to internet which most TVs don't even use right now. Basically if you have a DVD or BluRay player with an Ethernet connection you can transfer internet TV through the 1.4

Hope that helps, just go with the 1.3 for a few more years and let the TVs catch up and actually use the web TV. I use FlyShark for my HDMI Cables, they have pretty good prices and know their stuff.

~Chris