HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface is a new breed of audio-visual cabling that was originally introduced in 2003 but has up until now not really taken off. Thanks to a surge in purchases of digital equipment, HDMI cables have become increasingly popular and now consumers want to know why they should buy into this new technology.

What you use now?

Chances are you use one of the following: component-video, composite or S-video. These transfer picture signals in home entertainment systems and component-video is currently the highest quality of those mentioned. A lot of conversion occurs within analogue video cables and this is when you will notice output quality and loss of signal.

So why change?

Installing HDMI cabling can now rectify the loss of signal and poor picture quality. HDMI requires no conversion from digital to analogue and back again therefore audio and visual quality will benefit at a time when the world is becoming increasingly concerned with HDTV and blu ray.

Which HDMI cable should you use?

On the market at the moment are versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 with the soon to be released 1.4 hot on their heels. These different versions might not be important to all consumers but for the less technophobic the difference will mean a lot more.

Is your equipment HDMI compatible?

The majority of new televisions, CD players and set top boxes are equipped with HDMI ports and this doesn’t only apply to high-end equipment. Cables can vary in price so be prepared to shop around to find the right one that offers a decent price as well as good quality.

How much do HDMI cables cost?

Prices depend on the length and version of cable you choose, they can get very expensive if you want to go for top of the range and that can be dependent on the quality of the home theatre system that you have in place.

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