How to Select HDMI Cables
The HDMI cable was designed as an all-in-one solution for connecting a video device to a television set. HDMI sends both high-definition video and surround sound audio through a single cable, making extra cables unnecessary. While all HDMI cables work in a similar fashion and physically look alike, there are some differences between them that must be taken into account if you're to have the best viewing experience when using a HDMI cable.
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Instructions
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Check the specifications to see whether the HDMI cable is a category 1 or category 2 cable. Category 2 HDMI cables support the fastest data transfer speed and are rated for all HDTV high-definition video resolutions, as opposed to category 1 HDMI cables, which can not support 1080p high-definition video.
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2
See whether the HDMI cable has a locking mechanism that grips and holds it in to the video input of the television set. A HDMI cable without a locking mechanism stays in position in the video input through friction, and can be pulled out if there is any strain on the HDMI cable.
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Check whether the HDMI cable supports the "Deep Color" mode, as this allows the video signal to display more colors than a HDMI cable without "Deep Color." A HDMI cable that does not support "Deep Color" can not display all of the colors that are on the video source.
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Make sure the length of the HDMI cable is no longer than what is needed to go from the video device to the television set. The length of the HDMI cable affects the video signal strength, so shorter lengths are a better choice to get.
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See who the manufacturer of the HDMI cable is. Brand-name HDMI cables are less likely to exhibit any problems during use, as compared with non-name brands.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the HDMI cable from being bent when connected from a video device to the television set.
A HDMI cable can only be inserted into a HDMI input one way, so forcing the HDMI cable into the input can damage both it and the input.
