HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) cables allow you to transfer video and audio digitally from a source to your TV or projector. They’re the new standard for connecting all your HDMI-enabled devices.
An HDMI cable manufacturer must pay licensing fees to HDMI Licensing, LLC to use the HDMI trademarks. So if a vendor says it manufactures its own HDMI cables, ask for the ATC certificate to verify that.
Cables
HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) cables are used to transfer high-resolution digital video, theatre-quality audio, and device commands from a source device to a display. They’re a standard for many home entertainment devices and can support resolutions from 1080p to 8K.
Choosing the right cable depends on how far you want to extend the transmission. Longer cables will generally suffer from signal degradation, so a good rule of thumb is to choose a passive cable over an active one.
Passive HDMI cables can typically extend 4K/60 Hz video up to 50 feet and a 1080p/60 Hz signal up to 125 feet. For longer distances, consider an in-line equalizer or repeater. An active HDMI cable uses a tiny chip to borrow a small amount of power from the devices it’s connecting to, which helps maintain signal strength over a wider range.
Cable Assemblies
HDMI cables are a vital part of many modern home entertainment and communications devices. They enable the transfer of uncompressed digital audio and video signals from any suitable source to a receiver or display device.
HDMI cable assemblies are available in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit any installation environment. These include rugged over-mold connectors, PVC jackets, and 30 microinch gold plated contacts to help protect your A/V signals from EMI interference.
Typically, HDMI cable assemblies feature a flexible plastic material to help prevent signal interference and are also often braided for easier movement in tight spaces. Some brands also use a copper braided shield for added protection and to reduce crosstalk within the cable.
In addition to supporting a variety of high-definition video formats, including 1080p, 3D and 4K Ultra HD, HDMI also supports an extensive range of current audio formats. This includes 8 channels of compressed and uncompressed audio at sample rates up to 192kHz, as well as the Audio Return Channel (ARC) to send data from one device to another.
Cable Terminations
Cable terminations are the final step in connecting cables and wires to equipment or devices. They create a reliable and secure connection between the cable and connector, protecting the electrical conductors from damage and ensuring the integrity of the cables over time.
A variety of termination techniques are available, including soldering and crimping. Each technique can be used to terminate different types of cables and connectors, so it is important to choose the right technique for each project.
Before terminating cables, it is essential to organize them by destination and label them correctly. This will save you a lot of time and money in the future.
Once the cable has been properly arranged, it should be cut to the desired length. Using the correct cable cutter tool will help ensure that the cut is clean and straight, and will fit into the connector properly.
Cable Testing
Cable testing is a crucial component of ensuring safety and reliability during the installation and troubleshooting of cables. It includes testing to verify that the cable is the correct type for its application, that it has not been damaged in transit or storage, and that it meets all applicable codes.
Insulation Resistance tests measure the resistance of a cable to moisture and contamination, including solder flux, oils, mold release agents, and skin oil. This is an excellent way to detect and identify changes in insulation during the manufacturing process that could lead to failure.
Dielectric Withstand tests are typically performed on every cable at 75% of the rated breakdown voltage. They are a safety net that ensures that the cable will not be damaged by arcs, corona, or other potential sources of damage.
VLF (very low frequency) testing is another maintenance and diagnostic test that can be used to assess the condition of medium-voltage power cables. This non-destructive testing method may help to improve system reliability, reduce repair costs and avoid unnecessary outages.
