We buy an HDMI cable: what are the temptation of products for 14 thousand.zloty?

2022-07-15 20:40:05 By : Ms. Aileen Zhou

The controversial topic of cabling returns with each new generation of computer and RTV equipment.This time, on the occasion of 4K resolution, HDR or VR support.What should i keep in mind when choosing an HDMI cable?The possibility of replacing or purchasing a new HDMI cable appears with every purchase of a monitor or TV set.New devices often offer very high refresh rates and increasingly 4K resolution, as well as HDR support.No wonder that many customers doubt the possibility of a cable they have had for at least a few years.How much justified fear and how much skilfully created misinformation by sellers?What is the difference between the Chinese cable for PLN 10, a typical product for PLN 50-100 and an elite model for over PLN 14,000?zloty?It is worth knowing the answers to these questions.guidelines of the HDMI Working Group, which formulates requirements for subsequent versions of the standard.HDMI cables available in stores meet the guidelines of version 1.4.This means the ability to transmit material in UltraHD resolution at 60 fps.We can also expect full fluidity and exemplary colors by connecting them to devices supporting 3D, HDR and VR.Therefore, it is not worth looking for differences in the image quality, but in the materials and quality of the cables themselves.Several factors contribute to the quality of the cable.It is important to choose the material of the conductors: CCS (copper and aluminum), CCA (copper and steel) or OFC (oxygen-free copper with a purity of 99.99%).The first one has a limited mechanical strength, the next one - a considerable weight, while the last one offers the best conductivity even over longer distances.The diameter of the conductors is also important, as it is commonly defined in AWG (American Wire Gauge) units, the smaller the AWG value, the larger the diameter.At a distance of up to 5 m, AWG 28 is sufficient, on a larger one and it is worth looking for AWG 26 and lower.This will have a negative effect on flexibility, but will ensure durability and reliability in the following years of use.Functionality is also extended by minor product features, such as ferrite anti-interference filters, gold-plated connectors or a nylon braid.They are an attractive addition, but should not be considered as a key argument when choosing a specific cable.Even if we have just acquired a flagship 4K TV with HDR support.The above guidelines rightly suggest that the valued at over 14 thousand.PLN cable should be treated as homeopathy in electronic form.Twice as many silver conductors, exotic insulating materials or carbon fiber plugs will not affect the quality of colors, contrast or even sound in the least.However, both extremes are fatal and while the HDMI cable purchased at the auction site for PLN 10 will work similarly to the 100 times more expensive model, its durability may turn out to be surprisingly short.Therefore, it is worth looking for a slightly more expensive variant, but with thicker wires made of higher-quality material, and in the case of longer lengths, also thicker insulation and a durable nylon braid.