A Guide to Future Proofing: Part 2

In part one of this series, we explained we explained future proofing basics. In this blog, we’ll tell you why HDMI cables are a perfect example as to why many people are skeptical of the future proofing concept.

Premium HDMI Cable certifications are designed to reassure users that these cables are “future proof” and can perform intensely enough to pass 4K video content. But many have responded to this program with cynicism. Aren’t all high-speed HDMI cables able to pass 4K video content?

The short answer, yes. As long as the cable is a true high-speed HDMI.

The majority of HDMIs have no problem streaming high-capacity content but lack the official certification on the packaging. The program, therefore, looks to set up unsuspecting customers looking for verification, when in reality, just about any HDMI would perform the necessary job sufficiently.

HDMI Licensing appears to be giving consumers the bad end of the stick here with the argument that all cables are equal, but some are “more equal” than others, according to CNET writer Geoffrey Morrison.

Companies that charged more money for their high-speed HDMI cables needed a way to differentiate their products from the budget cables in order to justify the price gaps.

The larger companies that can afford to pay the licensing fee are now heading to the top of the market, while lesser-known companies with equal quality products are losing out on the licensing opportunity.

Essentially, this is a scheme that allows companies to market their HDMI high-speed cables as “future proof” in order to rake in more money.

This isn’t the first time that HDMI Licensing has been shifty with its marketing either. When HDMI 2.0 was announced, the organization flat-out said that HDMI 2.0 didn’t change any cables or connectors. There’s no such thing as an HDMI 2.0 cable, although many are labeled as such. Any HDMI cable is capable of carrying the increased bandwidth transmitted by HDMI 2.0 outlets in your television, desktop, or other network hardware.

HDMI products often cost $50 or more in-store, but there is no reasoning behind this. None of these cables are so-called “future proof.” They’re the same cables that have been around for years.

Cable Wholesale’s HDMI high-speed cables are just as functional as any licensed HDMI product, and cost a very small fraction of the price.

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