Choosing between two standards of technology that are competing with each other can be tough. Not much information is available to help consumers compare what sets HDMI cables and the newer DisplayPort apart. What’s the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort? Here are four main differences you need to know about HDMI and DisplayPort cables.

Connectors

Three of the main HDMI cables you typically see have 19 pins and come in 5 shapes. Type A HDMI cables are commonly used with laptops, TVs, and projectors. Type B mini HDMI cables work with some laptops and tablets. Type D micro HDMI cables are also used with certain laptops and tablets. A Type B cable has 29 pins that are designed for dual-link applications and Type E features a locking mechanism for use in the automotive industry.

There are 20 pins on DisplayPort connectors with two sizes available. There is a full-size standard option and a smaller alternative that is similar to the Thunderbolt. Most of these connectors feature a locking mechanism to prevent them from accidental disconnection. However, be aware that this feature is not an official required specification.

Bandwidth and Resolution

The standard DisplayPort has a 60 Hz refresh rate while the most common HDMI has a refresh rated half that at 30 Hz. The maximum bandwidth for DisplayPort is 17.28 Gbps compared to HDMI’s maximum at 10.2 Gbps. HDMI 2.0 hardware is able to support up to 18 Gb per second of bandwidth. Both feature similar video resolutions. However, you should keep in mind to look at the version number located on both the display and source rather than compare the two in this area.

Audio Features

Both HDMI and DisplayPort connectors are able to support 8 digital audio channels at 24 bit and 192 kHz. The main difference between these two is that HDMI has an audio return channel, which means sound can travel both ways on a TV set. If you want to watch Netflix on a smart TV but want to use a surround sound system rather than the built-in speakers, this is a better option.

HDMI and DisplayPort cables appear to have distinct differences while still attempting to achieve the same outcome. However, DisplayPort seems to solve the shortcomings of traditional cables while meeting the demands of newer technology breakthroughs. By understanding the difference between these two, you will be able to make a more informed decision on the option that is best for you.

It can be quite the challenge to run a workplace that is efficient and practical. If you’re running a workspace of any kind, then you should be sure that you’re using the best tech for the job. Here are three important tech upgrades that are crucial to your workplace productivity and performance.

Network Ethernet Cables

In a technology-centered world that is always connected, there is much talk about the network strength of any given workspace. However, most people make the mistake of jumping straight into upgrading their router or their internet service provider in hopes of better speeds. While these things are certainly important, you should never ignore the important role that your networking cables play in the rest of your setup.

While you don’t need to become an expert on all the different types of cable options there are available on the market today, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Even just doing a thorough audit of your current networking cable set up can help to illuminate any weak points in your connections. By ordering newer cables, you’d be surprised by just how much improvement you’ll see in the rest of your network. And we all know how important a strong network is to the rest of your operations.

High-Speed HDMI Cables

When it comes to your audiovisual setup, chances are you probably don’t consider the function of your cables. In fact, HDMI cables account for a large portion of your picture quality and your sound quality. Do everyone in the office a favor by making sure that your HDMI cables are up to speed before that next big meeting. Things will look and sound better, which will help everyone be more engaged and present.

Surge Protectors

When it comes to keeping your computers and other electronics safe from unexpected power surges, you’d be wise to make sure that your surge protectors are up to date. If you have a server room, or even a simpler set up, without surge protectors, you could be jeopardizing thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. Without the security of a high-quality surge protector, your equipment is in danger. It’s unfortunate, but many people don’t even think about their surge protectors until it’s far too late. But by then, of course, the damage has been done. Don’t be one of these poor people who let a power surge destroy their computers.

Different devices will require different types of surge protectors, depending on your typical usage. This is where learning a bit about joules comes in handy. The number of joules listed for the surge protector represents the energy absorption rating. The more the better. For a computer or home theater equipment, you’ll want to consider surge protectors with joule ratings of 2500 or more.

Whether you’re looking to order new high-speed HDMI cables, networking cables, or any other type of cable tech for your workplace, then you want to be sure that you’re ordering from a supplier who knows their stuff. At Cable Wholesale we have years of experience in the industry and we’d be happy to assist you in making your workplace a brighter, more efficient environment through the use of the right cables. Get in touch with a member of our team for more information.

While you may not realize it, fiber optic cables have become the backbone of today’s society. This type of cable has been used to connect cities and countries since the beginning of the internet. The first submarine fiber optic cable connected France and Britain to the United States in 1988, with hundreds more currently connecting the world across the ocean floor. Today, the global fiber optics market is estimated to grow to $9.1 billion by 2025.

Fiber optic cables send data using light. There are many thin strands of glass inside each cable in which photons travel down, varying from just a few to several hundred. These strands are less than a tenth as thick as a human hair. If you’re talking about telephone calls, each strand can carry somewhere around 25,000, leading entire fiber-optic cables to carry several million.

Data transfer speeds through fiber optic cables are able to reach extremely fast speeds. Since light moves so fast (186,000 miles per second), this directly translates into data transfer speeds. This enables up to one Gigabit per second transfer speeds on fiber-optic networks. This is almost 100 times faster than the average broadband speed in the United States of 11.7 Megabits per second. When these are properly installed, a lot of possibilities are unlocked. For instance, you set it up to transmit 15.5 terabits of data per second, 1,000 times what the average capacity is.

This technology is growing day in and out, despite some not even knowing. Around 25% of the Internet in the US is provided by fiber optics, with 280 million kilometers (over 170 million miles) in demand globally as of 2018. Using fiber optics directly for consumer use has grown as well, with Verizon FiOS and Google Fiber growing in popularity and reaching speeds of 500 Megabits per second and 1 Gigabit per second respectively.

Although most people have one (or several) electronic devices that they use every single day, most people are also oblivious about using the right cables for their device. With so many different cable types, from USB 3 cables to power lightning cables, it can be quite confusing and frustrating to find the right cables for your devices. Sure, you may think it’s easy to choose the right cables to charge your devices and connect them to networks and other devices, but there could be some information you’re missing. Here’s just some of the key benefits to using the right cables for your device.

Using the right USB cables will speed things up

When it comes to transferring data from an external device such as a digital camera or a portable hard drive, the type of USB cable that you use makes all the difference. Not only will the wrong cable be incompatible, but you may also discover that it leads to enormous wait times when transferring files from one device to another. For example, USB 3 cables allow for faster transfer speeds than its USB 2.0 counterparts. Far too many people make the mistake of only looking for the right connectors, without even stopping to check and consider other important factors such as data transfer rates and compatibility. Keep this in mind the next time you’re shopping around for USB cables to move files between your devices and computers.

Using the right charging cables for your cell phone

When it comes to phone cell phone charging cables, a lot of your phone’s battery life will depend on your approach to charging its battery. Even though most people are unaware, there are certainly best practices when it comes time to charge your phone. For example, you shouldn’t wait until your phone gets close to a 0% battery charge before you plug it in and recharge it. Experts recommend waiting until your phone gets down to around a 35% or 40% charge and then plugging it into a charger. Following these methods whether using a USB 3 cable or any other kind of smartphone cable will ensure that you get the most possible life out of your cell phone battery as you use it.

If you’re in need of a USB 3 cable, a surge protector, a zipcord fiberoptic cable, or any other kind of cable, then it’s always a good idea to choose a reputable, high-quality supplier. At Cablewholesale.com, we have the products and customer service approach that you need to handle all of your cable needs. Even if you’re not totally sure what you’re looking for, a member of our team would love to help you get started toward finding the right products for your phone, your office, and your workplace. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get in touch with us today so we can help you take the first step toward finding the right cables for your electronics.