HDMI cables are one, if not the most common, way we connect entertainment devices in our lives. These common cables help us watch our favorite movies, TV shows, play video games, and share family photos. To get the best result, however, you need the right cable. This guide will help you understand the different types of HDMI cables and which cable best fits your needs.

First, What’s an HDMI Cable Anyway?

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and several companies, including Hitachi, Sony, and Panasonic, developed the first cable in 2002. The purpose of this cable was to transmit data and speed to multimedia devices, such as DVD and Blu-ray players, TVs, projectors, game consoles, computers and laptops, and some digital cameras. They’ve become the most common way that we connect any of these items in our homes and businesses today.

Will Any HDMI Cable Work?

Kind of, but it won’t work to its full potential if it’s the wrong cable for the wrong device. For example, some manufacturers design HDMI cables specifically to quickly transfer data for higher quality video, such as high definition and 4K. With the rise of smart devices and smart homes, just about everything needs to connect to the Internet, so there are HDMI cables with Ethernet built in as well. While technically any HDMI cable will work for basic needs, if you need maximum efficiency, you should choose your cable wisely.

The Different Types of HDMI Cables

HDMI cables changed a lot since the first version released, so let’s get into them, their differences, and which one fits your needs.

Standard HDMI

This is the cable from 2002 that started the trend; they’re still used today, but not as much with all the improvements. Some uses for the standard cable is basic cable and TV connectivity. It’s not the best option anymore, but it gets the job done in traditional scenarios.

Standard Automotive HDMI

Remember those entertainment systems that some families had in their cars? That’s exactly what the standard automotive cable is for. It’s like the standard cable, only it has an additional coating to reduce interference from other devices within the car.

High Speed HDMI

As technology and video quality improved, the standard HDMI cables couldn’t keep up with the demand. Manufacturing began on high speed HDMI cables to handle the demands of high definition, 3D, and 4K.

High Speed Automotive HDMI

Of course, with the technology updates, “everyone” was getting 4K TVs in their cars too, so manufacturers had to update the automotive cables too.

Premium High Speed HDMI

Similar to the previous high speed HDMI cable, 4K became more demanding, so the cables needed updates as well. However, it wasn’t only the improvements in 4K that required better cables; high dynamic range (HDR) picture grew in popularity as well. Thus, the birth of premium high speed HDMI cables came about.

Ultra High Speed HDMI

Technology didn’t stop at the premium models. As it continued to improve, the cables struggled to keep up with the transfer speeds required. Ultra high speed HDMI cables became common in professional settings most due to its high quality. Ultra high speed is no joke—these cables are capable of transferring speeds for up to 8K and 10K resolutions that aren’t readily available to most.

HDMI with Ethernet

As mentioned previously, most devices throughout our homes and businesses all connect to the Internet now, and as that became more popular, the cables needed to change again. These not only increase the quality of connection but if you need Internet connectivity for, say a smart TV, these are the best choice for you.

The Different Types of HDMI Connectors

Now that the cables are out of the way, there’s also a handful of different connectors found on HDMI cables. It’s important to note that most of these have a Type A connector on one side, and a different connector on the other side.

Type A — Regular

When you think of an HDMI cable, this is probably what you envision. This connection has been the most common since the initial design of HDMI cables.

Type C — Mini

This connector is helpful during presentations because one end is a Type A, so you can connect it to a TV or a projector. The Type C end is a common size for tablets, cameras, and other electronics.

Type D — Micro

Like a Type C connector, a Type D is smaller and works with even smaller electronics, such as handheld digital cameras, tablets, and some smartphones.

Type E — Automotive

Lastly, for all your car entertainment system needs, there’s Type E connectors. These have a traditional Type A connector on one side, and then the Type E connector would go to the input installed on the vehicle.

So, Which HDMI Cable Should I Buy?

It depends on what you need them for. If you’re looking to connect your TV to your DVD or Blu-ray player, and you’re watching 4K movies, then you’ll need the high speed cable. On the other hand, if your grandma just wants to watch Wheel of Fortune on basic cable, then she’ll probably only need a standard HDMI cable. Now, if you’re a creative professional or a cinematography enthusiast, you’ll want the highest quality picture available, and that’s going to come from an ultra high speed cable. If you use a camera to display your photos on a TV, you’ll need at least a high speed HDMI cable with either a Type C or Type D connector.

Whatever your needs are, there’s an HDMI cable available for you, and CableWholesale is the best place to look. We offer the highest-quality products and have a team of experts ready to help you find whatever HDMI cable you need. Our customer service has the highest standards and has pioneered the level of quality since 1996, and we have no plan on slowing down. Whether you’re a homeowner that needs a standard cable to connect a DVD player or a professional that needs a 100-foot HDMI cable with Ethernet, we have it all. In addition to our wide selection of products, we offer a lifetime warranty on all our cables.