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Frequently Asked Questions about HDMI v1.3 and Cable Compatibility
Q: What is HDMI?As stated on www.hdmi.org: “HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. By delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable, HDMI™ dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide consumers with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI™ provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable. HDMI™ supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel, 192kHz, uncompressed digital audio and all currently-available compressed formats (such as Dolby Digital and DTS). HDMI 1.3 adds additional support for new lossless digital audio formats Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.”
Q: What is HDMI 1.3?
HDMI is an evolving technology, and each revision brings new features for electronics manufacturers to incorporate into equipment designs. The HDMI 1.3 specification adds the following features (from www.hdmi.org):
Q: Are your HDMI cables 1.3 compliant?
Yes. Our SonicWave and Velocity lines feature high-quality HDMI cables that support performance features associated with version 1.3 of the HDMI specification. However, HDMI guidelines prohibit the use of a simple “1.3” designation and encourage manufacturers to focus on specific supported features. Cables To Go product literature and packaging closely follow these guidelines, indicating cable speed and specific audio and video capabilities.
Q: What is the data transfer rate, or bandwidth, of your HDMI cables?
SonicWave and Velocity cables are rated at 10.2 Gigabits per second (Gbps), sometimes stated as 340 MegaHertz (MHz). This bandwidth is required to ensure full compatibility with HDMI technology and realize the full capabilities of the latest HDMI-equipped audio/video devices. Lower bandwidth cables will support basic HDMI functionality but will not be capable of delivering all the data necessary to achieve full performance at the latest standards.
Q: Do your HDMI cables support 1080p resolution?
Yes, SonicWave and Velocity HDMI cables were engineered and tested to support 1080p resolution. Quickly becoming the standard for full high-definition HDTV, a 1080p video signal requires significantly more bandwidth than 720p or even 1080i. A 10.2 Gbps / 340 MHz rating will be required to consistently deliver a full 1080p signal.
Q: What video resolutions do your HDMI cables support?
All Cables To Go HDMI cables will support any standard or high-definition resolution, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Our premium SonicWave line is capable of even higher resolutions we’ll likely see in future audio/video products.
Q: Do your HDMI cables support Deep Color?
Yes, all of our HDMI cables will support Deep Color. The greater the color depth, the more information sent over the cable, and the greater the bandwidth required. Our Velocity line of cables are tested to support the latest equipment on the market. In fact, our premium SonicWave line will support color transfer rates of 16-bit and beyond, ensuring compatibility with future advances in video technology. Consider the specific capabilities of your equipment when choosing a cable.
Q: Do your HDMI cables support advanced refresh rates?
Yes, Our SonicWave and Velocity cables will support today’s advanced refresh rates, or frame rates. The higher the rate, the more frequently the video image is refreshed, resulting in a smoother, less “choppy” presentation of fast-moving images.
Q: Do your HDMI cables support the latest surround sound audio formats?
Yes. HDMI not only offers convenience by carrying multiple signals over a single cable, but it is also a top performer with regard to audio. High Speed HDMI cables provide plenty of bandwidth for even the latest uncompressed eight-channel movie soundtracks, and they support advanced synchronization to ensure audio and video signals are delivered together accurately. Both SonicWave and Velocity HDMI cables will deliver pure digital audio to the full ability of your equipment.
Q: Your products are marketed as 'High Speed HDMI". What is "High Speed HDMI" and what does that mean to me?
The HDMI organization has identified two categories of HDMI cables, Standard Speed and High Speed. Standard Speed HDMI cables are appropriate for first-generation HDTV systems based on 720p or 1080i maximum resolution. High Speed HDMI cables are required for today’s more common HDTV systems capable of 1080p resolution. The higher the resolution, the more information sent over the cable, and the greater the bandwidth required.
Q: SonicWave and Velocity series HDMI cables are both “High Speed HDMI” cables. What are the differences between the two product lines (beyond price and packaging)?
Our SonicWave and Velocity lines both feature high-quality High Speed HDMI cables, but there are several differences that may be important considerations in your application. SonicWave cables feature heavier-gauge conductors and are constructed with some of the most advanced materials and techniques, ensuring long life and consistent performance. SonicWave cables perform beyond current HDMI standards (1440p, 120Hz), offering added support for future upgrades. SonicWave cables are available in longer lengths (up to 20 meters), are approved for in-wall installation, and offer the peace of mind of SimplayHD verification.
Q: Some other manufacturers market their products as "Advanced High Speed or Ultra High Speed HDMI". Do you have Ultra High Speed HDMI cables?
High Speed HDMI cables should meet the 10.2 Gbps / 340 MHz bandwidth requirement. While some manufacturers market products by other names, they are still classified as High Speed cables. Cables To Go has adopted a straightforward marketing approach very much in line with the HDMI spec. All of our High Speed HDMI cables meet today’s specifications and are backward compatible with previous HDMI requirements. Our premium SonicWave line also supports more advanced features beyond HDMI spec and current equipment capabilities.
Q: What does it mean for your cables to be SimplayHD certified?
Simplay Labs is a separate independent testing laboratory that strives to provide peace of mind to consumers who purchase HDMI-equipped audio/video equipment. When you see the SimplayHD logo it means that the product has gone through a testing and verification program to ensure full compatibility with other SimplayHD-verified equipment. All devices and cables bearing the SimplayHD logo, regardless of brand, will install and work together flawlessly to maximize the performance of an advanced HDMI-equipped system
Q: Your Velocity series HDMI cables are not marketed as SimplayHD certified. Can I use a Velocity cable with SimplayHD certified equipment?
Yes, you can use a Velocity cable with SimplayHD certified equipment. All of our HDMI cables, including Velocity series, have been tested by the HDMI group to ensure compatibility with HDMI specifications. The SimplayHD distinction is an additional seal of approval applied to our premium SonicWave line to ensure the best possible customer experience and true peace of mind.
Q: Have your “High Speed HDMI” cables been ATC tested to the HDMI “High Speed” test standard?
Yes, our cables have been ATC tested to HDMI “High Speed” or category 2 ratings.
Q: I don’t see Cables To Go listed as an HDMI Adopter. Are you sure your cables are ATC tested and HDMI certified?
Yes, our cables are ATC tested and HDMI certified. Cables are manufactured to our specifications by an HDMI Adapter factory.
Q: What is the wire gauge of your HDMI cables?
The wire gauge varies according to the brand and length of cable. Wire gauge is especially important in longer length cables, because signal loss tends to increase with distance. We vary the wire gauge of the conductors in our SonicWave cables to ensure consistently high performance even at extended lengths. Note: heavier wire gauge is indicated by a smaller number; 23 AWG wire is thicker than 24 AWG wire.
Q: I just purchased a new 1080p HDTV. Which of your HDMI cables do I need?
All of our cables are manufactured to support full 1080p resolution. Consider the requirements and capabilities of your equipment, external factors like distance and signal interference, and the likelihood of equipment upgrades. Contact us for assistance in choosing the right product for your situation.
Q: I want to run cables through my wall. What cables do you recommend?
Our SonicWave HDMI cables are CL2-rated and are specifically constructed to meet UL specifications for safe in-wall home use. They are also designed to deliver maximum performance over longer cable runs often associated with in-wall installations.
Q: I have HDMI cables that I purchased from Cables To Go before the distinction was made between Standard Speed and High Speed. Will these cables work with new devices and new audio/video features?
Yes, your existing SonicWave or Velocity cable will support newer HDMI 1.3 features. The latest HDMI spec does not present an entirely new set of requirements, but rather a detailed distinction between levels of performance. Our cables have always been built to high performance standards, so they meet the newly stated High Speed HDMI specifications. Keep in mind, however, that in long-distance applications (greater than 10 meters) many variables can affect system performance. Contact us for help designing a connectivity solution for a more demanding installation.