Common HDMI Terms and Definitions

What is HDMI? 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. In this article, we will discuss some common HDMI terms and FAQ's.

What does "Gold Plated" mean and how does that effect performance? Gold plating refers to the connectors. All of our HDMI cables have gold colored, corrosion resistant connectors. The purpose of actual gold content is to reduce corrosion that would impede signal transfer.

What are ferrite cores? Ferrite cores are the cylindrical fixtures placed near the connectors to reduce noise and high frequency interference.

What is HDCP? HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. It is a digital rights management technology used by content providers such as movie studios to protect their media property from being illegally distributed.

What is the difference bewteen 28AWG HDMI cable and 24AWG HDMI cable? The difference between the two cables are the internal wire diameter (28AWG one is thinner than 24AWG one), but please understand both will satisfy your needs in terms of connection as both are certified to support all resolutions up to 1080p.

What is AWG? AWG stands for "American Wire Gauge." It is the thickness of the wire inside the cable. The lower number AWG denotes thicker wiring and thicker overall cable. Thicker cables are recommended for longer cable runs because they offer less resistance along the signal path.

What's the difference between HDMI and DVI? HDMI and DVI use different types of connectors. They carry the same type of digital video signal so HDMI is backward compatible with DVI with the use of an adapter or HDMI/DVI cable. DVI however, does not carry audio signals so a separate connection will need to be made for audio when going to or from DVI to HDMI.

What is the performance benefit of Tin and Silver Plating? Tin and silver plating refer to actual plating on the copper conduits. The idea behind plating is to influence what is known as the "skin effect" of digital signals. The Skin Effect says that higher frequencies like those in digital tend to travel along the surface (or skin) on the conduit. This makes the signal more susceptible to disipation. So, plating is suppose to trap the signal in. Tin, is more resistive than copper, so the idea is that the signal is channeled back into the core of the copper. Silver is less resistive than copper so it's suppose to help the signal move along. The arguement is mostly subjective and some people will have their own preferences.

What are Ferrite Cores and what do they do? Ferrite cores are magnets on the end of cables next to the connectors. They are the bulbs you see just above the connector. They assist in signal transfer and can be found on many types of electronic cables.

What does the "(N)" refer to and what is meant by "Net Jacket"? The (N) is an internal designator referring to the Net Jacket in the product description. The net jacket is a nylon mesh outer covering on the body of the cable. It offers abrasion resistance that protects the cable and gives the cable a nicer, finished look.

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