What to look for in a Quality HDMI cable
When choosing a quality HDMI cable, less emphasis should be put on flashy branding and more on matching the cable's capabilities to the user's setup needs. I've outlined several key factors to look for. Here's the breakdown.
The Cable Certification
Look for HDMI certification that reads "Premium Certified" or "Ultra High-Speed Certified*, ensuring the cable is compliant with standards.
Look for the High Bandwidth option.
Higher bandwidth cables should be your only option, preferably up to 48Gbps for HDMI 2.1, supporting better resolution, refresh rates, and features such as HDR and Dolby Atmos.
Gaming-capable features
If you're gaming, the HDMI 2.1 cable should support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and 4K resolution at 120Hz.
The HDM cable should support high-end Audio.
Support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is crucial for high-quality audio pass-through to soundbars or AV receivers.
Shorten the Cable Length
Choose a shorter cable -longer cables tend to degrade the signal. For 4K/ 60Hz, stay under 25 feet unless you're using active or fiber HDMI.
Debunking The Myth
Gold-plated connectors do not necessarily mean a strong signal connection. It only helps with corrosion, that's it. Also, prices don't always reflect performance. Certification and specs matter more than brand hype.
A quality HDMI cable is an investment in a seamless audio-visual experience. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or editing, the right cable ensures your gear performs at its best—without bottlenecks or glitches.
