In some ways, installed HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are better than having a dog. A dog has to be let out, a dog never cleans up after himself, and a dog won't connect set-top boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players, personal computers, video game consoles and AV receivers onto one TV screen. Admittedly, this is a stretch, but what if it were possible to actually have that kind of convenience? It is!
So why would you want to go through all of the headache to figure out what cables can be replaced by an HDMI cable? Take a look behind your cool, homemade home theater, Mr. Messy Marvin. If you are like 99% of the other non-HDMI users, you have a ball of cables and cords that would make an obsessive compulsive faint. It's time you cleaned up your act, Mister!
First things first, though. Make a list of all the devices you have connected to your TV. Now go through and check the back of every device for an HDMI output. They should be labeled, but if they aren't, then it's suggested that you buy an HDMI cable and physically check to make sure you have an output.
While you were doing this you might have noticed that your TV only has one HDMI input. Your powers of observation are commended and as a reward you are offered an HDMI hub! What is an HDMI hub? Simply put, it is a switch or way to "splice together" all of your devices. In other words you could plug your DVD player, your Blu-Ray, and your cable box into one device and that one device into your TV.
HDMI hubs can connect 2 or more sources to one, or even multiple, TVs or monitors. For example a 3x1 hub will connect three input devices to one TV. While a 4x2 will connect four input devices to two separate monitors or TVs. Hubs come in different configurations to accommodate any home theater set up. Some hubs are even able to be linked together to allow for expansion. Though checking the manufacturer's handbook is recommended. The price range is between $30 and $1,200. There are some mid-priced hubs that will even automatically change devices for you eliminating the need for a remote control or the need for you to leave your easy chair.
HDMI cables come with the same configuration but vary in price substantially. The price difference can range between $8 and $100 per cable. Nearly all are gold plated, but don't take that for granted. There are a couple of factors to consider: distance from device to monitor and how many devices you are connecting to your hub. If you are connecting more than two devices to a hub or have a lot of electric cords in the vicinity, you might want to consider HDMI cables with thicker shielding. This will prevent "cable noise". Something you do not hear, but will effect your audio and video quality. Distance is the other factor. The signal that is transmitted through the HDMI cable is generally only viable for 50". If your device or origin is longer than that, you should consider buying a signal repeater or moving the source closer to the monitor.
There are also several versions of HDMI cables out there. The latest version (1.4) is capable of taking the place of every cable out there. There are also different connector types. If you find that your new HDMI cable won't fit, adapters are relatively cheap and easy to install. While you were checking for HDMI ports, you might have noticed a DVI port as well, and in some cases, instead of an HDMI output. If this is the case, you are in luck. DVI and HDMI are completely compatible with an adapter.
The advantages of HDMI cables are obvious: condensing down your cable mess, cleaning up your signal, and allowing room for future expansion. Really, if building a car were this easy, we'd all be driving Ferraris. You can spend one afternoon redoing your cabling one time or spend a lifetime with a jumbled mess of cable literally hanging around. You'd better make up your mind quick though, because I think you just caught a dachshund back there.
So why would you want to go through all of the headache to figure out what cables can be replaced by an HDMI cable? Take a look behind your cool, homemade home theater, Mr. Messy Marvin. If you are like 99% of the other non-HDMI users, you have a ball of cables and cords that would make an obsessive compulsive faint. It's time you cleaned up your act, Mister!
First things first, though. Make a list of all the devices you have connected to your TV. Now go through and check the back of every device for an HDMI output. They should be labeled, but if they aren't, then it's suggested that you buy an HDMI cable and physically check to make sure you have an output.
While you were doing this you might have noticed that your TV only has one HDMI input. Your powers of observation are commended and as a reward you are offered an HDMI hub! What is an HDMI hub? Simply put, it is a switch or way to "splice together" all of your devices. In other words you could plug your DVD player, your Blu-Ray, and your cable box into one device and that one device into your TV.
HDMI hubs can connect 2 or more sources to one, or even multiple, TVs or monitors. For example a 3x1 hub will connect three input devices to one TV. While a 4x2 will connect four input devices to two separate monitors or TVs. Hubs come in different configurations to accommodate any home theater set up. Some hubs are even able to be linked together to allow for expansion. Though checking the manufacturer's handbook is recommended. The price range is between $30 and $1,200. There are some mid-priced hubs that will even automatically change devices for you eliminating the need for a remote control or the need for you to leave your easy chair.
HDMI cables come with the same configuration but vary in price substantially. The price difference can range between $8 and $100 per cable. Nearly all are gold plated, but don't take that for granted. There are a couple of factors to consider: distance from device to monitor and how many devices you are connecting to your hub. If you are connecting more than two devices to a hub or have a lot of electric cords in the vicinity, you might want to consider HDMI cables with thicker shielding. This will prevent "cable noise". Something you do not hear, but will effect your audio and video quality. Distance is the other factor. The signal that is transmitted through the HDMI cable is generally only viable for 50". If your device or origin is longer than that, you should consider buying a signal repeater or moving the source closer to the monitor.
There are also several versions of HDMI cables out there. The latest version (1.4) is capable of taking the place of every cable out there. There are also different connector types. If you find that your new HDMI cable won't fit, adapters are relatively cheap and easy to install. While you were checking for HDMI ports, you might have noticed a DVI port as well, and in some cases, instead of an HDMI output. If this is the case, you are in luck. DVI and HDMI are completely compatible with an adapter.
The advantages of HDMI cables are obvious: condensing down your cable mess, cleaning up your signal, and allowing room for future expansion. Really, if building a car were this easy, we'd all be driving Ferraris. You can spend one afternoon redoing your cabling one time or spend a lifetime with a jumbled mess of cable literally hanging around. You'd better make up your mind quick though, because I think you just caught a dachshund back there.
About the Author:
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on HDMI Review which discusses how you can get low prices on HDMI Cables, Splitters, Extenders, Boxes, and Adaptors.
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