HDMI and Premium Certification
HDMI confusing at the moment? and along comes another version. But first a little history…
You may remember all HDMI cables were given version numbers and these listed what specification the cable is built to. Back in 2012 this was changed and version numbers were changed in to categories.
- Standard HDMI
- Standard HDMI with Ethernet
- Standard Automotive HDMI
- High Speed HDMI
- High Speed HDMI with Ethernet
This was supposed to make things easier but when the system first came out people were trying to fit version numbers in to categories, the most recognisable would be v1.4. HDMI High Speed with Ethernet. This was what most cables on the market were classed as but if we are doing away with HDMI version numbers, why have they released v2.0?
The obvious answer to this is greater bandwidth but why put a version to it when they released this statement…
“Version 2.0 of the HDMI Specification does not define new cables or new connectors. Current High Speed cables (category 2 cables) are capable of carrying the increased bandwidth.”
Why not just leave it as HDMI High Speed with Ethernet! And now they’ve gone an done it again, this time we have HDMI Premium Certified cables. A basic summary of this is that HDMI cables certified as premium will guarantee the high bandwidth of 18Gbps, 4k @ 60fps and an EMI test to reduce interference.
Do you need new cables for your 4k equipment? Well yes and no as it is up to you.
Yes if you want a premium certified cable.
No if you are not bothered as long as it works. What you probably don’t know is that apart from a guarantee with premium cables, all HDMI cables can carry the bandwidth as there has been no cable or connector change in version 2.0. Another thing to remember is that all HDMI cables in the EU market should be supplied by a manufacturer on the HDMI adopters list, this is to ensure cables have gone through a HDMI Authorised Test Centre and get an ATC certificate.
One note to make is that a lot of companies offer “Premium HDMI Cables” but take a closer look, is it HDMI Premium Certified or a companies premium branded cable?
A premium certified cable will have an official premium label…
