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00:00:00 – 00:11:22
In the video, Caleb Denison discusses the complexities and considerations involved in selecting appropriate HDMI cables in light of the new HDMI 2.1 standards, which support higher bandwidths of 40 to 48 gigabits per second. He explains how the selection process has evolved due to the increasing demands of transmitting high-definition signals such as 4K at 60 FPS, HDR metadata, and uncompressed Dolby Atmos audio. The speaker emphasizes the importance of high build quality and reliable connectors, especially for advanced setups involving next-gen game consoles and high-demand entertainment systems.
Key points highlighted include avoiding overly cheap or excessively expensive cables, as mid-priced options typically offer a good balance between cost and reliability. For lengths beyond two meters, HDMI active optical cables (AOCs) are recommended due to their hybrid fiber optic and copper construction. Additionally, the concept of HDMI cable power, which currently includes a separate power connector but is expected to integrate directly into cables in the future, is mentioned as an emerging solution.
The speaker also addresses common misconceptions, noting that even certified HDMI 2.1 or 8K cables can fail due to the rapidly evolving nature of source and receiving devices. To mitigate these issues, he advises purchasing cables from reputable retailers to facilitate returns or exchanges and recommends stress-testing cables with high-demand applications immediately upon purchase. For in-wall installations, it's crucial to use cables rated for in-wall use to comply with safety standards. The video concludes with a call for viewer feedback and encourages likes and subscriptions.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Caleb Denison discusses the complexities of selecting HDMI cables in today’s market, especially with the introduction of HDMI 2.1. He starts by humorously mentioning his dilated eyes and the challenges of discussing HDMI cables, promising insightful advice for setting up next-gen game consoles or big entertainment systems. Caleb explains that past advice for HDMI cables was straightforward, typically recommending cables up to 15 feet or considering lower gauge cables for longer distances to ensure better performance. However, with new HDMI 2.1 standards requiring cables to handle 40 to 48 gigabits per second—up from the previous 18 gigabits per second—the situation has changed. He emphasizes the importance of good build quality and solid connectors, acknowledging that higher-end cables may now be necessary to avoid issues with picture or sound quality in newer technology setups.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the reliability of HDMI cables designed to handle up to 48 gigabits per second, specifically for lengths between two to three meters. They explain that longer or shorter cables might present issues. The complexity of HDMI cables is introduced, focusing on how the digital signal transmission involves several analog factors, contrary to the common belief that digital signals are simplistic. A diagram is referenced to illustrate the various components inside an HDMI cable, such as the 5-volt line and clock, which play crucial roles in signal transmission. The speaker emphasizes that higher bandwidth demands increase the complexity and potential issues in signal delivery. Links are provided for viewers who wish to delve deeper into the technical aspects or find practical advice on choosing HDMI cables.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the increased demands of modern HDMI cables, specifically for 4K resolution at 60 FPS, HDR metadata, and uncompressed Dolby Atmos audio. The higher demands have reduced tolerance for error, leading to more frequent cable failures. The speaker advises on the importance of using well-built HDMI cables, especially for longer runs, as poorer quality cables are more likely to fail.
They also address the misconception that certified HDMI 2.1 or 8K cables are guaranteed to work without issues. While certification can help, failures still occur more frequently due to evolving source and receiving devices. The speaker recommends buying from reputable retailers to facilitate returns or exchanges and stress-testing cables immediately upon purchase by using high-demand applications to ensure they function correctly.
For those dealing with advanced setups like 4K high frame rates or next-gen consoles, the speaker advises against standard copper HDMI cables under one meter or over two meters in length, suggesting starting at one meter to avoid potential failures.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of choosing the right HDMI cable, emphasizing a balance between cost and reliability. They advise against the cheapest and the most outrageously expensive options, noting that good-quality cables are generally mid-priced. For cables longer than 2 meters (10 feet), they recommend using HDMI active optical cables (AOCs) due to their hybrid technology utilizing both fiber optics and copper. Additionally, they mention HDMI cable power as an emerging solution, which often includes a power connector for now but will likely evolve to be integrated into the cable itself in the future. For in-wall installations, they stress ensuring the cable is rated for in-wall use to meet safety standards. The segment concludes by inviting viewer feedback and encouraging likes and subscriptions.