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.