HDMI cable requirements!!

[Joseman37]

Hi there.
Question. What are the basic requirements for buying an HDMI cable that can support 4K and HDR for my AV??

Thank you.

 

[warnerwh]

Premium High Speed HDMI cables will do what you want.

 

[JerryLove]

Biggest issue will be the length of run.

For longer runs, I used fiber HDMI cables. For shorter runs, normal HDMI cables.

 

[Joseman37]

When you say longer run, you mean like across the room, or 6 ft?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I recommend these if under 50FT:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XM1WE0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[lovinthehd]

When you say longer run, you mean like across the room, or 6 ft?

Before 4k I remember it was about 30 ft before you might have to consider an active cable (let alone fiber). You might like this as far as cable designations go https://hdmi.org/spec/premiumcable

 

[snakeeyes]

Monoprice HDMI cables. They are available on Amazon.

 

[ryanosaur]

Monoprice HDMI cables. They are available on Amazon.

Or through Monoprice direct... look for the Certified Premium option unless you need to run a hybrid-fiber. I think Ruipro is the best for longer runs, say 30 or 35’ and longer.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

One thing is for sure especially when it comes to HDMI cables Certified or not - buy it from a place that allows easy returns like local stores and Amazon.

I recently tried a few cables from Amazon that all claimed HDMI 2.0b High-Speed and all that with my new JVC NZ3. Not all of them worked. The BlueRigger cables worked for me so I kept those cables and returned the rest. However, the BlueRigger cables don't work for EVERYONE either. I guess no cables work for everyone.

I've seen reviews on the newer "Premium Certified" HDMI cables on Amazon. I still see some people (like 8% or more) saying that the cables didn't work for them.

So no guarantees even on the so-called "Certified" cables.

 

[ryanosaur]

One thing is for sure especially when it comes to HDMI cables Certified or not - buy it from a place that allows easy returns like local stores and Amazon.

I recently tried a few cables from Amazon that all claimed HDMI 2.0b High-Speed and all that with my new JVC NZ3. Not all of them worked. The BlueRigger cables worked for me so I kept those cables and returned the rest. However, the BlueRigger cables don't work for EVERYONE either. I guess no cables work for everyone.

I've seen reviews on the newer "Premium Certified" HDMI cables on Amazon. I still see some people (like 8% or more) saying that the cables didn't work for them.

So no guarantees even on the so-called "Certified" cables.

I can only speak for myself when I say 6 of 6 Monoprice Cert Premium HDMI cables worked out of the box. Lengths 3-20’.

 

[Pogre]

I can only speak for myself when I say 6 of 6 Monoprice Cert Premium HDMI cables worked out of the box. Lengths 3-20’.

That's where I get all my cabling now. Never had an issue.

 

[AVUser001]

I like BlueJeans Cables . Amongst others, using their 25ft version for my HT. Available in Amazon as well.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Hi there.
Question. What are the basic requirements for buying an HDMI cable that can support 4K and HDR for my AV??

The basic requirement is that every cable in the chain must support 18Gb/s HDMI. This is commonly advertised for cables which can support the latest HDMI 2.0 specification.

I agree with those that suggest Monoprice on the shorter interconnects. The Super Slim HDMI cable rated for 18Gb/s has worked very well in our installations over the last year and is our corporate go-to cable as well as my personal choice.

For 'long' runs, over 10', you will want to be far more picky and increase your budget accordingly. If cabling is going behind a wall and is tough to replace, you want to take even more care.

So, the requirements will change, perhaps drastically, based upon your actual setup. An easy to replace cable can get by with a few $5 Monoprice cables quite well. Running a 50' cable behind drywall? Well, first... PUT IN CONDUIT - but then run a RUIPro Fiber HDMI cable.

 

[Bucknekked]

One thing is for sure especially when it comes to HDMI cables Certified or not - buy it from a place that allows easy returns like local stores and Amazon.
So no guarantees even on the so-called "Certified" cables.

I think @AcuDefTechGuy has some great advice. Buy where you have easy access to returns. Not everyone does easy returns. Like everyone else who has responded, my experience has been mixed when the distances get longer. Unlike many other types of audio interconnects, HDMI is touchy on the distance and the way the failures manifest themselves may not be super obvious.

I also support @Pogre : buy from a known good source and many other problems take care of themselves. Monoprice is a good source and so is Blue jeans.

 

[Grandzoltar]

HDMI is touchy on the distance and the way the failures manifest themselves may not be super obvious.

I bought an hdmi cable from amazon from the brand sikai. They claimed all this stuff like earc and hdr compatible ok latest and greatest cable. When watching tv over a 3 month period I always noticed that the sound was slightly off from video. So I’m looking audio sync options changing the delays nothing seemed right. In addition to that in some low light darker scenes there was a slight fuzz occasionally. I thought it was just from streaming the content. For some reason I thought would swap it out for another hdmi and bam audio matches lips perfect. No more funky low light scenes. There was definitely something going on with that cable it’s not it either works or doesn’t. As said buy from a reputable brand even if it’s Audioquest.

 

[Joseman37]

What about HDMI gauge? Does it matter at all?
I went to Monoprice website and they give you the option of choosing between gauges, unlike Amazon. Is there an importance to this?

Thank you.

 

[lovinthehd]

How about this https://www.lanshack.com/How-do-wire-gauges-impact-HDMI-cable-performance.aspx

 

[slipperybidness]

I recommend these if under 50FT:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XM1WE0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have also used these and been happy with them. I like the braided jacket.