In modern audio-visual equipment, high-definition video cables are an indispensable part. They can transmit audio and video signals from the source device to the display device, enabling the enjoyment of high-definition picture quality and sound. However, there are many types of high-definition video cables on the market, and their performance and characteristics are different, so how do we choose the right high-definition video cable? This article will introduce you to several common HD video cables, their differences, advantages and disadvantages.
SDI cable
SDI (Serial Digital Interface) cable is a professional-grade digital high-definition video cable, mainly used in broadcasting and television, surveillance camera, film and television production and other fields. SDI cables can transmit uncompressed digital video signals to display devices or video recorders through coaxial cables. SDI cables can also carry audio and auxiliary data signals simultaneously.
There are also multiple standards for SDI cables, the most common being HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface), which can support a bandwidth of up to 1.485Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 1080p@30Hz. There are also higher levels of 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 12G-SDI, etc., which can support higher bandwidth and resolution. SDI cables of different standards can also be backward compatible, but both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher standard SDI interface.
The advantage of SDI cable is long transmission distance (up to more than 100 meters), strong anti-interference ability, good stability and low delay. The disadvantage is that professional equipment and interfaces are required, the price is high, and the separation of audio and video signals is not supported.
HDMI cable
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is a digital high-definition video cable that can transmit audio and video signals at the same time without converting back and forth between digital and analog signals, and can replace multiple analog transmission lines. HDMI cables can support video signals in multiple formats, including 4K, 8K, HDR, 3D, etc., and can achieve up to 32-channel audio output. HDMI cables can also support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology to prevent digital content from being illegally copied.
There are currently multiple versions of the HDMI cable, the latest is version 2.1, which can support a bandwidth of up to 48Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of HDMI cables can be backward compatible, but in order to play the best performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of HDMI interface.
The advantages of the HDMI cable are good transmission effect, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong compatibility, and simple operation. The disadvantage is that the price is relatively high, the length is limited (generally no more than 15 meters), and it is susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
DP cable
DP cable (DisplayPort cable) is a digital high-definition video cable that can transmit audio and video signals at the same time, supports video signals in multiple formats, including 4K, 8K, HDR, 3D, etc., and can achieve up to 32-channel audio output. The DP cable uses one-piece molding technology, the cable body is soft, the plug is nickel-plated, and it is compatible with DP1.2/1.4 interface devices.
There are also multiple versions of the DP cable, the latest is version 1.4, which can support a bandwidth of up to 32.4Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of DP cables can be backward compatible, but to achieve the best performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of DP interface.
The advantages of the DP cable are good transmission effect, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong anti-interference ability, and support for audio and video synchronous transmission2. The disadvantage is that the price is relatively high, the length is limited (generally no more than 15 meters), and it does not support the separation of audio and video signals.
Thunderbolt cable
Thunderbolt cable (Thunderbolt cable) is a high-speed universal cable connection solution that can transmit audio and video signals and power signals at the same time, supporting a bandwidth of up to 40Gbps and a resolution of up to 8K@60Hz. The Thunder cable uses the same Type-C connector as other USB Type-C (USB-C) ports, but with higher performance and standards. Thunderbolt cables are mainly used to connect computers and monitors, external graphics cards, external storage, docking stations and other devices to achieve high-speed data and video transmission. Thunderbolt can also support VT-d-based DMA protection function to improve data security. The Thunderbolt cable can also connect up to five Thunderbolt devices through a daisy chain or a hub to realize multi-screen different display, docking station functions, etc.
Thunderbolt also has multiple versions, the latest is version 4, which can support a bandwidth of up to 40Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of the Thunderbolt cable are backward compatible, but to achieve the best performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of the Thunderbolt interface.
The advantages of the lightning cable are good transmission effect, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong compatibility, and easy operation. The disadvantage is that the price is relatively high, the length is limited (generally no more than 2 meters), and it is susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
The above is the introduction of several common high-definition video cables, as well as their differences, advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing high-definition video cables, you should choose according to your own equipment interface, budget, needs and other factors. You don't have to pursue the latest and highest standards, but you must suit your actual situation. I hope this article can be helpful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a message in the comment area.