All HDMI Cables Are NOT The Same!
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Learn through problem solving, and the first 200 people can save 20% today on Brilliant at brilliant.org Here's what to look for when buying an HDMI cable - and what NOT to worry about! Leave a reply with your requests for future episodes, or tweet them here: twitter.com Buy a GOOD HDMI Cable On Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us On Newegg (PAID LINK): geni.us On B&H (PAID LINK): geni.us GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Test Benches on Amazon: lmg.gg Our Production Gear: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Linus Tech Tips: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg ShortCircuit: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg
All HDMI Cables Are NOT The SAME! breaks down a common misconception among AV enthusiasts that any HDMI cable will perform equally as long as it is built to spec. The video emphasizes that the material composition inside the cable really matters: avoid steel or copper-coated steel, and opt for pure copper wiring. It explains how thicker wires (lower gauge numbers) generally enable longer runs with less signal attenuation, while very thin cables can degrade performance over distance. The presenter also discusses connector design, highlighting that gold plating on internal contacts offers durability and corrosion resistance rather than performance gains, and stresses the importance of manufacturer testing across a wide range of devices, not just a couple of monitors. The piece then transitions to practical buying advice: look for Premium High Speed cables to support 4K at 60 Hz or HDR, which require higher bandwidth, around 18 Gbps, compared to standard High Speed cables at about 10 Gbps. It notes that the gains used to justify exotic materials are often achieved simply through better manufacturing practices that reduce copper defects, latency, and interference. Finally, the video wraps with reminders to consider cable length versus gauge and to beware longer Ultra High Speed cables, advising that shorter and thicker cables tend to perform better, especially for HDMI 2.1 setups. The closing includes a plug for Brilliant.org, promoting learning resources and a limited-time discount.
Topics · Technology · Education · Electronics · Consumer Electronics
Questions answered
- What factors determine the actual performance of an HDMI cable?
- Performance is influenced by copper quality, wire gauge (thicker is better for longer runs), connector durability (gold plating on internal contacts for longevity), and verified testing across a variety of equipment. For 4K at 60 Hz or HDR, Premium High Speed cables with higher bandwidth are recommended.
- Do expensive HDMI cables offer real advantages over cheap ones?
- Not inherently. Real advantages come from solid copper wiring, appropriate gauge for the cable length, and proper manufacturing to minimize defects. Expensive cables that use exotic materials do not typically provide performance gains beyond quality copper and correct gauge for the intended length and bandwidth.