High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the undisputed standard for video and audio. It is the most commonly used cable to connect a game console, PC, set-top box or even a speaker to a TV.
Therefore, there are countless number of HDMI cables on the market.
Our first piece of advice is not to be seduced by the marketing promises of brands. HDMI cables are all, fundamentally, the same, regardless of the range. Premium ones, like Kordz or Wireworld Starlight 8, will not optimize image quality, but rather the security of image transfer, if you are looking for this then we recommend them.
One thing to keep in mind is that video standards are evolving rapidly, with 4K and HDR already starting to give way to 8K.
Video standards continue to evolve rapidly, with the recent rise of 4K and HDR already starting to give way to 8K and beyond. Additionally, game console refresh rates are also starting to exceed the 60Hz standard, requiring even more data to be transferred per second.
If you’re still using the HDMI cable that came with the TV you bought eight years ago, it may not work at all with a 4K video source like an Xbox Series X or an Ultra-HD Blu-ray player, and if it does work, it may introduce errors into the picture. The same goes (even more so) for HDR.
Luckily, this is easy to test, just connect everything with your cable and check if your TV receives a signal, recognizes it as 4K and/or HDR, and displays it without any obvious issues.
If so, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to buy a new one.
