HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) has become the norm in streaming digital audio and video signals between two HDMI compliant devices. The absolute advantage in using this technology, i.e., HDMI Cables over other is zero loss in audio and video signals (unlike composite cabling) and hassle-free configuration. In essence, there is just one cable for audio and video, both (unlike DVI). Know the different HDMI Cable types before purchasing the right one.
Connect HDMI Cable to Compatible Devices
Before heading into the connecting aspects, let’s quickly go through three of the fundamental pointers for buying an HDMI cable:
Knowing HDMI: As mentioned earlier, HDMI cables are single-handed transfers digital audio and video signals from one component to another (for example, from your gaming console to your HDTV). Much like a USB cable, the HDMI cable is a simple plugin/out and fits the HDMI port in only one way.
Cable length and use of signal boosters: Buy a cable that length more than what you estimate. For example, if you have calculated the distance between your TV projector and TV display to be four feet, then select a cable length of not less than 4.5-foot or the nearest next length size to have some slack between the two applications. That will prevent any physical stress in the cabling length. The use of signal boosters like amplifiers or built-in circuitry is vital to cables running over distances more than 25 feet.
Expensive cables: There is practically no difference between a $5 HDMI cable and a $100 one that dupe-boasts “additional/superior” signal quality. The only aspect that will cost you slightly more money is the cable sturdiness – Plugging in and out too often? Select a cable that matches the strength.
Now, let’s understand how we connect Bandridge HDMI cables between different devices.
How to Connect Laptop to Tv HDMI?
- Find out the HDMI ports on your computer/laptop. Newer computers are pre-equipped with HDMI ports, while laptops support HDMI with a port on either their back end or laterally. If you have an old computer, you may need to install a new HDMI compliant video card.
If the direct HDMI option is not available, you can buy port-specific adapters like Bandridge USB-HDMI or DVI-HDMI. - On connecting the Bandridge HDMI cable to your TV input, you can check the right input (usually a TV is equipped with more than one HDMI input ports that are labeled with port name and numbers) you have selected by running the “Input” function on your TV.
- Choose the right display option that works. In Windows, right-click your desktop and choose “Screen resolution”. For Apple users, select “System Preferences”, and choose “Displays”.
Connecting Home Theater System to a TV
- Look for the HDMI ports and check which version of HDMI your TV supports. It should be 1.4 ARC (Audio Return Channel). Most televisions manufactured post-2009 support this version of HDMI and also later. For TVs that don’t support HDMI 1.4, separate audio is necessary that connects the TV to the receiver. Drop the idea of worrying about ARC if you have you are watching TV through a cable box since the audio signal comes from the cable box into the receiver.
- Connect your devices like DVD/Blu Ray players to the TV receiver HDMI input. It will allow all the images and sound from connected devices to be played on your TV.
- In most cases, all your devices are routed through your receiver, which helps in switching between inputs using your receiver remote. Your TV should directly be able to supply to sound all your connected audio output devices.
- HDMI-CEC is a protocol that allows one remote HDMI remote to control all your HDMI-connected devices. HDMI-CEC can be enabled from your device’s settings menu, and it can be enabled for every device you want to control.
Connecting Game Console to a TV
- Consoles like Xbox 360 (most of them), Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and Wii Us support HDMI. Consoles Wii and the original Xbox 360 don’t. Plug your console to the HDMI port of your TV.
- Like in the above two cases, select the right the input channel (to which your console is connected) from the inputs menu.
- Almost all consoles automatically detect the HDMI connection and configure it for the best settings automatically. The console may take you to a short set-up process when you start the console for the first time after the HDMI connection.