HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface supports all TV and PC video standards and up to 8 channels of digital audio, as present in many home theatre systems. It also supports CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This technology allows HDMI devices to control each other and the user to control them through a universal remote control.

So what makes HDMI such a popular standard? Firstly, it is backward compatible with its predecessor, DVI, since no conversion of the signal is required. Secondly, the HDMI signal is uncompressed, meaning it is independent of digital TV standards used by other devices. Compressed video streams can be easily decoded and output as an uncompressed video stream using HDMI video cables. Thirdly, HDMI has been supported by the film industry as the platform of choice for the consumer. For this reason, it has become widely accepted within the home entertainment world.

HDMI is also being future proofed and adapted for other uses. Already, there are various types of HDMI connectors used on HDMI video cables: types A, B and C

Type A, with 19 pins, is capable of supporting all SDTV, EHTV and HDTV. It is also compatible with single link DVI-D. With 29 pins, type B can carry twice the bandwidth of type A and is expected to be used with future technologies, supporting resolutions of up to 3840 x 2400 pixels with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

Type C HDMI video cables come with a mini cable for small portable devices, but the same 19 pin configuration as type A. HDMI video cables also come in type A to type C format for connection between portable devices and those used in the home or office.

So, what drawbacks do HDMI video cables have? Well, because of signal attenuation, the greater the length of your cable, the more signal degradation will occur. This will depend largely on the quality of cable construction and the materials used.

HDMI video cables have been grouped into the two categories: category 1-certified cables, tested at 74.5 MHz and category 2-certified cables, tested at 340 MHz. Category 1-certified cables have been labelled ‘standard’, while category 2-certified cables are ‘high speed’. Low quality category 1-certified cable can reach a length of about 5 metres, whereas a higher quality category 1-certified cable (with bigger conductors) can reach a length of 15 metres without compromising your signal.

When purchasing a HDMI video cable, it’s important to take into account the length you require. Low quality HDMI video cables that are too long can cause problems with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and result in blinking. One solution is to interconnect HDMI video cables with amplifiers, repeaters and equalizers. There are also active HDMI video cables with electronics within the cable to boost the signal and allow for a cable length of up to 30 metres.

There are also category 5/category 6 HDMI video cables that use extenders to reach lengths of up to 250 metres. Using optical fibre can extend the range of HDMI cables further to up to 300 metres.

HDMI continues to grow in popularity. Just this year, developers released HDMI 1.4 with support for resolutions of 4000 x 2000, an Ethernet channel, 3D over HDMI and an audio return channel. There’s little doubt that HDMI is here for a long time to come.

Then HDMI came along. Being the most recent format, it was seen as the more advanced. All the newest entertainment devices coming onto the market had HDMI installed as standard. For these reasons, when it came to high definition media delivery, the market swung in favour of the HDMI platform. DVI has, however, continued to find its place in the home computer market.

With HDMI taking over from DVI as the standard for the transmission of digital data, there has been a lot of demand for HDMI to DVI cables to link the two. This backward capability has been realised in manufacturers bringing a variety of HDMI to DVI cables on to the market.

In reality, DVI and HDMI are the same format. They both utilise digital component video. The only difference of note is that HDMI carries an audio signal as well as video. As far as picture quality goes, there is no benefit to be gained by choosing one over the other.

When using a HDMI to DVI cable, there is no loss of picture or sound quality as there is no need to convert the signal in any way, and cable quality, in general, should not be a significant factor. Although, obviously, the HDMI to DVI cables you use should be of sufficient quality to perform the job that they have been designed to do.

One thing that does need to be taken into account when using HDMI to DVI cables is cable length. Whereas analogue signals are robust enough to be run over cables up to 200 metres long without the need for boosters or relays, the same is not true of digital signals. In the professional video industry, a standard known as SDI, serial digital video, was developed allowing signals to be run over coaxial cables with much greater control over impedance. As a result, uncompressed, full HD signals were able to be run hundreds of feet with no loss of quality.

Conversely, the designers of DVI and HDMI designed the formats to run through balanced twisted pair cable, so running signals over long DVI to HDMI cables, can result in a phenomenon where the signal is reflected back down the cable again, interfering with later information in the bitstream. Errors start to occur, resulting in what the home theatre community call ‘sparkles’, or pixel drop out. At even greater lengths, this makes it impossible to render a visual at all.

The length at which failure occurs will not only depend upon the quality of the DVI to HDMI cables you use, but also on the quality of the devices connected. The best thing to do is try out a variety of DVI to HDMI cables on your apparatus to find the cable that gives the best results for your equipment.

Firstly, there will be an RCA composite video port. This is used for attaching your device to older machines, such as a VCR. Being composite video, i,e, with only one channel of data, means connecting an appropriate projector cable here will result in a low resolution of 200-220, so this option should only be used if your equipment doesn’t have the capability to use S-Video or component video outputs.

S-Video can be connected via a projector cable to the video source’s output port and offers twice the resolution of composite video. However, it does not provide the definition and clarity that component ports offer and audio will have to be connected separately. Projector cables utilising VGA, DVI or M1 are the best option, if available.

M1 cable is one of the newest types of connections available for projector cables and is also known as an EVC or P&D cable. It is commonly used for interfacing with other projectors, as well as other devices that support the connection. It supports digital and analogue transmission, as well as USB signals for projector control. These projector cables support EDTV and HDTV.

The VGA video out port is used as a pass-through to connect to another output device, such as a monitor or a projector. Using this type of projector cable could, for example, be used to display the same image on another screen.

The VGA input port is for connecting a source device using a HD15 projector cable. Input and output ports are always female, so choose a male to male projector cable to connect your projector to a computer or other VGA source device. The maximum resolution using this method will depend on which type of VGA source you are using.

To connect your projector to a computer, DVD player, satellite or cable TV box, or any device with a DVI out port, the DVI digital video port can be used using an appropriate projector cable with DVI connectors. DVI supports all HDTV modes up to 1080p, but carries video only. Your audio signal will need to be attached separately. DVI comes in DVI-I and DVI-D, but projectors only have DVI-D ports so make sure the projector cable you purchase is DVI-D.

Finally, you will have the option of connecting your projector cable via a component video port. This provides a way of attaching a DVD player, HDTV tuner, digital cable or digital satellite box. This component video connection supports resolutions up to 720p and provides a much better picture than S-Video or RCA composite video.

In the end, which projector cable you opt for will depend on your individual requirements. For connecting a computer then a HD15 or M1 projector cable is probably your best option. If you want to use a remote control, then an M1 cable will certainly allow that flexibility.

For DVD players and HD tuners, a projector cable that makes the most of your component video source is best. This will normally mean a 3-plug RCA cable or even a 3-plug RCA to HD15. But, whatever projector cable you choose, it always pays to buy a quality built-for-purpose cable from a brand you can trust.

Monster cables provide a wide range when it comes to performance and price, so you get a wider choice of cables to suit your needs. What’s more, you’re getting a quality cable from a known, reputable manufacturer and a lifetime guarantee.

When selecting a Monster HDMI cable, firstly, ask yourself, what type of device do you want to connect? For high definition satellite and cable TV, programming will be in 720p or 1080i, with an average data rate of 2.23 Gbps. For this, the Standard Speed Monster HDMI cable should be adequate.

For attaching a DVD player, bear in mind that there are two types of DVD players: 480p progressive scan DVD players and upconverting DVD players, allowing up to 1080p on a HDTV. For progressive scan DVD players, a Standard Speed Monster HDMI cable is all you’ll need. For upconverting DVD players, a High Speed Monster HDMI cable is the best option.

HD DVD players are the only source of 1080p full HD video with Dolby True HD or DTS-HD surround sound. With a massive data transfer rate of 6.68 Gbps, a Monster Advanced High Speed HDMI cable is highly recommended.

AV receivers come in three main formats: general surround; lossless surround, and receivers offering upconverting to 1080p with lossless sound, Dolby True HD, or DTS-HD surround sound. Respectively, these require a standard Monster HDMI cable, Monster High Speed HDMI cable and a Monster Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable.

Modern game consoles are now all HD with surround sound. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Elite, for example, enables gaming in 1080p HD and the ability to watch 1080p HD-DVD movies in lossless surround sound (Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD). A Monster High Speed HDMI cable will enable both these platforms to perform flawlessly. Incorporating a Blu-Ray player, the Playstation 3 demands even more speed. This is a job for a Monster Advanced High Speed HDMI cable.

Finally, TVs come with a wide range of features and resolution capacities these days, but there are basically three categories. An EDTV with 480p resolution or high definition TVs, in the 720 to 1080i bracket, do not have the capability to display the 1080p signal from a HD-DVD, or video game, so a Monster Standard HDMI cable will be sufficient. When it comes to higher definition TVs with 1080p progressive displays and a data transfer rate of about 4.46 Gbps, a Monster High Speed HDMI cable will always result in a clearer, more detailed picture. Other features, such as Deep Colour, will require even higher performance, such as the Monster Advanced High Speed HDMI cable.

At the top of the tree are 1080p HDTVs offering 120Hz and a true-to-life picture for fast moving imagery. Operating at up to 10.2 Gbps means that only a Monster Ultra High Speed HDMI cable can help these TVs produce what they’re really capable of.

All Monster HDMI cables support HDMI 1.4, enabling higher video resolutions, 3D over HDMI, a separate HDMI Ethernet channel and an audio return channel, allowing audio signals to be sent to a surround sound system without a separate cable.

Because the RCA cable was one of the first audio-visual cables, their use has been adapted for many applications. RCA cables have been used as power connectors and RF cables, as well as for connecting loudspeakers to hi-fi equipment. The cables have also been commonly used for composite video signals, but poor impedance matching makes them a bad choice for this purpose. Some RCA cables have been supplemented with an extra orange plug for the transfer of S/PDIF-formatted digital audio.

RCA cables are colour coded as standard: red for the right stereo channel and white for the left stereo channel. They also come with an additional yellow plug for composite video. This jack arrangement is a very common format and can be found on most TVs for the connection of camcorders and gaming consoles. In fact, most audio-visual devices will have sockets that take RCA connectors. Over the years, however, newer, more advanced cables have been developed to take over some of the RCA cable’s past uses.

RCA cables, although useful for many purposes do have their disadvantages. One design flaw associated with RCA cables is that the signal carrying pin very often comes in touch with the socket before the grounded rings meet. If the connected devices are powered up, this can result in buzzing noise, or a loud hum. This is most noticeable in less expensive RCA cables, which often exhibit poor grip and become loose, resulting in continuous noise. That’s why, when it comes to selecting RCA cables, it’s a good idea to invest in higher quality RCA cables, ideally with non-corrodible connectors made in nickel or gold. Moreover, lower quality RCA cables will struggle to transfer component video or digital audio signals due to impedance mismatch and poor shielding. This is because RCA cables are supposed to have an impedance of 75 ohms. However, this will vary according to cable. Better built, higher quality RCA cables from more reputable manufacturers will come with a lesser degree of error.

But perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks of RCA cables is that each signal needs a separate connector and this can lead to as many as five connectors on each end. The RCA cable for component audio/video is one example of this. More recently developed cables, such as SCART cables have resolved this issue.

Finally, RCA cables are often termed ‘unbalanced’, when used for audio purposes, as they only consist of two lines, a ‘hot’ line with the signal and the earthed line. More recent connections such as XLR are balanced with an additional ‘cold’ line. When a signal flows through the cable, the hot and cold lines combine to form a stronger signal and reduce noise. The solution is, as with all cables is, for the best results, aim to purchase a well-built cable from a brand that is known for quality.

There is some debate over what the ‘S’ in S-Video stands for. Sound Video, Separate Video and Super Video seem to be the three most popular choices. What it is, though, is an analogue signal carrier of video data, consisting of two separate signals, operating somewhere between lower quality composite video, with just one signal, and component video, a higher quality format with at least three separate signals. Although composite video is of lower quality, it is very easy to convert S-Video to composite and this is why the use of S-Video cables has become so widespread.

The two signals contained within S-Video are known as lumen, the light signal and chromo, the colour signal. These are able to carry standard definition video at 480 or 576 resolutions. It does not carry audio. A separate audio cable is required for this. The most common way of carrying the signal is an S-Video cable terminating in a 4-pin mini-DIN connector. However, there have been other variants in the past. Before the advent of the mini-DIN, S-Video cables consisted of 8-pin DIN connectors and RCA plugs. There was also an 8-pin to 4-pin adaptor, developed specifically to attach the Commodore 64 home computer to TV.

S-Video and audio can be carried together through SCART cables, although many SCART TVs and VCRs do not support the standard, resulting in a monochrome picture. Another form of S-Video cable still in use is a 7-DIN locking ‘dub’ connector, often used on S-Video patch bays. Today, laptops and video cards tend to use a 7-pin DIN connector on the S-Video cable with one of the pins carrying a composite signal for non-S-Video displays.

S-Video cables are much preferable to composite cables as carrying the picture on two separate signals eliminates low pass filtering and improves bandwidth. This prevents dot crawl, one of composite video’s biggest drawbacks. Dot crawl occurs when the when the chrominance and luminance components of the composite video signal cross talk causing interference. However, when using S-Video cables, it’s worth noting that both devices connected must be compatible with regards to encoding, whether the method used in NTSC, PAL or SECAM.

S-Video cables were widely used for connecting PC video cards to other devices, such as monitors and projectors. Due to this wide prevalence, S-Video cables tend to less expensive than its digital counterparts. However, the mini-pins are easily damaged and S-Video cables are more likely to be replaced more frequently. For this reason it makes sense to choose a quality S-Video cable from a reputable manufacturer.

There’s no doubt that with the advent of digital data, S-Video has its drawbacks. The format suffers from reduced colour resolution with a typical 120 horizontal lines versus the 260 enjoyed by DVD signals. However, S-Video does support 4:3 and 16:9 display formats and can, under the right conditions, support widescreen. The thing to remember, when choosing an S-Video cable, is to get the best possible cable, in order to maximise the benefits S-Video offers.

Before we look at what sort of subwoofer cable you need, let’s first look at what your subwoofers will have to do.

Subwoofers were introduced in the 60s to add bass response to stereo systems, but didn’t become popular until the 70s when Universal Pictures a way of extending low frequency sound to movies. From there things began to take off. More and more people installed surround sound systems with subwoofers in their homes. They have also become popular in cars, due to their ability to pack a lot of punch in a small space. Where you install your subwoofer may affect your choice of subwoofer cable.

There are five basic types of subwoofer systems: sealed, ported, bandpass, passive radiation and transmission line. It’s a good idea to ask your retailer when you are buying subwoofer cables which is most appropriate for your system.

The sealed system is the simplest format and basically consists, of a driver, or speaker, inside a box. These tend to be less expensive systems, so it is fine to use a good quality 75u coaxial cable. Gold plated connectors or more expensive subwoofer cables, such as Monster are, for the most part, unnecessary. When using stock cables, however, the bass response won’t be maximised and the user experience will suffer.

Other systems tend to be more expensive with added features to enhance bass production. Ported systems have a tunnel, to allow air to pass in and out of the subwoofer, resulting in lower distortion. Passive radiator systems are similar, but with the addition of a ‘drone cone’ to support low frequency response. Bandpass systems include an acoustic filter on the driver, while transmission line systems are able to guide sound waves to extend low end response in a way that many find appealing. For these more sophisticated systems, manufacturers have specifically designed subwoofer cables capable of handling low frequency reproduction more efficiently. Normally, this involves a thicker signal conductor that allows a heavier voltage to pass through the subwoofer cable, maximising the amount of signal reaching the subwoofer.

So what’s the best way to go about connecting your subwoofer cables? Typically, you will use RCA subwoofer cables. If you have a LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel, this is the one to use as it has been specifically designed for subwoofer output. Most home theatre systems have these now. Simply connect the LFE to the line in jacks of the subwoofer. A Y-cable converter may be necessary to connect to both channels. However, you can now find subwoofer cables in a Y-cable format. If you don’t have a LFE, or subwoofer output, connect your subwoofer cables between the left and right speaker outputs and the left and right inputs on the subwoofer, then connect the channel output speakers on the subwoofer to the left and right channel front speakers.

To conclude, when choosing your subwoofer cables, you should go for a good quality cable that has been designed specifically for lower frequencies and has adequate shielding to protect the signal from external noise sources.

The main benefit of component video cables is that they are the only analogue-carrying cable that can support progressive scan and high-definition resolutions. Devices, such as DVDs, VHS recorders and video game consoles process video signals differently and one way of ensuring that these signals can be read is by separating them into their components. That’s why component video cables are found in almost every home theatre system.

Component video cables break colour down into red, green and blue. As a result, it is often referred to as RGB video. RGB component video uses no compression, but requires a lot of bandwidth to carry the signal and contains a lot of redundant data, such as the black and white signal. PCs traditionally offered this signal via the VGA port, although most TVs now offer it via SCART cables. RGB analogue component is becoming less popular now and being replaced with cables that carry digital signals, such as DVI and HDMI. Furthermore, RGB does not support digital rights management.

Component video cables consist of three separate cables. Each is usually a 75 ohm coaxial cable with its own conductor and shield. 75 ohm refers to the impedance of the component video cable. This must match with the impedance of the input and output device to avoid interference, such as ghosting.

Common component video cables include D-terminal, mostly employed in Japanese electronics, RCA connectors (commonly for home use), or BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connectors, used for RF connections. SCART cables are widespread in Europe now. Other rarer component video cables include VIVO (Video In/Video Out) and 9-pin mini-DIN cables, often called ‘Video Out’. These are commonly found in computer video cards and sometimes come with an adaptor for composite or component RCA connectors. The RCA cable has been very successful, especially in analogue devices. Over the years, it has also been adapted for use in power connections, RF connections and loudspeaker cables. Projectors use a different type of component video cable with 15 pins known as HD15.

When buying component video cables, it is important to take the connectors into account. There is no standard component video connector, so it’s important to ensure that the cable you purchase fits your equipment. You should also make sure the connectors are plated with a non-corrosion metal such as nickel or gold, as a good fit to the device jacks is essential. Keep the length of your component video cable as short as possible to minimise signal loss due to resistance.

Another consideration is impedance tolerance. You’ll never find a cable with an impedance of exactly 75 ohm. However, different manufacturers have different impedance tolerances, so it’s a good idea to choose a brand with the smallest impedance tolerance.

Video quality can be compromised by noise from various sources. So good shielding is vital. A combination of heavy braid and aluminium foil is best, although more expensive.

In short, when buying component video cables, you should look for a well engineered product with light tolerances and good design.

Everything that comes over the air to your TV antenna, or from your cable TV provider to your TV, or from the yellow video plug to your VCR, laserdisc or DVD is composite video. And all of these sources require some form of composite video cable to carry the signal from the source to your device.

Although composite video cables carry the simplest form of video signal, very often they are combined with a sound signal on a RF carrier and are most often associated by the distinctive yellow RCA connector. In fact, RCA cables have long been the most common format for composite video cables, despite the fact that poor impedance matching does not make them the ideal choice

Another reason composite video was ideal for TV was it was found that it could be directed at any broadcast channel simply by modulating the RF carrier frequency. Which is why most analogue home video equipment records in composite. In home applications such as recording from TV, or playing back to TV, RCA cables are normally used. BNC cable and coaxial cables are used in more professional applications. SCART cables have become the norm in Europe.

Composite video may be ideal as a broadcast medium but there are drawbacks. The device receiving the signal has to uncompress the data back into its components and since data is lost when the signal is compressed into composite, what you view is not the good as the original. The picture won’t be as crisp and the colours aren’t so rich.

Furthermore, modulating RF with the original video signal and then demodulating the signal back in the TV again causes further deterioration of the picture. Mixing various signals into the original composite causes significant problems. Most notably, dot crawl, due to cross talk between the colour and light portions of the signal. The solution to this was the introduction of the S-Video cable, which divided the light and colour into two separate signals.

DVDs, of course, don’t experience these problems as they are made up of component video, but this means that you shouldn’t use an RCA composite video cable to play a DVD on your TV as it downgrades the signal. An S-Video cable, while not a true composite video cable, is a much better choice,

It goes without saying that it is best to use component video cables where your devices support them. However, older devices may not have this capability, so in the event that you have to use composite video cables, it clearly makes sense to go for the high quality cables to minimise interference and loss of signal from composite video.

In many cases, the cabling that comes with a new entertainment system is not good enough to enable your system to produce the best audiovisual experience your system is capable of. That’s why, when you’re budgeting for a new system, you should always make an allowance for cabling. There is simply no point paying a lot of money for a good system if cheap cable is going to affect your viewing or listening pleasure. With high quality cabling, you will hear and see the difference. After all, you wouldn’t put a cheap door on a large, expensive house, so why would you use cheap cables on an expensive hi-fi.

So when it comes to buying cables for a new system, what should you be looking for? Firstly, you need to take into account the purpose of your cabling. There’s a wide choice of cabling out there and you need to make sure yours is right one for your components. Factors such as whether you’re installing your cabling in a wall will also affect your choice of cable. The cable should meet safety, as well as quality standards.

Of course, there are other factors to be considered, such as the room in which your equipment is located. This will obviously have a big impact on the length of your cabling. One of the great things about buying your own cable is the fact you can get custom lengths of cable according to your needs. It is worth remembering here, however, that the longer the cable, the more degradation will occur to the signal, so it makes sense to take accurate measurements and keep your cable as short as possible.

To find out what makes a good cable, we need to look at the components that make up your typical cable. There are five basic components to every cable: Firstly, there is the outer sleeve that protects the cable from damage. Under this, you’ll find a shielding material to prevent interference from external sources such as radio waves. Next, there is the dielectric, the insulating material between the conductor and the shielding. The conductor is the medium through which the signal runs, and finally, there is the connector which provides the interface to your equipment. The quality of all these components can greatly affect the sound and video quality and ultimately, the audiovisual experience.

When selecting cable, if your equipment supports it, you should always go for digital cabling. The main examples of this is HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), optical cabling and co-axial digital cabling. This will always produce the best results.

Fitting your cables is equally important. Always make sure your equipment is switched off and try to keep power cables away from signal cables to avoid interference. Finally, if you can, avoid bending the cable.

Now sit back and enjoy the difference that comes with superior quality cabling.