(2016)
Bandwidth is the Key
The HDMI connection system has evolved in many ways since it was introduced, but the cable configuration has not changed at all. However, an alternate configuration was added in V1.4 to support Ethernet and the Audio Return Channel. Other than that, the only changes that affect cables are the increased bandwidth required for the performance and feature upgrades introduced with each new HDMI audio cable version.
Even the most basic HDMI cables will support the 18G bandwidth requirement of the latest HDMI 2.0 components over a length of one or two meters. Of course, cable bandwidth decreases quickly with length, so even two meters of low grade cable may be too long for HDMI 2.0 applications. The best HDMI cables exceed these bandwidth requirements, reducing data errors to provide superior audio and video performance. Here's a guide to HDMI cable features that will help you choose the wire for your needs.
Cable Speed Rating: 18 Gigabit Speed
Bandwidth: 18G
Resolution: 4K/60
3D: yes
HDR: yes
Deep Color: yes
Features Provided: All HDMI 2.0 features
Cable Speed Rating: High Speed
Bandwidth: 10.2G
Resolution: 4K/30
3D: yes
HDR: no
Deep Color: yes
Features Provided: All HDMI 1.4 features
Cable Speed Rating: Standard Speed
Bandwidth: 4.95G
Resolution: 1080p
3D: no
HDR: no
Deep Color: no
Features Provided: All HDMI 1.2 features
HDMI 2.0 Features
4K/60
DVD Audio
SACD
Deep Color
Wider Color Gamut
Dolby True HD
DTS-HD Master Audio
Auto Lip-Sync
3D
Ethernet
Audio Return Channel
Dual-View
Multi-Stream Audio
21:9 Aspect Ratio
Dynamic Lip-Sync
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDMI 1.4 Features
4K/30
DVD Audio
SACD
Deep Color
Wider Color Gamut
Dolby True HD
DTS-HD Master Audio
Auto Lip-Sync
3D
Ethernet
Audio Return Channel
HDMI 1.2 Features
1080p
DVD Audio
SACD
