1. >
2. Knowledge Catalog >

What is an HDMI connection? - A simple explanation

Many people are familiar with SCART. But what is hidden behind the term HDMI? This refers to the latest standard in digital transmission technology, which allows the transmission of digital image and sound information in just one cable. Current televisions, AV receivers and HDTV receivers already have an HDMI connection.

Consumers are constantly confronted with new standards for TV and playback devices. Not in every case, every solution is particularly user-friendly. After all, there are already 5 types of HDMI cables. Accurate information is always necessary.

What it is - an HDMI connector
An HDMI connector is the first digital interface for TV and other components in home entertainment. Such an interface was previously known in the computer field as DVI (Digital Visual Interface). Monitors were connected to a computer's graphics card in this way. This form of digital image transmission interface replaced the new HDMI interface.
HDMI allows digital, copy-protected and high-resolution video and audio data to be transmitted quickly and with high bandwidth. It connects all kinds of playback devices from players to tuners, as well as playback devices from flat screens to projectors to speakers. There is no need for a separate audio cable, which makes cabling easy.
In the simplest constellation, DVD and Blu-ray players are connected to a TV set. However, HDMI does not support recording devices.
Who needs it?
Those who want to transfer high-resolution images (HDTV format) from an external device (TV receiver or Blu-ray player) to one of the modern flat-screen TVs need the HDMI connection.

But TV images in normal Pal resolution also benefit from this standard. An analog Scart connection does not bring such quality images to a flat screen TV. The prerequisite is that the playback device (DVD player) or the TV set has an HDMI connection.
Advantage over DVI
DVI cannot transmit audio signals. To make this possible, an extra cable must be laid. An adapter can be used to connect a DVI interface with an HDMI cable. The prerequisite for this is that this interface supports the copy protection HDCP.
DVI outputs on the PC can also be connected to HDMI via an adapter. The adapter takes over the forwarding of the video signals. While the conversion of DVI signals in this direction is possible, the reverse is not generally true.
The HDMI 1.4. version has some additional features, such as an audio return channel, 3D support, a micro connector, and an extended color spectrum for professional digital cameras.

Flat HDMI cables - a new old trend?
Connect iPhone to TV: AirPlay beats the HDMI adapter
Mini HDMI vs. HDMI vs. Micro HDMI - 3 connections in comparison
slanted! Innovative HDMI cable for very flat TVs
Lightning Adapters: HDMI, VGA and more - an overview
How HDMI Cables Work: Technology & Background
Connect HDMI & DVI with adapter: Please pay attention to this!
Automatic HDMI switcher
Using the Scart to HDMI cable correctly - here's how