By PURPLELEC | 03 June 2024 | 0 Comments
how do we choose the right high-definition video cable?
In modern audio-visual equipment, high-definition video cables are an indispensable part. They can transmit audio and video signals from the source device to the display device to achieve the enjoyment of high-definition picture quality and sound. However, there are many types of high-definition video cables on the market, and their performance and characteristics are different. So how do we choose the right high-definition video cable?
SDI cable
SDI (Serial Digital Interface) cable is a professional-grade digital high-definition video cable, mainly used in broadcasting, surveillance cameras, film and television production and other fields. SDI cable can transmit uncompressed digital video signals to display devices or recorders through coaxial cables. SDI cable can also transmit audio and auxiliary data signals at the same time.
SDI cable also has multiple standards, the most common one is HD-SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface), which can support a bandwidth of up to 1.485Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 1080p@30Hz. There are also higher-level 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 12G-SDI, etc., which can support higher bandwidth and resolution. SDI cables of different standards can also be backward compatible, but both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher standard SDI interface.
The advantages of SDI cables are long transmission distance (up to 100 meters or more), strong anti-interference ability, good stability, and low latency. The disadvantages are that professional equipment and interfaces are required, the price is high, and audio and video signal separation is not supported.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is a digital high-definition video cable that can transmit audio and video signals at the same time without converting between digital and analog signals, and can replace multiple analog transmission cables. HDMI cable can support video signals in multiple formats, including 4K, 8K, HDR, 3D, etc., and can achieve up to 32 channels of audio output. HDMI cable can also support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technology to prevent digital content from being illegally copied.
HDMI cable currently has multiple versions, the latest one is version 2.1, which can support a bandwidth of up to 48Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of HDMI cables are backward compatible, but to achieve optimal performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of the HDMI interface.
The advantages of HDMI cables are good transmission effect, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong compatibility, and simple operation. The disadvantages are relatively high price, limited length (generally no more than 15 meters), and easy to be affected by electromagnetic interference.

DP cable
DP cable (DisplayPort cable) is a digital high-definition video cable that can transmit audio and video signals at the same time, supports video signals in multiple formats, including 4K, 8K, HDR, 3D, etc., and can achieve up to 32 channels of audio output. The DP cable uses one-piece molding technology, the cable body is soft, the plug is nickel-plated, and it is compatible with devices with DP1.2/1.4 interfaces.
DP cables also have multiple versions, the latest one is version 1.4, which can support a bandwidth of up to 32.4Gbps, and a resolution and refresh rate of up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of DP cables are backward compatible, but to achieve optimal performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of the DP interface.
The advantages of DP cable are good transmission effect, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong anti-interference ability, and support for audio and video synchronous transmission2. The disadvantages are relatively high price, limited length (generally no more than 15 meters), and no support for audio and video signal separation.
Thunderbolt cable
Thunderbolt cable is a high-speed universal cable connection solution that can transmit audio, video and power signals at the same time, supporting bandwidth up to 40Gbps and resolution up to 8K@60Hz. Thunderbolt cable uses the same Type-C connector as other USB Type-C (USB-C) ports, but with higher performance and standards. Thunderbolt cable is mainly used to connect computers and monitors, external graphics cards, external storage, docking stations and other devices to achieve high-speed data and video transmission. Thunderbolt cable can also support VT-d-based DMA protection function to improve data security. Thunderbolt cable can also connect up to five Thunderbolt devices through daisy chain or hub to achieve multi-screen display, docking station function, etc.
There are also multiple versions of Thunderbolt cables, the latest of which is version 4, which can support bandwidths up to 40Gbps, and resolutions and refresh rates up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz. Different versions of Thunderbolt cables are backward compatible, but to achieve optimal performance, both the source device and the display device need to support the same or higher version of the Thunderbolt interface.
The advantages of Thunderbolt cables are good transmission effects, clear picture quality, rich sound, strong compatibility, and simple operation. The disadvantages are relatively high prices, limited lengths (generally no more than 2 meters), and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
When purchasing high-definition video cables, you should choose according to your device interface, budget, needs, and other factors. You don't have to pursue the latest and highest standards, but you should choose the one that suits your actual situation.
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