When purchasing an HDMI cable, many people wrongly believe that the longer the cable, the better. There’s a lot of information out there about HDMI cables and how to choose the right one for your needs. But does the length of the cable really make a difference?
And if it does, what is the best length for your needs? In this article, we’ll take a look at what factors you should consider when choosing an HDMI cable, and whether or not length matters.
Does HDMI cable length make a difference?
The reason why people think that a longer HDMI cable will give them a better quality connection is because of the analogue signals used in older cables. But this is not the case with digital alternatives like HDMI.
Is HDMI cable length important?
Well, it depends on what you are using the cable for. If you are planning to set up your system so that your devices are placed a long way from each other, then it is important to take this into consideration. But if they are close together – less than about 10 feet (3 meters) then it doesn’t matter what length of cable you use.
Does the length of HDMI cable affect quality?
The length of HDMI cables (less than about 10 feet) will not affect the quality of your connection. It is simply a matter of signal loss. A good quality HDMI cable will ensure that the signals and the connection are not affected by this loss of strength, and will provide a dependable connection no matter what length you use.
Are long HDMI cables bad?
HDMI cable’s length can be just as important as what brand or video-handling technology it uses. Overly long cables may decrease quality so much so that you notice a distracting amount of noise on your screen’s image. This is what happens when HDMI cables are too long.
An HDMI cable transfers digital data at extremely high speeds, so it needs to be shielded from outside interference that can break that connection or corrupt the information being passed back and forth between your video equipment. The longer the cable, the more opportunity there is for an electric or magnetic field to disrupt the flow, resulting in rainbows, sparkles, or other interference that can be very distracting.
Can I use a longer cable than needed?
In general, you need a cable that is long enough to allow your video equipment to sit far away from your TV’s power supply and possibly your home entertainment system’s CPU (where most of the noise is likely coming from). This isn’t always possible, though. You can help minimize these disruptions by keeping your equipment far away from any power sources (such as light fixtures or lamps) and making sure that the HDMI cable’s line is not parallel to numerous cables running through your home. Also, keep the cable away from any electromagnetic devices like transformers or speakers.
What’s the best HDMI cable length?
For shorter connections, say less than 10 feet (3 meters), it’s very unlikely you’ll have any issues with digital signals not being transferred properly. If your TV is located right next to your Blu-ray player or games console, then it’s okay to use a shorter HDMI cable. However, if your TV is further away from your peripheral device (e.g., Blu-ray player or games console), you may want to purchase an HDMI cable that is approximately 16 feet (5 meters) long.
For connections of any length over 5 meters, we would always recommend an HDMI High-Speed cable. High-speed cables have increased bandwidth and will transmit your digital signals faster and more efficiently than regular HDMI cables. This means you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible connection for your needs, whatever they may be.
