Custom HDMI cables: Everything You Need to Know

Custom HDMI cable is vital when linking a smart device to a television or home theater system.

For example, you use HDMI cables in gaming consoles, computer displays, and laptops.

This article examines everything about HDMI cables and tells you how to make custom HDMI cables to meet your needs.

HDMI Cable Definition 

HDMI stands for “High Definition Multimedia Interface.” It connects modern TVs to external components like cable boxes and audio/video receivers.

Mostly, the cables help make it possible to transmit both audio and visual signals via a single wire.  

DVI vs. HDMI

Digital Visual Interference (DVI) was the earlier standard for digital connections before HDMI. 

Cables using the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) are technologically identical to DVI cables. They adopted most DVI features and added audio capabilities, a new color space, and a smaller connection to the original digital visual interference (DVI) standard. 

HDMI uses a single cable to transmit uncompressed video information and either compressed or uncompressed audio signals.

Some devices used before the HDMI cables were analog connections like VGA, SCART, RGB, RF, and coaxial wires to send audio signals. 

The evolution of the HDMI Standard 

HDMI has raised the standard for high-definition media transmission. 

* Higher refresh rates are possible using Display Stream Compression (DSC).

** HDMI encodes data and uses some available bandwidth to ensure the signal’s integrity.

Sockets HDMI and Display Port

Uses of HDMI Cables

You can use HDMI cables to link High-definition gadgets like blue ray players, PS3, Xbox 360, cable boxes, and other HD devices to an HDTV. 

HDMI Cables and Digital Video

HDMI cables facilitate greater resolutions with crip displays offering excellent picture quality that shows 1080p at 60 frames per second, which sets them apart from other connections.

A higher frame rate produces a more fluid image for your computer or TV viewing. 

You can use HDMI cables for both standard and high-definition video.

Use your multi-channel surround sound audio as the best-quality visual feed on the same HDMI connection.

Nothing could go wrong with it. You may find HDCP 2.2 compatible connections on your most recent TVs.

Use this port for a high-resolution signal and viewing.   

HDMI Audio via HDMI Cable

Apart from video, HDMI cables also come with an audio interface.

You can use the HDMI cable to connect to the TV’s input to transmit and receive audio between the TV and a soundbar or home theater receiver.

Since you are using the same cable, you reduce the clutter by eliminating the need for a separate audio cable between the TV and home theater receiver. 

Change the playback device settings if you don’t get any sound after connecting your computer to an HDMI display. 

HDMI plug cable connector

HDMI Cable Types

You will find varying HDMI cables on the market serving different purposes. 

Standard HDMI Cable

Although frequently used to connect older devices, this standard HDMI cable remains the most popular option.

Users frequently use this cable to link TVs or monitors to satellite, cable, and HDTV broadcasts.

The standard HDMI cables are compatible with the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Every major television brand, computer monitor, gaming console, media streaming device, and personal computer uses the same standard 19-pin connector. 

Standard Automotive HDMI Cable

The HDMI standard automotive cables endure the heat and shocks of an automobile’s engine.

They are intended for the vehicle’s internal wiring of high-definition video systems.

The cable has similar features to the standard HDMI and links portable players to in-car video displays. 

High-Speed HDMI Cable

You can send up to 1080p, 4K, or 3D signals with a high-speed HDMI cable. It supports HDMI versions 1.3 and 1.4.

Besides being ideal for 4K game consoles and Blu-ray players, the cable is compatible with 3D and deep color technologies.

The high-speed cable allows you to access multi-channel audio and HD video formats.  

High-Speed Automotive HDMI Cable

This high-speed cable is similar to a standard high-speed HDMI in every way except its intended use in a vehicle. 

Premium High-Speed HDMI Cable

The premium HDMI cables are special certifications for high-speed cables designed for ultra-reliable 4K/UltraHD performance.

It has a bandwidth capacity of 18 Gbps and is compatible with HDMI 2.0/a/b. 

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable

What is an HDMI cable with ultra high-speed? This cable meets strict requirements to handle new features like high-resolution video modes.

The cable’s bandwidth capacity supports up to 48 Gbps and is compatible with the latest HDMI standard.

With this cable, you can also get a higher signal strength with an HDR television.

The ultra-high-speed cable has less EMI than wireless devices and can work with any device. 

HDMI Cables with Ethernet Built-in

With this cable, up to four HDMI devices can share a standard Ethernet connection to a broadband router, each at speeds of up to 100 Mb/sec. 

It is compatible with all the previous HDMI standards.

HDMI cable

HDMI Connector Types

The four HDMI end-connector types vary depending on the application.

Regular Size (Type A)

Type A is the standard HDMI cable, almost available on all high-definition TVs.

This standard has 19 pins dedicated to transmitting video, audio, and timing information between devices.

You use the regular-size cable to connect most modern devices.

For example, it connects a DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD players, PCs, media streamers, cable or satellite boxes, and video game consoles to a television, video projector, or home theater receiver. 

Mini Size (Type C)

Digital single-lens reflex cameras and standard-sized tablets need shorter HDMI cables with small connectors.

A small HDMI connection on one end plugs into the camera or tablet.

The other cable end has a regular plug with a video display device like a TV, computer monitor, or projector. 

Micro Size (Type D)

Micro HDMI is used in tiny portable electronics, including cameras, phones, and tablets.

It is the smallest HDMI connection, with a diameter about half that of the mini HDMI connector but with the same functions.

One end of a micro HDMI cable has a remote connection, while the other features a full-size HDMI plug.

Mobile phones and other compact portable electronics often use micro HDMI ports. 

Automotive (Type E)

HDMI cables need a specialized connection for vehicles.

Type E connectors have locking tabs that keep cables in place even when the vehicle is moving, which is common.

Its outer casing also protects it from things like that and moisture. 

Are All HDMI Cables Made the Same?

In reality, all HDMI cables are the same. The design of most HDMI cables is standard.

The only identifying feature is the connecting port the cable and the gadgets use.

The only real structural difference between the different HDMI cables is the connector attached to the cable’s end. 

Inside an HDMI Cable

The structure of an HDMI cable is rather simple. It features an inner core, a conductor, and an RF shielding device inside a peripheral shield.

Internally, HDMI cables include separate audio and video conductors. An audio return channel improves audio and video stream transmission speed and efficiency. 

An HDMI cable typically includes 19 internal pins. You can find the three TMDS data channels on PINs 1 to 6.

TMDS stands for “Transition Minimized Differential Signaling,” the technology that allows DVI and HDMI to send high-speed digital data. 

Three pins are assigned to each channel.

For example, each channel of the TMDS data carries visual and audio information through three wires.

The information used to synchronize the signals is carried on the TMDS clock channel, accessible through pins 10-12.

The TMDS data channels of dedicated lines for values and data shielding.

The CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) channel for transmitting control and command data between devices is carried on PIN 13.

The 14th Jack will be saved for later. The DDC (Display Data Channel) is a pair of pins to exchange Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) between electronic devices. 

The information shield for CEC and DCC channels is on PIN 17. The +5V power supply is connected to pin 18.

A special pin (19) that tracks when the power is plugged in and unplugged.    

HDMI connector

How do you make a Custom HDMI Cable?

Different manufacturers adhere to a standard protocol when making an HDMI cable.

1. The cable is cut and stripped with mechanical stripping and wire-cutting equipment in the first step. 
2. The vertical aluminum trimming machine is then used to cut the aluminum foil to size. 
3. Afterward, attach the inner wire to the plastic wire holder using a factory-standard angle-type traverse machine.
4. Strip the inner wire. 
5. Afterward, the wire is tinned.
6. Use connectors to connect the wire. 
7. Weld the cable connection. 
8. Mold the connection to ensure it does not come loose. 

Choose Cloom As Your Custom HDMI Cable Manufacturer.

Cloom Tech creates tailored HDMI cable assemblies for businesses and individuals across several sectors, including transportation, security, surveillance, communication, and information technology.

Custom HDMI cable assemblies are built to your specifications or designed from scratch.

They include features like a right angle, locking, and thrilled connectors, 360-degree soldering for improved RF/EMI shielding, logo/text imprinting on custom over molds, and plenum-rated (CMP).

Other features include riser-rated (CMR), LSZH, or general-purpose cabling to meet the needs of various building codes and configurations. 

Custom HDMI cable solution 

• The micro HDMI cable is slim and has a 90-degree bend supporting 4K resolution. 
• Micro HDMI to HDMI monitor cable with a 90-degree elbow. 
• A male-to-female Micro HDMI adapter extension cable. 
• Standard HDMI male to Micro HDMI swiveling retractable cable (D type to A type).
• Left-angled HDMI mini to HDMI spring cable. 
• HD Micro HDMI cable (male to male) right-angle bend. 
• Right-angle HDMI to mini HDMI flex cable. 
• Right-angled HDMI to Micro HDMI cable. 
• HDMI mini left-angle Cable is the perfect solution. 
• HDMI to mini HDMI cable. 
• HDMI D-type to A-type flexible spring cable,
• A male-to-female Micro HDMI adapter extension cable. 
• Left-bent spring cable connecting mini-HDMI devices
• HD mini-HDMI cable (male to male) with a 90° bends to the right.
• Right-angled HDMI mini to micro spring cable.
• Mini to HDMI extension cord.
• Mini-HDMI to HDMI extension cord.
• Cable, Mini-HDMI Male to Female.
• Mini-to-HDMI swivel-to-left HDMI cable.
• High-definition HDMI cable, male-to-male, with gold plating.
• Male-to-male gold-plated HDMI high-definition cable.

All HDMI cables meet the following specifications

• Gold-plated connectors.
• RoHS compliant. 
• HDMI 1.3 B or 1.4 certifications. 
• UL Approved.
• High definition.
• Cat-2-Rate
• Super speed.
• 1080p visuals. 
• Security measures doubled. 
• Transition minimized differential/signaling. 
• Maximum resistance of 2.0-ohm
• A maximum of 20M ohm insulation resistance. 

Conclusion

The advanced world of today revolves around high-definition audio and video transmissions.

Your next electronic device will likely have an HDMI cable to transmit audio, video, and control signals.

If you want an HDMI cable, choose the latest HDMI 2.1, as it offers the highest possible picture quality.

Factors like the manufacturer and electronic device you use determine the quality of the picture.