High-Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, has become the standard audio and video connection for high-definition home theater gear. Game consoles like the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii, as well as DVD players, DVRs, Blu-ray players, and computers feature HDMI outputs to transmit audio and video signals.
The most obvious advantage of using HDMI cables is reducing cable clutter. HDMI cables transmit video and audio over a single cable. With analog cables, you'd need to connect three component-video cables and six analog audio cables to accomplish the exact same task.
Image and audio quality is another significant advantage to HDMI cables. These cables can handle high-definition video of up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. For audio, HDMI cables can handle eight channels of 24-bit audio at 192kHz.
Monoprice, Monster, Belkin, Accell, and SimplayHD are some of the more common brands of HDMI cables. Cables can be purchased from Best Buy and other electronics retailers, as well as online sources such as Amazon.com.
When it comes to buying HDMI cables for your video gaming experience, price doesn't need to be a factor in your decision. A $10 cable is likely to perform just as well as its $50 counterpart. The information transmitted by a lower-priced cable is exactly the same as its higher-priced alternative. A cheap cable doesn’t result in any reduction in video or audio quality. The only difference is that you'll be able to put the money you save by being a smart shopper toward the purchase of the new game you've been coveting.
Even through price doesn't need to be a factor when purchasing your HDMI cable, you will want to consider cable length. Signal strength deteriorates over long cable runs, with approximately 33 feet being the recommended maximum cable length. Keep this in mind when deciding on your equipment setup.
If you have several video gaming and home theater gadgets with HDMI ports, you may want to consider investing in an HDMI switcher when you make your cable purchase. Just connect your HDMI electronics to the switcher and connect the output of the switcher to your HDTV or AV receiver. When you're ready to play or watch TV, you can select with HDMI component you want through the switcher. This is a very practical and budget-friendly way to add HDMI connectivity to your existing entertainment system.
Here are some other great console gaming system articles that can help you turn your system into much more:
How to Turn Your Nintendo DS Into an iPod
How to Take Care of Your PSP
Does The PS3 Need To Be Hacked?