Rick's Personal Blog

I am Rick and I love To Blog about Everything

HDMI Cables Explained

Posted on March 13, 2013 by ricadmin

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are video/audio cables that transfer high-definition data using a digital format. HDMI cables connect media devices such as video game consoles, personal computers, DVD players, cable boxes and video/audio players such as AV receivers and televisions. The cables are similar to analog cables like radio, coaxial and S-video cables. HDMI cables transform analog signal formats to digital signal format which increases picture quality on HD televisions. The cables enable electronic communication in several HD media devices.

Structure of HDMI Cable

A common HDMI cable contains 19 pins on the female end of the plug. Each of these pins serves a different function. The first of the nine pins transform analog signals to packets of digital data that are transferred to other data channels. Three pins in the plug transmit and convert digital data via a given channel.

The initial nine pins in the cable provide data to these three pins for conversion. Pins 12 and 10 regulate data flow in the first of the nine pins and make sure all data signals coordinate with each other. The remaining pins perform other functions such as maintaining communication between connected media devices and giving the HDMI cable power.

Digital data coding

A typical HDMI cables has a couple of twisted wires that are responsible for the smooth functioning of the core transmission in the cable. Before a signal is transmitted from a media device like a cable box, the HDMI cable transforms and encodes the transmitted signal to prevent its degradation as it travels in the cable.

The media device transfers the data in wither digital or analog format, based on whether the media device is HD or not. The cable obtains the signal and one wire in the pair transfers the signal for playing on the media device. The other wire transfers a mirror image of the signal. The media player device obtains the inverse and the original signals and measures their differences. It then uses the measured difference to correct any degradation of signal that could have happened during transmission of data.

Length of the HDMI cable

Even though there is no length limit for HDMI cables, long cables can cause signal degradation. Many manufacturers of HDMI cables won’t produce cables that are over 16 feet in length. Few cables used in big theaters are longer but they are higher in quality and more expensive.

Benefits of HDMI cables

• HDMI cables provide uncompressed digital sound and video vial one connection. The cables have 5Gbps potential bandwidth and are capable of adapting to new technologies that are being developed in the field.

• HDMI cables connect the digital space between the digital output and the digital source. Keep in mind that you can use a HDMI splitter box if you want to split the signal to more than one digital output. The cables do not convert data into analog formats for transmission as done by other cables. HDMI cables provide a better sound and picture with clear digital presentation of recorded media.

• HDMI cables are able to support an extensive range of HD resolutions. The cables can also deliver standard video definition in NTSC and PAL formats.

• HDMI cables provide a total compatibility with DVI.

HDMI cables also offer dual direction communication between media sources enabling innovative functions. One HDMI cable can replace several wires that can increase management and decrease mess along with providing higher performance.

Posted in HDMI Cables | Leave a comment

What are DVI Cables?

Posted on January 3, 2013 by ricadmin

DVI CablesDVI basically stands for Digital Video Interface. It is a common method of interface technology used for videos. DVI is designed to increase the quality of current video graphic cards and LCD monitors with flat panels. It was developed as a replacement for Plug and Display, and these cables are very popular today with manufacturers of video cards.

DVI formats
DVI cables are available as DVI-Integrated, DVI-Analog and DVI-Digital cables. Each of these has separate functions and used for different purposes.

DVI-Integrated: The cables are designed to transmit either analog to analog signal or a digital to digital signal. It is a versatile cable that can be used in both analog and digital situations. DVI analog and digital formats cannot be interchanged.

DVI-Analog: The cables are designed to transfer DVI signal to a device with analog display such as a budget LCD or a CRT monitor. DVI- analog is commonly used in connecting VGA devices as VGA devices transfer a similar signal to those through DVI-analog cables. Some of the video quality can be lost while it is converted from digital to analog format.

DVI-Digital: The cables are designed to connect a direct signal from source video (like video cards) to LCD monitors. It provides a higher quality and faster image than an analog connection. Video cards produce a digital video signal initially which is then converted into an analog format at the VGA output. The signal for the analog device is transferred to the monitor and reconverted into digital format. But DVI-Digital does not require the process of analog conversion, improving the connection between display and source.

Maximum length of a DVI cable
Official DVI specifications say that all equipment with DVI features should maintain a 5 meter signal in length. Many manufacturers however are placing bigger monitors and stronger cards. So the maximum length requirement of DVI cables is fluctuating according to the devices they are used on. For attaining better signal quality for the long run, some manufacturers use and recommend DVI signal boosters.

Choosing the right cable
Finding out the type of DVI cable to use for your products is important if you want to get the right cable. You can start by checking both ends of the DVI plugs to know what type of signals they transfer.

• If both or one of the connections is DVI- analog, then you need a DVI-analog cable.

• If the device has a VGA connection on one end and a DVI- analog compatible connection on the other end, you will require a VGA/DVI adapter or a VGA to DVI cable.

• If both or one of the device’s connections is DVI-digital, then you will need a DVI-digital cable.

• If the device has DVI-integrated connections on both ends, you can use a DVI- integrated cable.

• If the device has one connection in a digital format and the other in analog, it is not possible to connect them by using just one cable. You will need a converter box that can convert analog video format to digital format.

If you still have doubts regarding what cable to connect to your device, you can call a professional technician to help you set up the connection.

Posted in DVI Cables | Leave a comment

Choosing an A/V Component Cable

Posted on May 7, 2012 by ricadmin

Component CablesChoosing the right video/audio component cable for your HDTV, TV, DVD or VCR on your own can be tricky, especially if you are doing it without professional help. New media devices come with an owner’s manual that can help you with the setting up process but if you are buying a second hand media device, you are not likely to get a manual. In such a situation, the following information can help you know which cable is suitable for which device.

Different types of connections are available for your HDTV, TV, DVD and VCR equipment. Below is some information on video/audio cables that provide different picture qualities.

F-pin or RCA jack plug (Composite Video)
Composite Video is an analog television signal format before it gets modulated to a RF carrier. It is a video data that is transmitted in one signal over a single wire. Several old video equipment such as laserdisc and VCR record signals in composite video formats and give the user the choice of playing the raw signal or collaborating it with RF on a particular channel on TV. The composite video signal is normally connected by a RCA jack that is typically yellow.

Super-video (S-Video)
S- Video format is used for transferring video signals through a cable by distributing the video data into two distinct signals: one that carries the video luminance (brightness) and the other that carries the video chrominance (color). When this data is sent to the TV, it produces sharper images compared to composite video, where date is transferred through only one wire. It is because television sets are made to show separate chrominance and luminance signals.

Using S-video format requires the device that sends the signals to support S- Video output jack and the device that is receiving the signals to have S-video input jack. An S-video cable is also required to connect the two devices.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
DVI is used to convert analog data into digital data to provide signals to both digital and analog monitors. Industry standards require a connector and a single plug to cover both VGA and digital interfaces. DVI is compatible with a maximum bandwidth of 160 MHz and can support HDTV and UXGA with a single pair of links. Video formats in higher resolutions can support two sets of links.

DVI provides better quality picture and video. Its pure digital signal delivers maximum amount of color saturation and sharp picture quality, increasing the quality of modern video graphic cards and LCD monitors. Currently, DVI is used to transmit video signals of a digital format from devices such as modern DVD players, plasma displays, EDTVs and HDTVs.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
HDMI use Multi-Chanel Audio and Digital Video Interface in a single cable. It is the one of the first interfaces to transfer HD video and multi-channel surround sound audio signals. HDMI cables can be used at a maximum length of 40 feet without compromising on data quality. HDMI enables large amount of data to be transferred at very high speeds with more accurate representation of source material.

Posted in Audio Video Cables | Leave a comment

What are Ethernet Cables?

Posted on April 11, 2012 by ricadmin

Ethernet cables are made to connect devices like adapters, routers and modems. Ethernet cables have RJ-45 jacks on their ends, with each end having 8 pins. Equipment the uses Ethernet cables are called as wired devices.

Different types of Ethernet cables
Ethernet cables usually support more than one industry standard devices including CAT6 (Category 6) and CAT5 (Category 5). Crossover cables are unique Ethernet cables made for connecting computers with each other. Many Ethernet cables are made to connect a switch or a router to one computer device.

Ethernet cables are available in two primary forms- stranded and solid.

Stranded cables are made for portable devices. The cables are durable and do not break of crack easily making them ideal for users who travel a lot. Solid cables offer better protection and performance against any type of electrical interference. The cables are perfect for office use where many electrical devices are operated.

Ethernet CablesUses of Ethernet cables
Ethernet cables are used to connect internet and other dial up connections in any homes and offices. Below are other uses of Ethernet cables.

Basic Networking: Ethernet cables can be used in homes and offices connecting computers with internet devices. Man Ethernet cables can be used to connect networking devices such as routers and switches to computers. Networking devices transfer internet date using the Ethernet cables which are then connected to the computer port. If a computer requires internet connectivity at high speeds, it should be connected with an Ethernet cable.

Rollover, straight through and crossover Ethernet: Every Ethernet cable has eight independent wires inside it that can be arranges differently to suit several purposes. Rollover Ethernet cables are mostly used to program networking tools like routers by network technicians. Straight through Ethernet connection cables are used for connecting devices with different functions such as connection a hub with a router. The most common arrangement of the eight wires is the Crossover Ethernet cable. It is mostly used in home networking and can be purchased from computer stores.

Wireless networking: wireless networkings include devices such as cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Although they do not always require Ethernet cables for connections, setting a wireless router at home needs a cable to feed the wireless antennas with internet connection. An Ethernet cable is used to transfer internet connection to a device before the signal can be broadcasted through the antenna to reach any wireless network device.

Network rooms: A network room of a large building will have over a hundred Ethernet cables connected with racks of servers and switches. The cables transfer date between devices in LAN (Local Area Networks) and other categories of network connections.

Ethernet cables enable users to access internet connection without having to buy extra hardware. Users can connect the cable to an existing router or hub with a computers network card to access network. The cables are safer to use than wireless networks that are more prone to eavesdropping over the airwaves. Ethernet cables are perfect for offices and organizations that need to transfer a lot of private data over the internet.

Posted in Ethernet Cables | Leave a comment

Coaxial Cables Explained

Posted on February 3, 2012 by ricadmin

Coaxial cable is a durable and heavy cable used in several types of commercial and residential installations. It is mostly popular with many consumers as the cable that carries television signals into homes and commercial establishments.

The Coaxial cable contains an inner cable that is surrounded by a light, plastic insulating agent. A thin shield of metal covers the insulator with another guard and insulating layer on the shield. The cable is very flexible and can go through several mediums to transfer high quality digital signals.

Different types of Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables carry signals to the internet and various different new technology devices including television. Few types of coaxial cables serve different functions in commercial and residential projects.

Hard Line
Hard Line Coaxial Cables are often used in applications that require signals with higher strength, for instance for devices such as radio transmitters. Hard line cables are typically equal or more than half-inch thick. If you are looking for cables that perform heavy duty transmission of signals, many brands are available produced by different manufacturers. The Hard Line cables are designed for handling high velocity signals for special installations.

RG6
It is one of the most popular kinds of cables that are used in relaying cables signals to TV and other devices. The term RG means ‘Radio guide’ and refers to the cable’s capacity. Some ratings of RG cables are not accurate and do not convey the overall quality of the materials the cable is made from.

Coaxial CablesRG6 coaxial cables provide HD signals to home and business devices such as HD TV sets. The cable is recommended by many digital device manufacturers for the current commercial and home entertainment systems. RG6 coaxial cables are available in many different varieties; some of them are made water proof to function in atmospheres that have a lot of moisture.

Semi-rigid
Semi-rigid coaxial cables feature a tougher shielding metal. The cables are less versatile and flexible for installation. The cables are used for situations that require the cable to run in a straight path and not snake through several obstacles. Semi-rigid coaxial cables are designed to function is harsh environments and are ideal in places that have extreme temperatures.

Tri-axial
Tri-axial coaxial cable is used to prevent electromagnetic interference. It features extra strength with an extra shield layer covering the cable. The cables are ideally used in areas where the connection cables are vulnerable to electromagnetic forces.

Twin- axial
Twin-axial coaxial cables are used as an alternative to traditional coaxial cables in several different installation types.

If you are dealing with applications that require coaxial cable installations, then you must be aware of ‘leakage’ problems that can cause digital signals to leak and deteriorate in the area surrounding the cable. Cable leaks are one important aspect companies give importance to when they are providing data to individual clients.

Knowledge about the different types of coaxial cables can help you install the right cable to perform the right function. It can also help you know which cables to install in business set ups and homes. Good quality cabling can create a difference in the quality of signal attained by the receiver.

Posted in Coax Cables | Leave a comment