With the rapid advancement of technology, HDMI cables are becoming increasingly important in everyone’s daily lives. These essential cables have become the ideal way to link DVD, Blu-ray, Ultra HD Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and streaming media devices.

HDMI cables took their flight in 2002, serving as the first-ever digital interconnection among devices. And now, since the world is slowly shifting towards the 8K resolution for better visuals, it is wise for us to join the HDMI bandwagon. The 8K HDMI 2.1 cable, which meets all the evolving needs of the technological industry, comes up in the world.

Since HDMI cables have changed drastically over the years, we need to clarify their evolution. So let’s take a deeper look into how far the world of HDMI has evolved.

 

The Evolution of HDMI

  1. HDMI 1.0 Cable

HDMI 1.0 was released on December 9, 2002, and was a single-cable digital audio/video connection interface. It boasted the following features:

  • Only compatible with type A and B cables.
  • Maximum bandwidth of 4.95 Gbit/s per link.
  • Video bandwidth of 3.96 Gbit/s and an audio bandwidth of 8-channel.
  • Pinouts based on Single-Link DVI-D and Dual-Link DVI-D connections.

 

  1. HDMI 1.1 Cable

HDMI 1.1, released two years later, provided several minor adjustments to the structural requirements. It added the ability to send a specific high-quality DVD-Audio signal format from the player to the receiving device.

 

  1. HDMI 1.2 Cable

On August 8, 2005, HDMI 1.2 was introduced, featuring more functions and accessibility for consumers. Some of the significant additions included the following:

  • It added 1-bit audio, known as SACD audio streaming, up to 8 channels.
  • It supported one remote control with DMI CEC, which was easy to control all compatible devices.
  • The HDMI Type A connector for PC-based applications.
  • The capacity for 720p, commonly used in consumer electronics systems.

 

  1. HDMI 1.3 Cable

This update came on June 22, 2006. It included the following features:

  • It supported Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats for external decoding, with a maximum video bandwidth of 10.2Gbps.
  • It supported deep color capability by adding support for 10 BPC, 12 BPC, and 16 BPC color depth (30, 36, and 48 bit/p).
  • Reference Cable Equalizer to enable high-frequency displays.
  • A new type C Mini connector for portable devices.

Version 1.3a was a relatively minor update as it added a number of electrical updates to ensure that the cables operated efficiently.

 

  1. HDMI 1.4 Cable

This standard update was released on May 28, 2009. It had the following features:

  • It supported 4K resolution but only for 4,096 × 2,160/24p or 3,840 × 2,160/24p/25p/30p.
  • It added ARC(Audio Return Channel) function, allowing TV audio to be returned to the power amplifier via HDMI for output.
  • The Internet connection can be shared through the HDMI due to the added 100Mbps network transmission.
  • Another addition of Broadcast 3D format was included later in Version 1.4a, and minor changes were made in Version 1.4b.

 

  1. HDMI 2.0 Cable

It is also known as HDMI UHD. This cable was launched on September 4, 2013, and had significant changes. Such as:

  • Increase in the maximum bandwidth to 18.0 Gbps.
  • Itenabled carrying 4K video at 60 Hz.
  • Support for the Rec. 2020 color space, up to 32 audio channels, and dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen.
  • Nowadays, many devices, including TVs, power amplifiers, Blu-ray players, etc., all use this HDMI version.
  • Connectable to displays with USB type C optical cable.

 

  1. 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable

Launched in 2017, the 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable uses the most cutting-edge technology. You can clearly see how far the HDMI has come from 2002 to today with an 8K HDMI 2.1 cable containing these exciting characteristics:

  • It is 8K/60HZ, 4K/120HZ compatible, and can clearly display every particle and accurately processes every signal source.
  • 8K HDMI 2.1 cable goes beyond 4K by producing 8K ultra-high image quality and provides a super smooth 4K/120HZ image.
  • It gives more optimal depth, brightness, clarity, contrast, and a large color gamut thanks to the unique dynamic HDR and 12 Bit color processing technology.  
  • Compared to HDMI 2.0, its transmission speed has increased significantly, from 18Gbps to 48Gbps.   
  • With the application of eARC, you can attain more powerful audio signal control capabilities with an 8K HDMI 2.1 cable.
  • Some HDMI AOC type Ccables are also backward compatible with HDMI 1.1/1.2/1.3/1.4/2.0a/2.0b.
  • The 8K HDMI 2.1 cable supports new Dynamic HDR technology, which can further improve the performance of the same level of light and dark according to the distribution of light and dark in each frame.
  • The latest game mode allows varied refresh rates, maximizes the value of the graphics hardware and CPU, and processes produced visuals more accurately.

 

The Bottom Line

These HDMI cables have come a long way since their invention. They have been gradually introduced, allowing the HDMI interface to keep up with technological advancements, ensuring that HDMI remains up to date and relevant.

All 8K HDMI Cables perform the best when purchased from SmartAVLink. With around 8 years of hands-on experience in the AOC industry, we have numerous types of 8K HDMI cables available at competitive market prices. You can get UHD, transfer more data, have faster refresh rates, ultra-high-speed transmission rates, and much more when you get our advanced products! So if you are looking for a high-quality 8K HDMI 2.1 cable, get in touch with SmartAVlink because we are known to bring the best types of 8K HDMI 2.1 cables to satisfy your various needs.

 

About SmartAVLink

SmartAVLink started Optical-Electric conversion technology in 2013. Their optical and electrical conversion products include HDMI AOC, DP AOC, USB Type-C® AOC, DVI AOC’s (Active Optical Cables) and relative Optical-Fiber Engine. SmartAVLink has more than 7 years of experience in HDMI AOC design and manufacturing, and provides OEM/ODM to more than 300+ brands worldwide. SmartAVLink is an innovative company that focuses on optical and electrical conversion development. SmartAVLink’s products have worldwide applications including — VR&AR, Machine Vision, Medical System, System Integration, Digital Signature, Home Theater etc.

To get more information about SmartAVLink and their product or to enquire about pricing, please visit www.smartavlink.com, or contact info@smartavlink.com.