A Complete Guide to What an HDMI Cable is

Just like USB, HDMI can make things easier for you. Relating this to cameras, why do you need HDMI outputs?

Well, you will have to stick with us to know that as this post discusses HDMI for recording and live-streaming cameras. We will also provide answers to questions like what is HDMI cable used for, what is HDMI with Ethernet, and many more.

What is HDMI Camera

HDMI Camera
Source: Pinterest

To start with, what does HDMI stand for? It’s an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. The major function of an HDMI is to increase the distance of your signal (audio and video) over a single cable.

Just as it sounds, an HDMI camera is a camera that has an HDMI output. This is very useful in cases where you need to stream the recordings of an event live on a bigger screen. Popular examples of this are PTZ video cameras with HDMI, sports live streaming cameras and HDMI cameras used in telemedicine solutions.

What is HDMI Cable and How Does it Work

HDMI Cable
Source: iStock

With the aim to improve the existing connectivity standards in 2002, HDMI was invented to create a smaller connector that supports embedded audio and delivers a high video resolution signal.

 

The HDMI cable is the standard interface for connecting modern audio-visual devices together. For audio, it will transfer any format ranging from simple 2-channel PCM stereo audio to 8-channel uncompressed digital audio. Also, it supports all modern video formats, including high-definition signals and Ultra HD 4K.

 

Using a single HDMI cable, you can enjoy all the digital solutions you need. This enhanced technology ensures that your camera and external systems can communicate with each other, exchanging information.

How Does HDMI Cable Work

HDMI uses a mechanism called, Transition-minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) to move data from one device to another. The TDMS technique guards against data interference as it moves through the cable to another device. Using this, the signal is encoded by the sending device by reducing the number of transitions. This protects the signal quality and minimizes the chances of deterioration.

 

While the data is transferred, one of the twisted pairs of cables carries the signal and the other carries the inverse copy. When the data reaches the receiving device, the HDMI measures the signal’s difference and uses the data to make up for the lost signal.

Features of HDMI

  • Consumer Electronic Control (CEC): Using a single remote, this feature allows a user to operate up to 15 connected HDMI devices.
 
  • High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP): This is an authentication protocol that allows both a sending and receiving device to verify their credentials. If correct, a shared key is created which is used to encode and decode the data going through them. This process ensures that an unauthorized device doesn’t stop the flow of data between the two devices.
 
  • Display Data Channel (DDC): The HDMI interface has a set of protocols that allows the sending device to ask a monitor what audio and video format it can operate. Then adjust the settings on the monitor. The information exchanged by the sending device and the monitor is transferred through the Display Data Channel (DDC).
 
  • HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC): This feature allows Ethernet-enabled devices to share an internet connection. It adds the properties of an Ethernet cable to the HDMI, hence eliminating the need for a separate Ethernet cable.

Advantages of HDMI

  • All-in-one plug and connection: Audio and video are combined in one connection. Instead of plugging several devices, you only have one, which carries everything you need.
  • Resolution: HDMI cables allow up to 1080p resolutions, as well as 4K x 2K for Ultra HD screens. It also has the capacity of transmitting uncompressed signals to get better resolution without any quality loss.
  • Mobile connectivity: Nowadays, almost everyone is glued to their mobile phones and other devices that are connectable to a monitor, TV, projector, and other big screens. The HDMI interface allows you to connect your mobile phone and watch images & videos seamlessly.However, to connect the mobile device to the display screen, the mobile phone needs to support an HDMI connection, and the connection cable is USB/Type-C at one end and HDMI at the other end. There are requirements for the device and cable.

Disadvantages of HDMI

  • Limitation of distance: Since the transmission of data is dependent on the power output of the sending device, the distance to which the HDMI can operate is limited. For instance, Blu-ray players successfully send HD signals as much as 50 feet away, while computers and gaming consoles can only go as much as 30 feet. However, this can be remedied with the use of HDMI extenders.

What are the Different Speeds of HDMI Cable

Currently, there are only 3 official speed levels of HDMI cables. They are:

  • Category 1: Standard Speed – supports up to 2.2 Gbps.
  • Category 2: High Speed – supports up to 10.2 Gbps.
  • Category 3: Ultra High Speed – supports up to 48 Gbps.

 

Category 1 and 2 use two types of cables – an ordinary cable and a cable “with Ethernet.” Normally, HDMI cables have 4 shielded twisted pairs and 7 separate wires. The “with Ethernet” cable uses 2 of the 7 individual wires to make an extra twisted pair conductor.

 

The category 3 HDMI cable has the Ethernet wiring as standard.

What are the Different HDMI Cables

HDMI cables are produced in adherence to various specifications in which each of them is given a number or letter. All of them use the same type of cable but have a gradual increase in bandwidth and capabilities.

 

Below are details of each of the different HDMI cables.

HDMI 1.0

This is the first release of the HDMI standard.

  • It has an audio and video interface for the transmission of audio and video through a single cable.
  • It has a data transfer rate of 4.95 Gbps.
  • Respectively, the resolution and frame rate are 1080p and 60fps.
  • It supports up to 8 channels of uncompressed digital audio.
  • It supports playback of standard Blu-ray video and audio.

HDMI 1.1

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • An added support for DVD audio.

HDMI 1.2

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • Support for the One Bit Audio format as many as 8 channels.
  • Complete specified support for Consumer Electronics Control (CEC).

HDMI 1.3

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • Increased bandwidth to as much as 10.2 Gbps.
  • Better color configuration, which provides increased color depths and the ability to reproduce any color.
  • Audio and video sync, which allows devices to automatically synchronize the image and sound.
  • CEC improvement for controlling consumer electronic devices.
  • Ability to stream high-definition Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio to a decoding AV receiver.

HDMI 1.4

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • Increased resolutions as much as 3840 x 2160p at 25/30Hz and 4096 x 2160p at 24Hz.
  • Audio Return Channel (ARC), which supports the sending of audio from an HDMI connection to an AV receiver or soundbar.
  • Supports Ethernet connection over HDMI, hence allowing an internet or home network connection through the cables. It also added an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) that accommodates a 100 Mbit/s Ethernet connection between the two HDMI connected devices so they can share an Internet connection (WIKIpedia)
  • Allows for 3D TV signals.

HDMI 2.0

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • Increased bandwidth to as much as 18Gbps.
  • Respectively support 4K Ultra HD resolutions and 60 frames per second.
  • Allows up to 32 audio channels.
  • Allows up to 1536 kHz audio resolution.
  • Allows dual video streams to the same screen.
  • Added support for 21:9 aspect ratios.
  • A category 1 or 2 cable will do. No need for a new cable.

HDMI 2.1

As an upgrade to the previous version, it features:

  • Additional support for Dynamic HDR.
  • Compatible with 4K/120 and 8K/120 video resolution.
  • Specified a new cable type (48G).
  • Quick Media Switching (QMS) that eliminates any delay before content is displayed.
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT) allows the sending device to transfer video frames to the screen as soon as they are produced.

How to Choose the Best HDMI Cable for Camera

There are several HDMI cables on the market, making selection quite difficult. Fortunately, it’s not too hard once you consider the important factors, which are the specification, material, price, length, and color.

Specification

Check the specifications of the HDMI to know if it supports your needs. Considering most people’s application, all that’s needed is a Category 2 high-speed HDMI cable. With this, up to 4K data resolutions and all current audio formats can be transmitted.

 

In case you would like to transmit as much as 8K data resolutions, you will need an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable.

Material

Oftentimes, the HDMI cables come with a standard protective PVC plastic exterior and shield to prevent signal distortion. Some HDMI has a nylon braided cord which makes the cable more flexible and easier to move in tight places.

 

While material might not be very important to some people, a smaller and flexible cable usually makes installation easier.

Price

The cost of the HDMI cable best suitable for you should be influenced by the cable’s specifications and what you need it for.

Length

This is very crucial. Please take a moment to think about the distance the HDMI cable will need to run. As a rule of thumb, the shorter the cable, the better. This is because long wires can negatively affect the signal. With a long cable, it might be difficult to run it in a confined area.

Color

The color is strictly dependent on your preference as your choice doesn’t affect the cable’s sound and image functionality. Some people prefer choosing discreet colors that can be quickly camouflaged among equipment, while most people go for the black color.

What is HDMI with Ethernet

HDMI with Ethernet
Source: LDLC

Also known as HDMI Ethernet Channel, it performs the functions of an HDMI and Ethernet cable. This technology integrates audio, video, and data streams into a single HDMI cable. It combines unmatched signal quality and HDMI convenience connectivity with the power and flexibility of home equipment.

 

The addition of an Ethernet channel is a significant advancement in the development of the HDMI standard. Networking capabilities are now included in a variety of IP-enabled home entertainment devices, including TVs, game consoles, DVRs, and many more.

 

Users can now enjoy all the advantages of Ethernet connectivity through HDMI. Their systems can be further simplified by eliminating the need for separate Ethernet cables.

What Devices Use HDMI Port

  • HDMI PTZ Camera
PTZ camera with HDMI port
Source:Telycam

Most PTZ camera suppliers, including Telycam PTZ-Webcam ensure that their products are capable of performing HDMI and Ethernet functions. The cameras are designed to have HDMI ports that support internet connectivity.

  • Television
4k interface

Nowadays, people can stream videos and pictures on TVs while the HDMI cable is connected to a source. This is mostly used when a bigger screen is needed to project visuals to a large number of people. Choose to use an HDMI cable for wired screen projection, connect one end of the HDMI cable to the TV, and the other end to the signal output device (such as a computer), and then switch the signal source of the TV to HDMI, and the TV can play the HDMI signal content.

  • Gaming Console

For games that need an internet connection, HDMI with Ethernet is usually put to use. The HDMI Ethernet Channel performs the dual function of displaying the video signal and also connecting to the internet for network.

  • DVR

While a Digital Video Recorder is mainly used to record videos to storage devices, it can also be connected to analog cameras via HDMI. And for the signal to be accessed remotely, an internet connection is needed, hence the use of HDMI with Ethernet.

How Do You Set Up an HDMI PTZ Camera to
Your PC

HDMI PTZ camera
Source: Telycam

Step 1: Connect Your PC with your HDMI PTZ Camera

Using the HDMI that came with your PTZ camera or a compatible one, connect your PTZ camera to your PC.

HDMI PTZ camera couldn’t connect to the PC directly, you need to prepare a “video capture card” and “HDMI to USB/Type C cable”. Connect the HDMI PTZ camera to the video capture card with the “HDMI to Type C/USB cable”, and then insert the video capture card into the computer.

 

After the capture card receives the HDMI input signal, it copies the video signal into two copies, one is directly sent to the loop outlet with zero delay output, and the other is converted into an identifiable signal by the capture card chip, and is converted into an identifiable signal through the computer’s own USB or Thunderbolt interface, output to the computer, the computer can save the signal as a video in real-time through software such as OBS.

 

Video capture card (Video Capture card), also known as the video card, is used for cameras including PTZ live cameras, video recorders, LD video disc players, TV output video data or mixed data of video and audio input into the computer, and converted into computer-identifiable numbers. The data is stored in the computer as an editable video data file.

 

The first function of the video capture card is to use it for live broadcasts. For example, when the game anchor needs to use the camera to live broadcast mobile games, use the video capture card + Type-c to HDMI interface conversion cable, one end is connected to the live camera, and the other end is connected to the computer, notebook auxiliary Live broadcast, supports various types of mobile games, such as King of Glory, Peace Elite, etc., and is also compatible with major live broadcast platforms.

The second function of the video capture card can be used with professional live broadcast software OBS to record video capture, such as common video conferences, distance education training, medical inspection, and collection, etc. Can also be used for connection between set-top boxes than notebooks.

equipment connection guide

Step 2: Open the PTZ Joy Controller

USE PTZ Joy Controller to control HDMI PTZ camera
Source:Telycam

After connecting your PTZ HDMI camera, open the PTZ Joy controller. Click on the CAM 1 icon. Once you’ve done this, you should gain control of your HDMI camera through the Virtual Joystick on the Main Panel.

Other Questions

Can a USB-C Port be used to Transfer HDMI to a Monitor

Yes. Some of the USB-C connector’s pins are used to transfer other protocols while it is in Alt Mode. This makes it possible for the widely adopted USB-C connector to serve more than just the function of USB data or power.

How Do I Connect a Phone to a TV with HDMI

Your phone has to support HDMI Alt Mode for this to work. Also, your phone should have a USB-C port. If it does, with a USB-C to HDMI adapter, plug the adapter into your phone, then connect one end of the HDMI cable into your phone while the other is plugged into your TV.

Which HDMI Cable is Best for My 4K TV

For this, all the components, including the cable box or streaming service, the HDMI cable, and the TV must support 4K signals. Choose a High-Speed HDMI cable.

What is HDMI ARC

The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) was added as a feature in version 1.4. Its function is to simplify the transmission of audio from a TV to a home theater receiver or another external speaker.

Conclusion

HDMI is the default audio and video connection standard. It’s used in cameras for the transmission of data to bigger screens, thereby serving a larger audience.


An HDMI cable serves as a connection between the source device and the receiving device. Since the invention of the first HDMI cable in 2002, there have been numerous advancements. Now, HDMI can be used in conjunction with Ethernet, making it capable of performing both functions. With great advancement of technology, China PTZ camera also is also developed rapidly, PTZ cameras for live streaming have different ports to connect, include but nor limited to HDMI port and USB port. If there is a need to source PTZ camera with HDMI output, feel free to contact Telycam.

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