What is HDMI?

Question

someone suggested i get an HDMI cable if i want to have two HD consoles plugged into my TV what is HDMI?

Answer 1

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a licensable audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed, encrypted digital streams. HDMI connects DRM-enforcing digital audio/video sources, such as a set-top box, a Blu-ray Disc player, a Personal Computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver, to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on prosumer HDTV camcorders and high-end digital still cameras.

Answer 2

HDMI is a type of digital cable format that supports high definition video and surround sound audio in a single cable. Previous audio and video cables had to be handled separately on two cables.

Now a days, HDTVs have component and HDMI that support high definition video. 5 years ago, you would see HDTVs with component and DVI. DVI only supports video and not audio.

Do you need HDMI for HD consoles? No, but it provides a little better quality than component.

If you have an HDTV, then I would not waste your money on expensive cables. Assuming you only have one HDMI port on your TV, then you can use HDMI for one HD source and component for the other HD source.

Answer 3

HDMI - High Definition Multimedia Interface - an all digital means of connecting a digital or high definition video and audio source to a TV with this kind of connector on it.

Two plug two consoles in you would need a TV with two HDMI inputs if you are already using one of them or a TV with one HDMI input and one component input paired with audio inputs (red, green and blue RCA cables for video with white and red cables for left and right audio).

For more about HDMI see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

For more about Component Video see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_Video

For more about Composite Video see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_Video

Another good site:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

Answer 4

Single cable that carries both Video and Audio.

Your TV must have 2 HDMI inputs and your game systems must offer HDMI outputs. (The early xBox 360's did not).

BlueJeans sells good HDMI cables for low prices, as does MonoPrice.