HDMI to USB converter cables, also referred to sometimes as HDMI adaptor cables or simply HDMI cables, play an essential role in many of today’s home media systems, and even in some office environments. They’ve been around for a while, but that doesn’t mean HDMI cables aren’t still important. Before buying a new one, read on to find out what to consider.
Why Buy an HDMI Cable?
Let’s start with the basics. HDMI is short for high-definition multimedia interface. It’s considered a global standard for transmitting digital video and audio signals from sources to displays, which means HDMI cables can be found in most modern systems.
These days, just about all computer monitors, projectors, and high-resolution TVs feature HDMI displays. However, not all video and audio sources have HDMI ports, which is where an hdmi to usb converter can come in handy. These cables allow people to show contents coming from source devices that don’t have HDMI connectors on high-resolution displays.
What to Look For in an HDMI Cable
Once buyers determine that they need HDMI to USB cables, they should spend some time investigating appropriate options. Consider the following factors before purchasing a converter.
Format Support
There are five main types of HDMI connectors, each of which is used for different applications. The best type of connector for a device will vary based on when the display device was manufactured and how it is used, so check the connection type before buying a cable.
The same advice goes for the USB side. Today, almost all source devices feature USB-C ports, but not too long ago, the universal standard was mini-USB. Check to see what type of port the computer, phone, or other display source has to make sure it will be compatible.
Cable Length
Most buyers think about cable length as a Goldilocks scenario. Cables that are too short make it difficult to connect different components, while those that are too long create unnecessary annoyances. Unless the source device is kept a long distance away from the display device, it’s usually best to look for cables that fall into the comfortable middle ground.
Quality of Construction
As with most consumer goods, the quality of construction has a dramatic impact on the usable lifespan of HDMI to USB cables. If a buyer already knows the adapter cable will be used once then thrown in the back of a drawer somewhere, quality may not be as important. However, for those who plan to use HDMI cables long-term or in a highly mobile fashion, sturdiness is key.
Try to avoid buying plastic HDMI converters. Instead, look for aluminum bodies and, if possible, nylon cabling. The aluminum will help to dissipate the heat, keeping the size of the HDMI adapter box reasonably small, and the nylon cabling will protect the wires more effectively than plastic. Of course, if there are no options available that feature nylon cabling, which is still comparatively rare in this application, a plastic cable will still work just fine.
Buy From a Specialist
Anyone looking for a high-quality, durable HDMI to USB adapter should buy from a specialized AV hardware manufacturer. There are plenty of HDMI cables out there, but not all of them are carefully designed and usability tested to ensure that they will perform up to spec in all applications. It’s best to work with the experts.
