HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface. It is a type of digital audio/video cable that keeps all streams uncompressed. It provides a connection between digital audio/video sources, such as a cable box or DVD player and a television or monitor. It now as has spread to computer technology as well, being incorporated as a means to connect high definition camcorders and digital cameras. As more electronics jump ship and begin using HDMI, it may very well become the standard cable much like red and white A/V cables come with every DVD player you purchase in today's market.

HDMI seeks to replace component and composite cables as the primary means of transmitting information between two sources. It supports all TV and computer formats, including enhanced and high definition signals, and MPEG streams. It takes a MPEG signal, decodes it and uncompresses it for output. It supports eight channel digital audio at 192kHZ. Over time, HDMI evolved to include Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HS audio quality playback.

One of the most important features of HDMI cables is that it is backwards compatible with other forums. Digital Visual Interface (DIV), in particular, that is used by monitors and video cards can be used on an HDMI monitor or vice versa. Some features may not be available but with the proper use of HDMI cables, most features will remain in tact.

The possibilities with HDMI are endless as new versions are developed and released. One of the most optimal ways to use HDMI is to connect a television to a high definition media player, such as a Blu Ray or HD DVD player. They support higher audio quality than the standard DVD and as such, regular component and composite cables just do not get the job done. HDMI 1.3 in particular focuses on transmitting audio signals for the two new types of DVD formats and when coupled with an HD media player can bring sound quality to a new level for even the most inexperienced audiophile.

HDMI includes three types of connectors. A standard Type A connector has 19 pins and can support SD, ED and HDTV formats. It is also compatible with a DVI-I single-link connection. Type B has 29 pins and can carry an expanded video resolution, such as WQSXGA. It is compatible with DVI-I dual-link. Type C is a mini-connector that has 19 pins and functions in the same way a Type A connector does just in a smaller size. There are adapter cables for all three types. There are two types of cables within the HDMI family: Category one and category two. Category one cables are standard HDTV capable while category two carry signals greater than HDTV.

There are several different versions of HDMI cables on the market, and each version does something different or adds to the features before it. One of the primary differences between versions is that each new one has the ability to carry a larger bandwidth signal and this will increase the signal strength from your source to your television or monitor. Some TVs, monitors and other HDMI-ready electronics require a specific version of HDMI capable in order for maximum potential to be reached display-wise.

HDMI 1.0 was released to the public in December of 2002. It had a single digital audio/video connection with a 4.9Gbps bit rate HDMI 1.1 was released in May of 2004 and added support for newer DVD audio encoding and formats.

HDMI 1.2 was released in August of 2005 and supported on bit audio and up to eight channels of audio. Type A PC connections were introduced as well as support for lower voltage displays. HDMI 1.2a followed in December of 2005 and came into compliance with the Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) features. The CEC demands that HDMI be able to allow command and control of enabled boxed with one remote and that enabled boxes can control one another without user help. Cables must be able to provide support for this, and this release focused on those characteristics.

HDMI 1.3 was released in June of 2006 and brought the bandwidth up to 10GBps. It introduced support for TrueHD and DTS-HD audio streams as well as lossless codecs found on Blu Ray and HD DVD discs. If the media player can not play the audio, the HDMI cables will allow it to do so with ease. In November of 2006, HDMI 1.3a was released to change various components of color and video features.

HDMI can help increase, improve and direct the audio and video quality of your television and monitor. Depending on your set-up, you may want to invest in HDMI cables to create a larger home theater or smart home experience, but when it comes down to it, if you are just watching TV or surfing the Internet, chances are you do not need HDMI to do so. It all depends on what you want to get out of your audio and video electronics and whether or not you are investing in newer television, DVD and home theater technology.

There are many different brands of HDMI cables out there, including high-end Monster Cables and lower-end surplus versions. They can range from affordable to outrageous, and most electronics stores will try and talk you into adding them to your purchases nowadays. Again, it depends on what you want to get out of your audio and video quality that determines whether or not HDMI cables are necessarily the right way to go.

Home theater experts can walk you through setting up and how to make the most of your HDMI connections and cables. They can demo available systems and show you up close and personal the difference between audio and video quality, as well as how much of a difference it will make if you opt not to purchase HDMI cables for your home. Only by checking out what you are missing will you be able to decide if these cables are the way to increase sound, picture and display quality for your set-up.