How to Choose an HDMI Cable | Must-See for PS5 switch2 Users

The number of HDMI cable types available is vast, and many people may be wondering, “Which one should I choose?”
This article will thoroughly explain how to choose the best HDMI cable for your devices.

By reading this article to the end, you will be able to find the perfect HDMI cable for your AV environment without sacrificing picture or sound quality.

The deciding factor in choosing an HDMI cable without fail

The most important point when choosing an HDMI cable without fail is to choose a cable that matches the performance of the devices you are using.
Especially for high-performance devices such as the Sony PlayStation 5, the next-generation game console switch2, and the latest 4K/8K TVs, an appropriate HDMI cable is essential to maximize their capabilities.
This article will deliver information that will help you choose the best HDMI cable for your devices without hesitation. By understanding the points explained in this article, you can build a comfortable AV environment without sacrificing picture and sound quality.

To maximize the performance of the PS5 and switch2

An HDMI cable is a digital communication standard for transmitting video and audio signals with a single cable.
It is equipped with many AV devices today, such as PCs, TVs, Blu-ray recorders, and game consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 and the next-generation switch2.
Even if you have these high-performance devices, you may not be able to fully utilize their capabilities if you use an HDMI cable that does not support them.

For example, if you connect the latest game console that supports 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate to an older standard HDMI cable, the cable may not be able to display 4K/120Hz due to insufficient performance.
To enjoy the latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) and high-quality surround sound supported by the latest TVs, it is important to choose a cable that matches the corresponding functions of your devices.

Standard	Maximum Supported Resolution/Refresh Rate	Features
Ultra High Speed	4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz	Dynamic HDR, VRR, eARC
Premium High Speed	4K/60Hz	Static HDR
High Speed	4K/30Hz, Full HD/144Hz	Ethernet, ARC
Standard	Full HD/60Hz	Basic functions

Therefore, to fully enjoy the beautiful images, smooth motion, and immersive sound of your Sony PlayStation 5, switch2, and other high-performance devices, it is essential to choose an HDMI cable that matches the specifications of those devices. Choosing the right cable will dramatically improve your AV experience.

Key points to keep in mind when choosing the ideal HDMI cable

Even if you have high-performance AV devices and game consoles, you cannot fully utilize their capabilities if the cable does not support them.
This article will thoroughly explain the key points to maximize the performance of your devices, which is the most important thing when choosing an HDMI cable.

Checking the performance of connected devices

First, you need to check how much video and audio your devices (TVs, game consoles, PCs, Blu-ray recorders, etc.) support.

Knowing the “maximum performance supported” by your devices is the starting point for choosing the optimal HDMI cable. Be sure to check the supported resolution (e.g., 4K, 8K) and refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz, 120Hz) of your devices.

In addition, whether or not the cable supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is also an important checkpoint. These features are necessary to achieve more vibrant and realistic images and high-quality surround sound. If you have high-performance devices, a cable that supports those features is essential.

Choosing a cable that can support the performance of your devices, or even exceed it, is the first step to avoiding a failed cable selection.

HDMI connector types

The next thing to check when choosing an HDMI cable is the “shape” of the connector that matches the terminals of the devices you want to connect. There are several types of HDMI connectors, and the shape varies depending on the device. If the shape does not match, you will not be able to plug in the cable.

The most widely used is the “Type A” standard HDMI connector. It is commonly used in TVs, many PCs, game consoles, and Blu-ray recorders. On the other hand, “Type C (mini HDMI)” which is slightly smaller than Type A, is sometimes used in video cameras and some compact laptops. Even smaller, “Type D (micro HDMI)” is used in smartphones and digital cameras.

Confirm the shape of the HDMI terminal of the device you are connecting and choose a cable with the same type of connector.

HDMI versions

The HDMI standard has been updated over time. The higher the version, the more information can be transmitted at high speed, and the resolution, refresh rate, and available features are improved. Currently, it is prohibited to display the HDMI version number on products, but its performance is indicated by the “standard name” on the cable packaging and specifications.

Standard	Main Supported Resolution/Refresh Rate
Ultra High Speed	4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz
Premium High Speed	4K/60Hz
High Speed	4K/30Hz, Full HD/120Hz
Standard	Up to Full HD (1080i/720p)

Be sure to confirm the performance required by your devices and choose a cable that meets or exceeds those specifications. This is the key to achieving high-quality, high-sound.

Appropriate cable length

Choosing the right length of HDMI cable is very important, not just whether it reaches the distance between devices, but also how it affects the stability of the signal. A cable that is too short is obviously unusable, but a cable that is too long can also cause several problems. First, if it is too long, the wiring becomes complicated, and it can also get in the way of cleaning.

If the length exceeds 5m, the impact will be more noticeable, so we recommend using an active type HDMI cable (with built-in image adjustment equalizer) or a fiber optic HDMI cable.

Active type HDMI cables can adjust the signal strength, allowing you to maintain signal quality even over distances of 10m or more.

Fiber optic HDMI cables can transmit efficiently with less signal attenuation over long distances.

To enjoy the beautiful images, smooth motion, and immersive sound of your devices to the fullest, it is essential to choose a cable with the appropriate length.

Cable thickness and ease of handling

When choosing an HDMI cable, the thickness and flexibility of the cable itself are surprisingly important factors. Generally, the thicker the cable, the better the internal signal wires are protected, the more resistant it is to noise, and the higher the signal stability. A thicker cable is more likely to provide a more stable connection, especially for long cables or signals with high demands (high resolution and high refresh rate).

Feature	Advantages	Disadvantages
Thick cable	High signal stability, less likely to break	Stiff and difficult to handle, bulky
Thin cable	Flexible and easy to handle, neat wiring	Signal may be unstable for long distances or high loads
Flat cable	Thin and easy to run along walls, good appearance	May have restrictions on bending direction

Consider the space available at the installation location and the layout of the wiring, and choose a cable with the optimal thickness and shape to create a comfortable connection environment that is also aesthetically pleasing.

Knowledge of useful functions

HDMI cables not only transmit video and audio, but also have several useful features. Knowing these features can further improve the usability of your devices.

Function	Overview
HEC	Share internet connection via HDMI cable
ARC/eARC	Transmit TV audio to soundbars or amps (eARC supports high-quality audio formats)
CEC	Link operation between HDMI-connected devices (e.g., operate recorder with TV remote)

Check in advance whether these features are necessary and choose a cable that supports them to simplify device linking and wiring and create a comfortable viewing environment.

Points to note before purchasing

It is not wise to choose an HDMI cable based solely on price. A more expensive cable is not necessarily the best, but extremely cheap cables or products of unknown origin may not perform as advertised or may have low durability.

Especially when using it in a demanding environment such as high resolution or high refresh rate, a low-quality cable may cause signal instability.

Point	Details
Don’t base it on price alone	Extremely cheap products may also have unstable performance and quality
Choose a reliable manufacturer	Manufacturers with a track record tend to have strict quality control
Check for official certification	Certification marks guarantee that the specified performance is met (especially important for the latest standards and long distances)

To fully utilize the performance of your devices, choose a cable carefully and select a product from a reliable manufacturer.

Official Certification Programs for Peace of Mind

There are official certification programs for HDMI cables, such as the “Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program” and the “Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Certification Program,” established by the organization that manages the HDMI standard. These programs strictly test to confirm that the cable meets specific performance criteria and only allow the use of the certification logo on qualified products.

These certified cables have a dedicated certification logo, and you can scan it with a smartphone to confirm its authenticity.

Advantages	Details
Performance guarantee	Specified resolution, refresh rate, and bandwidth are guaranteed to be met
Quality reliability	Strictly tested and expected to have high signal stability and noise resistance
Peace of mind	A reliable indicator for choosing from a vast number of products
Counterfeit measures	Authenticity can be verified by scanning the certification logo

Especially for those of you who are confused by the many types of HDMI cables, this official certification logo is a very reliable indicator of quality. If you are unsure, we recommend choosing a cable with the certification logo for the standard you want to support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the HDMI cable have a lifespan? When should I replace it?

HDMI cables generally do not have a lifespan unless they are physically damaged. However, if the cable is repeatedly plugged and unplugged or bent, it may cause the internal wires to break or come loose. Image or sound instability, or the inability to display images, may be caused by cable degradation.

Is it okay to use the latest high-standard HDMI cable with an older device?

The latest high-speed HDMI cables are generally compatible with older devices. HDMI has backward compatibility, so the connection should work. However, the resolution, refresh rate, and features you can use will be limited by the performance of the connected device. The old device cannot display high-quality images or sound that it does not support.

Why do long HDMI cables have a “direction”? How can I tell which way is which?

Some long HDMI cables (5m or more) contain an IC chip to stabilize or amplify the signal. These are often active type or fiber optic HDMI cables. These cables have a fixed direction for sending signals, and if you connect them in the wrong direction, they will not work properly. The connector part of the cable has a mark or indication such as “Source” (output source, game console, PC, etc.) and “Display” (display destination, TV, monitor, etc.), so check and connect it correctly.

Is it okay if the price is different even for HDMI cables with the same standard?

Even if they meet the same standard such as “Ultra High Speed,” the price difference is due to differences in the materials used, the structure, noise countermeasures, and whether or not they have official certification. High-quality materials and thorough shielding are more likely to provide stable signals, especially for high-bandwidth signals and long cables.

Are there any precautions when using an HDMI switch or extender?

Using an HDMI switch or extender may cause image or sound degradation or signal instability due to the increased signal path. Especially when connecting a PS5, the latest game console, or a 4K/120Hz, be sure to use a switch or extender that supports the latest standards (e.g., HDMI 2.1). Also, some high-performance switches and extenders require an external power supply for stable operation, so be sure to check the product specifications.

What should I be careful about when plugging and unplugging HDMI cables?

When plugging and unplugging HDMI cables, be sure to turn off the connected device (TV, game console, monitor, etc.) first. If you plug or unplug the cable while the power is on, it may damage the terminal, damage the device, or cause a malfunction. Also, hold the connector part, not the cable part, and plug or unplug it carefully and straight.

Thank you for reading this article to the end!

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