HDMI cable quality for short connections

[Alpha]

Do higher-end HDMI cables provide any real advantage for short connections between devices?

[machinist]

For short cable runs, premium HDMI cables generally don't offer any meaningful advantage over standard ones. HDMI is a digital signal, so it either works or it doesn't. There's no "better quality" in between like there might be with analog connections.

As long as a cable meets the HDMI specification needed (like HDMI 2.1 for higher refresh rates or 8K support), a budget-friendly option will perform identically to an expensive one for typical short distances. The signal is essentially a stream of 1s and 0s, and a cheaper cable transmits those just as accurately as a gold-plated premium model.

Where cable quality starts to matter is with longer runs, where signal degradation becomes more likely. Better shielding and build quality can help maintain signal integrity over distance. Premium cables might also offer more durable construction, better strain relief, or more robust connectors that last longer with frequent plugging and unplugging.

The HDMI certification matters more than the price tag. Looking for "Certified Premium High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" labels ensures the cable has been tested to meet the required specifications. Beyond that certification, spending extra money on short cables is mostly paying for branding, fancy packaging, or aesthetics rather than actual performance improvements.

[Alpha]

Does any of this change with HDR or Dolby Vision, or is it the same deal?

[machinist]

The situation is largely the same with HDR or Dolby Vision. These formats increase the amount of data transmitted over HDMI, but as long as the cable meets the required specification for the devices and content, a standard, budget-friendly cable will handle the signal just as well as a premium model for short runs.

For most 4K HDR content on Blu-ray discs or streaming (typically 24, 25, or 30 frames per second), a High Speed HDMI cable supporting at least 10.2 Gbps is sufficient. For optimal transmission of HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or Dolby Vision, a Premium High Speed HDMI cable supporting 18 Gbps bandwidth (HDMI 2.0) is recommended. HDMI 2.1 cables, supporting up to 48 Gbps, are needed for higher frame rate content such as 4K at 60 fps with HDR or 4K at 120 fps.

Over short distances, signal degradation is unlikely, so extra cost does not improve picture quality. Higher-end cables may still offer advantages in durability, shielding, or connector strength, but the digital signal itself will transmit the same information whether using a basic or premium cable.