HDMI 1.4 v HDMI 1.3

LFC5Times

Hi,

I am aware that the rule of thumb is that there is no difference between a HDMI cable for €5 and one for €100.

However I am just wondering what, if any, is the difference between a 1.4 and a 1.3 HDMI cable?

I was just looking at HDMI on Wikipedia (Yes i know people can edit it ) and this paragraph in particular gave me the impression that there is a difference.

From what it says below, if you have a TV which would be 1080p you would be better off with a high speed HDMI cable over a standard HDMI cable which I'm taking the high speed cable to be the 1.4 HDMI cable.

HDMI 1.3 defines two cable categories: Category 1-certified cables, which have been tested at 74.5 MHz (which would include resolutions such as 720p60 and 1080i60), and Category 2-certified cables, which have been tested at 340 MHz (which would include resolutions such as 1080p60 and 2160p30).[55][59][60] Category 1 HDMI cables are to be marketed as "Standard" and Category 2 HDMI cables as "High Speed".[1] This labeling guideline for HDMI cables went into effect on October 17, 2008.

Many HDMI cables under 5 meters of length that were made before the HDMI 1.3 specification can work as Category 2 cables, but only Category 2-tested cables are guaranteed to work.[63]

As of the HDMI 1.4 specification, there are the following cable types defined for HDMI in general:[64][65]

Standard HDMI Cable - up to 1080i and 720p
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
Automotive HDMI Cable
High Speed HDMI Cable - 1080p, 4K, 3D and Deep Color
High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet

ZENER

I paid 9.99 for a 1 meter HDMI cable in Harvey Normans to connect my PS3 to my Samsung HD TV and I can use 1080p no problem !! As it says in the article you quoted:

Many HDMI cables under 5 meters of length that were made before the HDMI 1.3 specification can work as Category 2 cables, but only Category 2-tested cables are guaranteed to work.[63]

It's probably going to be hit and miss but worth a try !! Unless you plan to use it for a 1080p 3D or 4K picture then probably best to cough up the extra for the higher grade cable.

As for Wikipedia, generally it's well maintained but for a more accurate description best to go to this site

Ken

Mountjoy Mugger

The main difference is 1.4 has some support for 3D as far as I know.

andy1249

However I am just wondering what, if any, is the difference between a 1.4 and a 1.3 HDMI cable?

There is no such thing as a HDMI 1.4 cable , or 1.3 cable , or 1.x cable.

Those numbers refer only to the device electronics and what features those electronics are capable of.
They do not apply to cables.

Cables can be Category 1 , standard speed , or Category 2 , high speed , and this is the result of a data throughput test.

The major new feature of HDMI 1.4 electronics is 3D.
3D on Blu ray is 1920 x 1080p x 24hz x 2 or a single 2D 1080p picture for each eye.

As such it is exactly the same in terms of data throughput as a 2D 1920 x 1080p x 50hz ( its actually slightly less ) and this format is not uncommon on some blu rays where the source was Television material.

So , 3d requires no more bandwidth than some 2D material out there , and you do not need to change cables for it.

Cable sellers are the most dishonest section of this whole industry , they have consistently mis-informed in the case of HDMI in order to sell people overpriced cables they do not need.

If you already have cables you do not need new ones for 3D , the ones you have will do.