Understanding HDMI vs Ethernet vs. HDMI with Ethernet: The Guide
HDMI and Ethernet are two data transmission cables that cannot be more different. HDMI transmits audio and video signals, while ethernet cables transmit regular data. However, there is HDMI with Ethernet, a cable combining both features for multimedia purposes. Read this blog to learn the difference between those cables.
What is an HDMI Cable?
HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a cable designed for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals between multimedia devices, such as TVs, monitors, gaming consoles, and computers. It is a standard cable for connecting two multimedia AV devices.
Applications of HDMI cables
HDMI cables are used for gaming, transferring video content from your laptop to TV, or connecting streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to a second screen or projector.
HDMI cable specifically transfers uncompressed audio and video data signals. It does not transfer any other data beyond uncompressed audio and video signals.
Types of HDMI Cables
Current generations of HDMI are HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1. Generations before HDMI 1.4 are considered legacy generations now. Each of the current generations is an improvement in bandwidth and features. HDMI 2.1, the latest generation of HDMI cable, supports 4K resolution at 120 frames/per sec and 8k resolution at 60 frames per/sec.
What is an Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cable is a network cable Connecting devices in a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) for data communication (including computers, servers, routers, and other networking devices).
Ethernet cables provide wired internet connection to various devices through your home network. These cables connect a modem or router to an internet port or a telephone line.
Ethernet cables generally transfer data, with the help of specially designed protocols, with a speed range between 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps depending on the particular type of cable.
You can read more details about various types of ethernet cables in this blog. Common types include Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, and Cat8.
What is HDMI with Ethernet?
HDMI with Ethernet, or HDMI-over-Ethernet, is the cable that combines the functionalities of HDMI and Ethernet, enabling audio and video transmission and data communication at once. It is an HDMI cable with Ethernet properties included. The cable is capable of transferring both uncompressed audio and video data and Ethernet data packets at once. Thus, it supports audio, video, and data signals.
The point of HDMI with Ethernet is to reduce the need for extra cables when using home multimedia devices so that your smart TV, home theaters, and gaming consoles would not need both Ethernet and HDMI.
HDMI-over-Ethernet cable was first introduced with HDMI 1.4.
Depending on speed and bandwidth, there are three variations of HDMI with Ethernet:
- Standard with Ethernet
- High-speed with Ethernet
- Ultra-high-speed with Ethernet
HDMI-over-Ethernet and HEC
! Note that to use HDMI with Ethernet cable, both devices must support HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) functionality! These devices have special HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled ports.
HDMI with Ethernet are very popular today and are sold more often than standard HDMI cables. However, HEC-compatible devices, including TVs, AV receivers, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players, are still in the minority. Compatibility with HEC is usually described in a device manual.
Can I Use HDMI instead of Ethernet?
HDMI and Ethernet are very different cables though they both operate in communication and multimedia. They cannot be used in place of one another, as HDMI is not a networking cable, and Ethernet cables do not support video signal transmission and audio signal transmission. For the instances when you want to use HDMI instead of Ethernet cable or vice versa, the best decision is just to choose HDMI-over-Ethernet cable.
HDMI cables with and without Ethernet are available at NNC.
