An HDMI socket is an I/O (input-output) component in modern communications and entertainment equipment. It allows HDMI cables to transmit digital signals from audio-video (A/V) sources to a display device or receiver it’s connected to.
In most modern workplaces and homes, HDMI sockets are used to connect game consoles to projectors, televisions to set-top boxes, computers to display monitors, and more. In fact, HDMI has become a popular and widely used format for transferring A/V signals from source to display.
What Are HDMI and HDMI Sockets?
HDMI is short for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It was developed initially in the early 2000s to improve the functionality and convenience of prevalent standards for transmitting HDTV signals. Before HDMI, these were restricted to component or DVI video. DVI was suitable for utilization in computer monitors, while the component video was complicated as it needed users to route multiple separate cables to transfer both audio and video simultaneously.
HDMI was created to consolidate the multiple cables into a single socket. After intense testing and research, HDMI sockets and cables were introduced as commercially available connectors in 2002. HDMI components began to sell like hotcakes, and today they have become default options for the workplace and home A/V signal transfers. HDMI sockets carry high-quality A/V signals neatly and reliably between wired devices through one robust cable.
Functions Of HDMI Sockets
The function of HDMI sockets is similar to most of the common plug-n-play cable-based socket systems. In fact, HDMI is comparable to USB, but the former is bigger in size. Like most other A/V devices, HDMI sockets have genders and can be female or male depending on the interface side that is needed to support the connection. In keeping with the general standard of cable sockets and plugs, male HDMI sockets are smaller and have a protruding pin section, while female sockets are a bit larger and have a recess.
Apart from these standard male/female traits, a number of HDMI socket layouts, sizes, and types can be bought and used in the UK and other countries.
Use of HDMI Sockets
Generally, HDMI connectors and cables are utilized to transfer concurrent A/V signals from a source to a display or receiver. The advantage is you don’t have to link multiple cable sets or clunky DVI sockets to transfer both signal types simultaneously.
If needed, HDMI sockets can also be utilized solely for either video or audio signals as the technology is backward compatible with older connection formats. This is helpful because you can add a suitable adaptor to allow HDMI sockets and cable to connect hardware devices and gadgets with multiple port types.
Video and Audio Use
HDMI was developed to replace and update the DVI connector format that is still used in many types of computer monitors and other video display products. DVI only supports video output, and HDMI is superior as it can transfer both video and audio signals concurrently. In addition, HDMI is compatible electrically with the DVI interface.
You can buy an HDMI-DVI socket to connect HDMI cables to DVI sockets on old-fashioned hardware and display perfect images on the newest receivers and screens that do not have a DVI port. In the same way, you can use HDMI audio sockets with a suitable adaptor to convey only sounds from devices that have older-type audio component ports.
The Way Forward
Today, HDMI sockets offer multiple options to transfer high bandwidth, high-quality A/V signals between various communications and entertainment equipment. It’s a good idea to consult licensed professionals to obtain recommendations on the ideal electrical systems for use in your home or office.
