Are All fiber optic HDMI Cables the Same?
HDMI cable standards
- 1.4 is 10Gbps and for 1080p or lower – not for 4K.
- ‘High Speed’ can be pushed to 4K@30Hz with lossy compression. If you want to play Blu-Ray or Dolby Atmos content, forget these.
- 2.0 Premium High Speed’ 18Gbps for 4K@60Hz – supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with some compression, a good all-rounder
- 2.1 ‘Ultra-High-Speed’ 48Gbps, 4K@120Hz and 8K with no compression. Backwards compatible and what you should buy.
- 2.1a yet to be ratified
HDMI 2.1 Features
HDMI 2.1 Feature | Benefit |
Increased Bandwidth | Adds support for 4K, 5K, 8K, 10K resolutions at 120 Hz. |
Auto Low Latency Mode | Enables ideal latency setting to be set automatically. Allows smooth lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. |
Dynamic HDR | Lets a display alter the HDR metadata on a scene by scene or frame by frame basis. |
Variable Refresh Rate | Eliminates stuttering and frame tearing in games. |
Enhanced Audio Return Channel | Improves support of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio standards. |
Quick Media Switching | Decreases the delay when switching video sources. |
Quick Frame Transport | Reduces latency for smoother gaming without lag and real-time interactive VR. |
Qualities of HDMI Cables
HDMI cable for 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos or more
- FRL (Fixed Rate Link) is a signalling technology supported only in HDMI 2.1. It is necessary to achieve higher uncompressed resolutions such as those above 4K@60Hz and the ultra-high-speed bandwidths up to 48Gbps.
- Enhanced gaming features ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) reduces or eliminates lag, stutter and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows the ideal latency setting for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming and real-time interactive virtual reality.
- Quick Media Switching (QMS) for movies and video eliminates the delay resulting in blank screens before content shows.
- HDMI Cable Power enables active HDMI Cables to get power from the HDMI Connector without attaching a separate power cable. This makes connecting and using active HDMI Cables as easy as passive wired HDMI Cables.
Which HDMI cable type should I use?
Since HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with older HDMI versions, it's best to buy an HDMI 2.1 cable for the future. You'll be sure to get the most out of your monitor without worrying about which one to buy. Devices that support eARC also require HDMI 2.1 to provide better audio for sound bars and audio receivers. If you want to make it easier, here are my recommended fiber hdmi HDMI 2.1 cables.
8k HDMI Fiber Optic Cable Application
Pure Fiber Ultra High Speed 48Gbps 8K 60Hz HDMI 2.1 Optical Cable
Pure Fiber Ultra High Speed 48Gbps 8K60 HDMI 2.1 Armored Fiber Optical Cable
DisplayPort 1.4 Application
8K DisplayPort 1.4 over Pure Fiber MPO OM3 Fiber Optical Cable
Armored Fiber 8K DisplayPort 1.4 over Pure Fiber MPO OM3 Fiber Optical Cable