Latest news with #HDMI2.0
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I review TVs for a living and most people spend too much on HDMI cables — here's what you really need
I've been testing TVs for over a decade, and in that time, I reckon I've answered more questions from friends and readers about HDMI cables than about TVs themselves. If you search for HDMI cables on Amazon, you might get the impression that the results go on forever. It's no wonder that folks are confused. But I'll let you in on a secret: While there's no shortage of pricey cables, you don't need to spend a lot on these things. I mean, sure, you should avoid cheap, flimsy cables that'll likely need to be replaced in short order, but you shouldn't overspend, either. Here's what you need to know. There are two types of HDMI specifications found on today's TVs: HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1. The latter is a newer spec that allows for better audio support, higher refresh rates and additional gaming enhancements like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Affordable TVs tend to offer HDMI 2.0, while high-end models — including most of the best TVs on the market — are equipped with a full slate of HDMI 2.1-compatible ports. Mid-range TVs often come with both. If you own an entry-level TV, or one from several years ago, there's a very good chance it doesn't support HDMI 2.1. If you're planning on buying (or already own) a mid-range or high-end TV, at least two of its HDMI inputs are likely 2.1-compatible. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Folks in the first group can safely settle for Premium High-Speed HDMI cables. Forget all the jargon, though. Instead, just look for sturdy cables from a reputable brand with the following bandwidth: 18 Gbps. 18 Gbps will support everything your TV has to offer. It supports HDR and allows gamers to enjoy 4K titles at 60Hz (though not 120Hz). It'll work with whatever you've decided is the best streaming device for your living room. It has its limitations, but if you're sticking a small-ish TV in a guest bedroom with nary a soundbar, you'll be fine. These 18-Gbps, High-Speed HDMI cables come in a pack of two for around ten bucks. If you're a casual viewer using an affordable TV that only supports HDMI 2.0 functionality, these are a good place to start. People who own a mid-range or high-end TV — especially those released in recent years — ought to avoid Premium High-Speed HDMI cables limited to 18 Gbps if they want to make the most of their TV's HDMI 2.1's perks. These perks include a host of gaming features (like playing 4K games at 120Hz or above), but there are audio-related perks to consider, too, like eARC support. (You can read more about that in our guide to ARC and eARC.) Folks who find themselves in this group should buy Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables with a bandwidth of 48 Gbps. 48 Gbps is enough to make the most out of a TV's HDMI 2.1-related capabilities. If you bought your TV (or plan on buying one) in part because it supports things like 4K gaming at 120Hz or eARC functionality, just make sure that the cables you pick up are 48 Gbps. These 48-Gbps, Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables from Monoprice are affordable, braided for additional durability and capable of supporting your new TV's A/V- and gaming-related features. Personally, I wouldn't spend more than this on Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables. You will not see a difference in picture quality between a gold-plated cable and a basic cable. Take it from someone who's been drowning in cables for years: You really don't need to get fancy with these things. For home viewers, the advantages of silver-, bronze-, or gold-plated cables are primarily aesthetic. You will not see a difference in picture quality between a gold-plated cable and a basic cable if they're rated for the same features. Now, you might decide that a braided cable feels more sturdy, or you might just appreciate how the look of a more premium cable blends in with the rest of your A/V equipment. If you feel comfortable spending up on these options, by all means, indulge. Just don't expect to get a better picture. When shopping for new HDMI cables, consider the following: cable length, bandwidth and the sturdiness of the materials. Is your TV limited to HDMI 2.0 inputs? Buy 18-Gbps HDMI cables. Does your TV support HDMI 2.1-related features that you'd like to use? Buy 48-Gbps cables. Are you unsure about what HDMI-related features your TV supports? Play it safe and stick to Ultra-High Speed, 48-Gbps HDMI cables. They're not that much more expensive, and in the worst-case scenario, you'll have better, more capable cables to use in the future.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DVIGear's DisplayNet Formula IP Races at InfoComm 2025
Racing Simulator Highlights Power of SDVoE AVoIP Technology ORLANDO, Fla., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DVIGear, a leading manufacturer of digital connectivity products, is bringing its high-performance signal distribution solutions to InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, FL from June 11–13 in Booth 2221. The DisplayNet® AVoIP Formula IP Racing Rig will be racing to beat the clock in SDVoE Alliance Booth 3768. Formula IP Powered by DisplayNet The DisplayNet Formula IP racing simulator underscores the SDVoE Alliance Power of 10+ initiative at InfoComm 2025. The Formula IP Racing Rig will allow convention attendees to experience the power of zero-frame latency, flawless 4K/60p image quality, and high-speed USB extension in a race against the clock, driving one of the fastest production cars ever built. AVoIP Racing to Success At the show, DVIGear will have on display the DisplayNet DN-300T, a fully bi-directional Transceiver that offers simultaneous TX/RX operation, and the DN-300H offers that has switchable Transmitter / Receiver operation with powerful KVM features. The DN-300T is a single unit that can simultaneously send and receive AVoIP data. It also offers dedicated Transmitter and Receiver modes. Both models possess an ultra-compact, low-profile form and provide 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency and zero image artifacts. DN-300 Series units utilize 10 GbE Ethernet over copper or fiber to distribute lossless AV signals, and include Advanced Video Wall, Software-Defined MultiViewer, and KVM functionality. Their compact size allows 4x units to occupy a single 1U of rack space – ideal for high density, limited rack space applications. DisplayNet AVoIP enables system designers to develop and implement highly versatile AV signal distribution systems with robust performance and scalability at a very competitive price. Optical Signal Extension for Professional Applications At InfoComm, DVIGear will show its broad range of professional-grade optical extenders. The compact, robust DVI-7318 4K HDMI Fiber Optic Extender supports HDMI 2.0 source signals, offers EDID support, and provides fully uncompressed optical extension using a single strand of Multi-Mode optical fiber at distances of up to 300 meters (984 ft.). The DVI-7346 12G-SDI Fiber Optic Extender is an ultra-compact fiber optic extender that supports SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI signal extension over a single strand of Single-Mode optical fiber at distances up to 6.2 miles (~10 km). The DVI-7365 is a 4K HDMI Multiport Optical Extender designed to meet and exceed even the most demanding system requirements. It supports HDMI 2.0 source signals, plus a wide array of signal types, and has a maximum range of up to 3.0 kilometers (1.86 miles), supporting data rates up to 18Gbps. The DVI-7380 is a DisplayPort Optical Extender engineered to surpass the most rigorous system requirements. It supports all DisplayPort 1.4 resolutions with data rates up to 8.1Gbps (HBR3). Further it supports numerous ancillary signal types and has a maximum range of up to 8.0 kilometers (~ 5 miles). All DVIGear fiber optic extenders are designed for high performance and are available at value-driven price points. These features make them ideal solutions for high resolution signal extension over long cable distances in even the most demanding broadcast, production, and live events environments. DVIGear's HyperLight® Active Optical Cables deliver unmatched resolution, performance, and value. Lightweight, flexible, robust, and durable, these TAA-compliant, plenum-rated cables support uncompressed HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort signals with resolutions up to 8K, in lengths up to 100 meters. No external power source is required. A range of detachable connectors provides added flexibility, especially for installations in tight spaces. Their high level of immunity to RFI / EMI fields, MTBF of greater than 150,000 hours, and flawless performance make HyperLight AOCs the ideal solution for mission-critical applications. About DVIGear Founded in 1999, DVIGear is a leading supplier of Digital Connectivity Solutions for a wide range of professional display applications. Located in Marietta, Georgia, USA, DVIGear offers an extensive portfolio of high-performance digital video distribution products, including: DisplayNet® AV-over-IP distribution systems, HyperLight® active optical cables, Copper cables, Switchers, Extenders, Converters, Scalers, and MultiViewers. For more information, visit and Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook. DVIGear, Inc. is the owner of numerous trademarks, both registered and unregistered, including without limitation, the following marks: DVIGEAR®, DISPLAYNET®, DISPLAYNET SERVER®, DISPLAYNET MANAGER®, N/AV Design®, HYPERLIGHT® and WILDCAT®. The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. SDVoE is a registered trademark of the SDVoE Alliance and used under license. All other third-party trademarks used herein are the properties of their respective owners. © 2025 DVIGear, Inc. DVIGear Logo • DisplayNet Logo • DN-300H • DN-300T • Formula IP AVoIP • Racing to Win View original content: SOURCE DVIGear Sign in to access your portfolio
Tom's Guide
02-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Score! This 34-inch ultrawide curved gaming monitor is only $299 at Best Buy right now
Gaming on an ultrawide curved gaming monitor usually doesn't come cheap, or so I thought until I spotted this 34-inch Acer Nitro display that's now under $300. Right now, this Acer Nitro ED340CU gaming monitor is down to just $299 at Best Buy, which is $150 off. That makes it one of the cheapest curved ultrawide displays I've seen It cuts some corners, but with its QHD (3440 x 1440) resolution), 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response rate, this screen is a fantastic way to upgrade your PC setup without emptying your wallet. This Acer Nitro ultrawide curved gaming monitor presents a lot of value for those after the wide-screen experience, especially now that it's down to under $300. Expect a 34-inch QHD (3440 x 1440) LCD display with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. There's AMD FreeSync Premium to keep screen-tearing at bay, too. For PC games or a multi-window setup for work, this is a great shout, but note that it only supports HDMI 2.0. You'll find even the best gaming monitors with a curve and a wide screen will set you back closer to $1,000 or beyond, making this deal a steal. So, if you're looking to give your PC game of choice the big-screen treatment or need more space for windows while you work, this Acer Nitro curved ultrawide gaming monitor is a good shout. Some of our favorite ultrawide gaming monitors, including the LG UltraGear 45GR75DC ($899), Alienware AW3425DW ($799) and LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B ($1,999), can be pricey investments. But an ultrawide for under $300? That's why this Acer Nitro ED340CU stands out. Don't expect many premium display features here, such as an OLED panel, a 240Hz refresh rate, sub-1ms response rates or HDMI 2.1 (you'll get 2x HDMI 20 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4). However, for you'd be hard-pressed to find a sizeable 34-inch ultrawide offering commendable specs for $299, whether it be for PC gaming or boosting productivity with more screen space. With its 3440 x 1440 resolution, 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response rates, this display is made for stunning graphics in narrative-driven singleplayer titles and fast-paced multiplayer matches alike that many casual gamers will enjoy. Its AMD FreeSync Premium support also deliver flicker- and tear-free action. Plus, it doesn't hurt that its 21:9 aspect ratio offers plenty of screen real estate, too. If the price of an ultrawide has turned you away from wide-screen glory, this Acer Nitro curved ultrawide makes for an affordable alternative. We've seen plenty of benefits when ditching a dual-monitor setup for a curved ultrawide monitor. So, have the space and looking to upgrade your PC setup for a lot less than your tytpical curved ultrawide display? You'll want to keep this Acer Nitro ED340CU gaming monitor on your radar — especially now that it's down to just $299. After even more epic deals? Amazon's massive sale is here to deliver some brilliant discounts.
Evening Standard
01-06-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Best multi-screen monitors for productivity and gaming
Best for: Productivity perfection and curves to boot Having recently unboxed, assembled (very simple, by the way) and hoisted this impressively sculpted offering from Philips, I can confirm that the new 34B2U3600C is an absolute beast. Tiltable and coming complete with a height adjustable – what I'm going to call – slider stand, it's at moments like that in a reviewer's life that they question the adequacy of the size of their desk. Subtitled the 'Curved Business Monitor', it's most definitely curved, to a perfect 1500R degree to allow for a more immersive experience and ease of multimedia viewing, and it also most definitely means business, with a 34-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio VA LCD that comes packing a resolution of a razor sharp WQHD (3440 x 1440-pixels), married to a contrast ratio of 3500:1, a brightness of an illuminating 300cd/m2, response time of 4ms, and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. A spectacular set of specs, without a doubt, that mean this 'beast' can let you multiscreen your way through work and then instantly relieve any stresses of the corporate day in some online arena of savage combat or, should you be so inclined, behind the wheel of a classic 1987 Toyota Corolla Levin GT-Apex in Tokyo Xtreme Racing. As briefly mentioned above, the Philips is a breeze to put together, featuring a screw-on stand base that takes mere seconds to secure to the arm, which then simply clicks securely into the back of the monitor – less than a minute, door-to-door. From that point on you can change the height of the monitor through 180mm, swivel through -/+180-degrees, and tilt through -5/30-degrees to achieve the absolute Goldilocks Zone of computing comfort. Capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously with 'MultiView', once hooked up you can opt to go PIP (Picture-in-Picture) or PBP (Picture-by-Picture), the latter option splitting the display down the middle to act as two separate screens. Connection-wise, the Philips is an embarrassment of options, racking up 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (90W, DP Alt), 4x USB data ports, 1x 3.5mm audio output and 1x Ethernet RJ45 connection, so everything you could need is amply provided, while a built-in a Smart KVM switch lets you flip between sources with a simple click and utilise a single keyboard and mouse. Finally, for the eyes there's 'Flicker-free tech', 'Low Blue Light', and 'Light Sensor', and for the ears there's 2x 5W speakers, so that's every multiscreen box well and truly ticked, making the Philips 34B2U3600C the absolute full-package at a price that seems far too reasonable for such a full spectrum of specs.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Nintendo says your old Switch HDMI cable "isn't compatible" with the Switch 2, but I'd argue that's not strictly true or helpful
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Soon, the Nintendo Switch 2 will officially arrive to replace the OG system on TV benches. Whether you deal with your own setup or have a parent who holds dominion over the living room, you'll no doubt have to do a bit of re-wiring to ensure the console can reach its true visual potential. To help with this, Nintendo has offered up accessory compatibility advice that covers HDMI cable support, but its guidance isn't entirely correct. Over at Ninty's "Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Accessory Compatibility" page, the company says the old console's HDMI cable is "not compatible" with the new gaming handheld. While there's a left-hand box that's meant to clarify things, the extra information instead only states that you should only use the wire that comes with the latest system to "maximize performance." The reason I'm all hot and bothered by this advice is that the old cable will still actually work with Switch 2. Therefore, it's not strictly incompatible, but since it boasts older HDMI 1.4 specifications, using it will come with caveats. Namely, the dock will only be able to output 4K 30Hz max, whereas newer 2.0 and 2.1 standards can hit 4K 60Hz and up. Simply put, you'll notice things feel a bit less slick on UHD displays using the old cable since the handheld will only run at 30 frames per second in docked mode. So, why does any of this matter? Well, forgive me for being a nerd, but I'm already picturing a scenario where some players or their unaware parents plug the old Switch HDMI cable hanging out of their gaming TV into the new dock for convenience, spot that it's technically working just fine, then call it a day. Nintendo's current advice doesn't point out that doing that will mean not taking advantage of higher frame rates and instead suggests that it won't work at all. Ideally, Nintendo will include some sort of software solution that will alert players if they've got anything older than HDMI 2.0 plugged into the Switch 2 dock. That way, they won't think they've actually got the right wire just because the console is showing up on their screen in 4K. But, at the very least, Ninty could clarify this on the accessory compatibility page so that if anyone does read it and is using the OG Switch cords, they can rectify the situation. To complicate things further, an alternative accessory compatibility page specifically says you should use the Switch 2 "Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable" that's included in the box. That terminology is typically used to refer to faster HDMI 2.1 cables, but the one you'll be getting with the handheld will be HDMI 2.0 since the system won't be hitting 4K 120Hz like the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Using this specific term could come with cost implications if future Switch 2 owners need to replace the HDMI cable that came with the system. I'm willing to bet that most people have HDMI 2.0 cables hiding in their house, and they'll provide the handheld with everything it needs to hit 4K 60fps. However, if you look up "Ultra High Speed" options online, some players could end up thinking they need something with 2.1 support. I'll be diving into Switch 2 setup best practices and offering up plenty of advice once I get my hands on the handheld. But, for now, here's a TLDR when it comes to connecting it to a TV. By default, you should use the HDMI cable that comes with the console since it boasts the right specifications. The old Switch cable is indeed compatible, but you won't be able to match the system's 60fps output with the right refresh rate to fully enjoy the faster speeds. Those of you with an older TV or even a 1080p or 1440p gaming monitor will be able to use the original Switch HDMI cable without a hitch, especially since games like Metroid Prime 4 support 120Hz at full HD. I'd still recommend using the new one, but if you plan on using your handheld on more than one external screen, it could save you purchasing additional wires. At the same time, those of you who need an extra wire won't need to opt for potentially more expensive HDMI 2.1 options, which in turn means you likely have a cable that's 4K 60Hz compatible already lying around your abode. Oh, and if you're hunting for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders today, don't add any HDMI cables to your cart with the handheld. Retailers have a habit of trying to get customers to buy extra accessories with every purchase, and since everything you need to get hooked up to a TV is in the box, there's zero need to pick up additional wires. Prepping for Ninty's handheld? Take a peek at upcoming Switch 2 games and Switch 2 backwards compatibility for a complete list of adventures for the system. You'll also want to peek at our Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck rundown if you're still trying to decide between the two.
