How to Select the Best Cables to get the most value from Your Television

To connect a laptop or a console to a TV or monitor, an extension cable is required. But, sometimes establishing the connection is more complex than it should be.

You need to have different standards of connection to deal with – all with their own unique ports and shapes. Still, you also have different versions of these standards to consider. Selecting the wrong one can result in a picture that could be more professional and, in the worst-case scenario, no image.

With a little bit of research, you can make sure you have the right cables to connect your monitor or TV to your devices of choice. Besides, you’ll understand what’s possible with the technology used to display your screen. You can also look at companies like Pooja Electronics. All you have to do is to send a picture of your devices’ ports or old cable ends/cable requirements and they will send you the link to order the compatible cable.

Check your specifications

Connecting devices to display is an equation of three entities: You’ve obtained the device (i.e., the laptop or console), the screen (i.e., the monitor or TV), and the cable connecting the two. To take advantage of all the features of a specific standard for connection, the three links in this chain must be able to support it.

Let us begin by researching the specifications of your primary device, such as the PlayStation 5 or a Mac Mini. A quick search on the internet or a careful review of the instruction manual should provide you with the display standards the device can work with. This is the first step in knowing what cables to buy. Then the next step is to find out how to buy cables online.

Besides, you should pay attention to your monitor or TV. You’ll discover that you have more flexibility; you may have a variety of displays in your home that you can select from or are contemplating upgrading, giving you a chance to buy one with specific specifications. Find your monitor’s model name and number on the internet, and you should be able to determine its compatible standards. The majority of TVs and monitors offer many options, and you’ll only need one of them to match the primary gadget.

What should you learn about HDMI connection standards?

High-Definition Multimedia Interface, commonly called HDMI, is a well-known plug with a slightly larger top than the bottom. It’s a standard that’s been used for years, particularly for set-top boxes and TVs; yet, because the port occupies lots of space, it’s becoming less frequent because laptops are becoming smaller and lighter. HDMI is one the best TV connectors in the market.

The most recent version at the time of this writing is HDMI 2.1, which brings its ability to process 10K resolution video with 120 frames per second. If you activate HDR (which keeps the dark and light areas of the frame in balance), it will allow you to view a 4K picture at 120 fps or an 8K image at 60 frames per second. The latest HDMI version can transmit 48 Gigabits per second to your monitor or television. Compare that with the previous version of the standard HDMI 2.0b, which had a Dynamic HDR-enabled resolution drops to the most of 4K at 60 frames per second.

Suppose the primary device, TV, and monitor are compatible with HDMI 2.1, and you are looking for those top specifications. In that case, you’ll need a cable that supports it. The older lines will work, but they don’t offer the full resolutions and rates of refresh. Check for HDMI 2.1 and “Ultra High Speed” labels on the packaging since they signify support for complete 48 Gbps speeds. If a cable doesn’t tout its HDMI 2.1-ness, then it’s using an older version. But, if you’re looking to be sure that it is, a quick internet search of the cable’s manufacturer and model should give you the information to be certain.

What should you be aware of about the DisplayPort connection standard?

DisplayPort isn’t as widespread as HDMI, but it’s used in Windows and macOS computers. While the standard is upgraded to version 2.1 and 2.1, at the moment of this writing, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a product compatible with DisplayPort 1.4 or 1.4a since the demand for improvements is lower. Many companies are staying with older technology. Using DisplayPort 1.4a, you can display resolutions as high as 8K at 60 frames per second and 4K at 120 frames per second.

Fortunately, picking the right DisplayPort cable is fairly simple–you need to look for 1.4 or 1.4a support on the packaging or listing. There are some DisplayPort 2.0 cables available on the market. Yet, it’s unlikely to find the right hardware to connect them to, and there’s no reason to purchase one compatible with the most recent standard unless you plan to use it for the year to come.

It is important to look for the VESA label on the box, which indicates that the cable is certified by the Video Electronics Standards Association. This group handles developing the DisplayPort specification. It doesn’t mean lines without this badge will not work. Still, it’s a sign of quality that can assist you.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that USB-C, as well as Thunderbolt cables, are compatible with DisplayPort technology, too. This is the reason why some lists of specs need to be clarified.

What should you be aware of about the Thunderbolt connection standard?

Thunderbolt, the most recent version of Thunderbolt 4, is another display standard in the computing world. It has 40 Gbps of data transfer speed and can drive only one but two displays in 4K at 60 frames per second with HDR. It works with daisy chain technology, which means you can connect one display to your laptop, for instance, and then connect a different monitor to the first.

Using DisplayPort 2.0 technology, Thunderbolt 4 transmits data and video. Physically, it’s an inferior version of the DisplayPort connector or the USB-C standard that is well-known. This can create confusion as you won’t be able to discern the distinction between Thunderbolt 4 and standard USB-C ports and cables simply by taking a look. To ensure that you know that you’re dealing with the correct one, you’ll need to go through the specs on the product to find any mention of Thunderbolt technology. An instance is the Apple website for the MacBook Pro, where they mention Thunderbolt 4 among the device’s specifications.

The same is true when looking for cables since you’ll also have to search for a mention of Thunderbolt 4. USB-C is always the connector for your line. In that case, you can buy a cable with USB-C at one end and DisplayPort at the other end for your monitor.

What should you be aware of about the USB-C standard for connection?

Most laptops have USB-C ports, and you’ll need the right cable to output video.

However, it’s essential to be aware that USB-C is not a standard for video transmissions such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or DisplayPort, but rather a connector system. It refers to the connectors and ports on devices and cables, not their transfer capabilities.

Many monitors are now equipped with USB-C ports. Verify your display’s specifications to see if it supports DisplayPort, HDMI, or Thunderbolt. Cables need to be compatible with the same video standard as the main device and monitor you use. The resolution will depend on the video technology. Yet, you can generally achieve 4K at 60 frames per second with HDR. There are many cable connectors in the market. 

USB-C portability allows you to find USB-C-to HDMI and USB-C to DisplayPort cables too. These may be a better choice for you based on the type of TV or monitor you’re using. The line specifications should provide the resolution and speed you can expect with the cable.

 

Conclusion

Selecting the right cables to maximize the value of your television and display devices involves understanding the compatibility between your primary device, TV or monitor, and the various connection standards such as HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and USB-C. By researching the specifications of your devices and identifying the appropriate standards and versions they support, you can ensure a seamless and high-quality connection experience. Whether you’re aiming for 10K resolution with HDMI 2.1, high frame rates with DisplayPort 1.4a, Thunderbolt 4’s versatile capabilities, or USB-C’s portability, the right cable is crucial for unlocking your display’s potential. For reliable and compatible cable options, you can explore offerings from trusted sources like Pooja Electronics, where you can find a range of cables tailored to your specific needs and device requirements.