Welcome to this guide on how to make your own HDMI cable.
HDMI remains arguably the most effective way to transfer high-definition content without any significant loss of resolution, as with other modes such as VGA.
Also, there’s a high demand for these cables due to their effectiveness in enabling seamless data transfer.
So the question remains whether you can bypass the HDMI manufacturers/assemblers and create your cables from scratch. We’ll cover this in detail, so check this guide out for more.
Table of Contents
- What is HDMI?
- How Are HDMI Cables Made?
- Are All HDMI Cables Made the Same?
- What Is an HDMI Cable Made Of?
- How to Make an HDMI Cable Even Longer
- Can I Make My HDMI Cable?
- Summary
What is HDMI?
HDMI is an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s typically a mode via which devices can transfer digital data without compressing it, thus ensuring that the original quality remains on the final display.
Noteworthy is that HDMI is not just limited to the high definition video content transfer. It also carries multichannel digital audio, making it a unique data transfer mode. Also, remarkably, all these transfers happen via one cable.
Also notable is that there are various HDMI standards, with the latest being the HDMI 2.0 specification. Among its key features include the following.
- It guarantees 4K/2160p resolution, meaning the content can be four times clearer than the 1080p/60 video resolution (HD).
- With the cable, you can access the highest audio clarity thanks to its 1536kHz audio sample frequency feature. Moreover, it can transfer up to 32 audio channels and simultaneous multi-stream audio to four devices.
- Again, this is the go-to digital data transfer mode if you’re looking for a wide-angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio.
- It offers dynamic video and audio synchronization and comes with CEC extensions that facilitate single-point device command and control.
How Are HDMI Cables Made?
An HDMI cable in use
Numerous manufacturers will have their unique approaches to making these active cables. However, the HDMI standard remains the same despite the slight variations here and there in production.
- The primary step is cutting and stripping the cable via an automated system in an industrial setup. Subsequently, the manufacturer trims the aluminum foil via an aluminum trimming machine.
- Next, the manufacturer uses an angle-type traverse machine to place the innermost wire of the cable into a plastic wire holder.
- Again, there’s the stripping of the inner wire using a similar stripping machine as was used in the first step, followed by a tinning process. It is followed by assembling the wire to a connector and the connector to a cable, after which the manufacturer over molds it to create a perfect joint.
Components of HDMI cables
Above is the simple HDMI standard for making these cables. Notably, although they are simplistic in their appearance, the cable type features various components such as the following:
- An inner core
- A peripheral shield
- An RF shielding device to remove electromagnetic interference.
- A connector.
Noteworthy, while we have a standard manufacturing process, you can expect different grades of the cables as the structure varies depending on the producer.
Also, the inner core in top-performing HDMI cables features pure copper or, in some cases oxygen free copper for excellent signal transmission.
But the substandard HDMI cables have different low-grade make-up materials such as low-cost iron core.
Hence, it would be best if you were highly vigilant of cable quality as this is a huge determinant of its transmission capabilities.
Are All HDMI Cables Made the Same?
The production process of all HDMI cables is similar primarily because they operate similarly.
But the connection port quality can vary from one device to the other, so this is the only significant difference between the cables.
What Is an HDMI Cable Made Of?
Two ends of an HDMI Cable.
How can you tell when the HDMI cable inner materials are? As we outlined earlier, the top HDMI cables feature a copper core.
You tell them from the rest primarily by their characteristic softness and ease of bending without the risk of breaking.
Also, since copper is non-magnetic, you can apply a magnet to see if your cable is attracted. If it does, then its core is not copper. Again, observing the cable joints’ quality can help you determine if it’s copper made.
But does that mean that copper is the best material for transmission? Well, there are better materials in this hierarchy, with the top being Gold, followed by silver, while copper comes third.
Gold and silver are not among the common cables. It is primarily because the materials’ rarity means they make expensive cables. So what manufacturers do is coat the copper core with these better transmissions.
Finally, check out its overall structure to tell a grade-A cable from the rest. Does it have smoothness all over the surface? You have the real deal if it’s smooth, but if it features spots, this is a low-grade cable.
How to Make an HDMI Cable Even Longer
HDMI Cable.
Did you know that passive HDMI cables have a length limitation because if it is too long, there’s a significant risk of affecting the overall transmission?
Length Limitations of HDMI Cable
The standard HDMI cable’s length limit depends on its capabilities. For instance, you cannot exceed five meters for the passive Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable.
But for the passive Premium High-Speed HDMI cables, the length can rise to 25 meters.
All in all, there are some methods you can use to extend the reach of your transmission despite the cable length limitations.
Multiple Ways to Get Around Cable Length Limits
Using HDMI Extenders
A HDMI Extender.
You can shop around for HDMI extenders which are among the most effective ways to improve the length of the cables.
When you use extenders, the signal quality remains the same primarily because these components feature fiber optic cables or Category 5 or 6 Ethernet cables.
Fiber-Optic Or Optical Cable extenders provide the longest reach without significant signal loss as they can extend it to 1000 meters. The rest are limited to below 100 meters.
HDMI Repeaters
They are HDMI signal boosters with a remarkable reach that amplifies signal quality. Nonetheless, they are not as effective as the repeaters we’ve covered above in their reach.
Typically, the device features two female HDMI ports for connecting two cables on either end during transmission.
But, there are variations to the devices’ outlook and operation mode, with others requiring a power supply.
Wireless HDMI Extenders
Although not so popular, they also improve the transmission reach via radio wave signal communication. Their primary downside is that they cannot transmit 4K content and are limited to 1080p 60Hz signal.
Can I Make My HDMI Cable?
Quality HDMI cable with gold-plated connector.
Although quite complicated, it’s possible to create/extend your own HDMI cable, but you will need a Baluns device and a Category 5 Ethernet-style cable.
Note that the CAT 5 cable features an HDMI-equipped component, which acts as your cable’s signal source.
So here’s how to create the cable.
- First, connect the HDMI cable to a component source and the other end to the Baluns device.
- Next, connect one end of the CAT 5 cable on the exit end of the Baluns and then crimp the end of the cable to the other side for connection to an HDMI cable. Then connect this cable to a display.
- You must also connect the receiving and sending Balun to a power source.
Summary
HDMI cables come in handy in facilitating high-definition displays and are arguably the only connector that guarantees the transmission of unadulterated 4K content.
Therefore, you cannot ever go wrong with these cables. Even with this, you should be wary of getting the right cable grade, as there are arguably many shoddy standards in the market.
Insist in HDMI cables with an inner copper core, but the better if you can get those plated with Gold or Silver.
