When you're in the market for a digital HDMI cable there are many things you may want to consider before pulling the trigger. Are you running the cable through the wall? Is a CL2 rated cable really necessary when installing a cable inside the wall? What gauge wire do you need? How long of a cable do you need? How much is too much to spend? All of these things can be a bit overwhelming to some people. Hopefully this article can clear some things up for people looking for a digital HDMI cable to hook up their fancy home theater.
Running a Digital HDMI Cable through the Wall
If you're planning on running your cable through the wall, you need a cable that is CL2 rated. Some say it's necessary to avoid potential fires. Others will tell you that it's not that big of a deal if your cable isn't in-wall rated. However I would recommend an in-wall HDMI cable simply because it's the right thing to do. It is also necessary because if you are planning on selling your home in the future, you will need a CL2 rated cable to pass the inspection. So yes, it is most definitely recommended to fork over just a little more cash for a CL2 In-Wall rated HDMI cable if you're planning on an in-wall installation.
What gauge wire do I need?
The standard for wire thickness is known as the American Wire Gauge (AWG). Typically for digital HDMI cables, you will see 28AWG, 24AWG, and 22AWG cables. Out of these three gauges, the 22AWG cable is the thickest one. You may ask, which one do I need? Well it depends on how long you're planning on running the cable. If all you need is a 6 ft HDMI cable, or a 10 foot, the cheaper 28AWG cable will work perfectly for you. However, if your planning on running a long HDMI cable, you are going to need a thicker 24AWG or 22AWG cable. This will ensure that you maintain a strong signal throughout the length of the cable.
Please note that it is a smart idea to test your longer HDMI cables before running them through the wall.
How much is too much to spend on a digital HDMI cable
Simply put, go with the cheapest one. Many people end up spending far too much for their HDMI cables when it will not make a bit of difference in quality. This is because all it takes to get that high-definition picture is a bunch of 1's and 0's. Cheap HDMI cables do fine in sending the 1's and 0's so why should you waste your money on overpriced cables? Of course, you still need to consider what was mentioned above regarding wire thickness and the length of the cable.
You should now have a good understanding on what you need to look for when purchasing an HDMI cable. Now plug in your cables and enjoy that nice high definition picture!
