HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface cable is the essential component for connecting HD devices. A HDMI cable can send all formats of digital video and audio. Before HDMI came along, you needed separate cables for audio and video. It can even handle content from an internet connection. This super cable can do it all, not to mention clean up the mess of cables you find behind your TV. You do not need dozens of confusing cables going in every direction; one HDMI cable is all you need.

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To get the best possible High-Definition images you need to have all your home entertainment devices - TV, Blu-ray Player, Gaming Console, Cable Box- connected together via a HDMI cable. Of course, all these devices have to be HD capable. Component cables will produce HD images (limited to 1080i), but then you will still need cables for you audio output. And due to AACS restrictions all Blu-ray Players manufactured after 2010 will only have 408i video output with component connections. HDMI is your best option.

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Once the devices have been connected via HDMI, they have the ability to communicate with each other and read each others capabilities. For example, when a Blu-ray player is connected to a HDTV, a process occurs that will automatically configure settings like video resolution and aspect ratio to match the content being played to the highest capabilities of your HDTV.

Features Not Version Numbers

Since its introduction in 2002, HDMI specifications have continued to evolved. With each new version; a new set of features were added. Version 1.3 was launched in 2006 and 1.4 in 2009.

The new versions allowed manufacturers to incorporate the new features into their devices. However, just because a TV or Blu-ray Player is 1.4 capable, does not mean it has all the features the 1.4 cable is capable of performing. For example, a Blu-ray Player may have HDMI Ethernet channel and so it advertises the player as 1.4 capable. Some consumers may interpret the Blu-ray Player has 3D since 3D is a feature associated with the 1.4 HDMI version. But that would not be correct. Using version numbers for HDMI cables can lead to confusion and mislead consumers.

Because of this, version numbers will eventually be phased out when referring to HDMI cables. Manufacturers can still used them until January 1, 2012, but must also include the specific features of their devices. All specifications are backward compatible with older devices. This is good news since you do not have to worry about new cables working with your older components.

What Cable Should I Get?

There are many different companies marketing HDMI cables. Some are good, others can be a little shady. Some will even mislead the consumer about what the cable is capable of doing and the advantages their cable has over the competition. This can cause the consumer to spend tens, even hundreds of dollars more than necessary. The consumer needs to realize expensive HDMI cables offer no advantages in image quality over the lesser or cheaper HDMI cables.

There are four types of HDMI cables. Standard Speed (also referred to as Category 1) cables with or without Ethernet and High Speed (also referred to as Category 2) cables with or without Ethernet. Standard Speed cables can carry up to 1080i video resolution and High Speed Cables well over 1080p video resolution. Standard cable can probably handle 1080p content but they are not stated to do so. However, if you are purchasing the "right type of cable", than there is not much difference in price when it comes to Standard and High Speed cables, so purchasing the latter should not be a problem.

By the "right type of cable', we mean 'as cheap as possible'. No matter what you are told, when it comes to image quality, there is no difference between expansive HDMI cables and cheap HDMI cables. The expensive cable maybe more durable and have a thicker casting or a beefier connector. But it would be up to you how much more you think this is worth. Most of us are just need a cable to connect our Blu-ray Player or Cable box to our TV. Over these short distances, a cheap HDMI cable will provide us with the best possible picture and sound. Even over longer distances, a cheap HDMI cable with function fine.

So when looking to buy a HDMI cable, make sure you are not paying more than dollars per two meters. Otherwise you are overpaying. Also, do not confuse HDMI capabilities with that of your HD devices capabilities.

HDMI Cables - Which One Should I Buy?

Roku Dvd Player

Special Price!!! Roku HD1000 High-Definition Digital Media Player

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Roku HD1000 High-Definition Digital Media Player Feature

High-definition media player supports 1080i, 720p, and 480p outputs for optimal viewing on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
Designed for convenient living room slide shows and MP3/linear PCM music playback from your memory cards or personal computer
Compatible with Roku Art Packs and LiveArt (not included) for high-definition wall art from still and motion images
CompactFlash, SD, MMC, Memory Stick, and SmartMedia slots
Can be networked with your PC through an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi

Roku HD1000 High-Definition Digital Media Player Overview

The Roku HD1000 is the first high-definition digital media player, designed to make the most of your HDTV's brilliant color and clarity. Tap into your home computer network or pop in a memory card to enjoy high-definition digital photos, art, LiveArt, music, and third party applications. The Roku HD1000 is based on the Roku OS, an open platform that includes Roku's advanced media APIs and the Linux Kernel.

Roku HD1000 High-Definition Digital Media Player Specifications

Amazon.com Product Description Early Adopters Pick: October 2003. This is the world's first high-definition digital media player.

Whether you're already equipped with a high-definition TV or still using a standard CRT set, the HD1000 from Roku puts all manner of digital entertainment before your eyes and ears. Tap into a home computer network, hook the unit up to a stereo, or simply pop in a memory card--then sit back and enjoy your favorite photos, artworks, music, or LiveArt (full-motion images of beaches, waterfalls, etc.).

While it will work on nearly any monitor, the HD1000 was designed to make the most of a high-definition television's brilliant color and pristine clarity. The HD1000 makes viewing and sharing treasured digital photos easier and more exciting than ever. Photos displayed through the device will look crystal-clear on your high-definition or big-screen TV. No more crowding around a PC monitor in your cluttered den--the HD1000 lets you relax and view digital slideshows in a leisurely atmosphere.

Not watching a program on your wall-mounted plasma display? Now you can create stunning wall art with a click of your remote. Roku's Art Packs (not included) are a simple way to enhance your décor and make use out of an idle HDTV. Choose from a range of images--classic masterpieces, stunning nature scenes, or a lifelike aquarium--and bring them to life in your living room. Or, use LiveArt to change your surroundings without changing your location. Bring a rippling mountain lake, a leafy summer forest, or a white sand beach with soothing waves to turn your living room into a pool of peace and tranquility. The HD1000 supports looping HD MPEG2, standard JPEG images, and MPEG clips. (Art Packs come on CompactFlash memory cards; just pop in the card and choose your favorite scenery.)

Next, liberate your growing library of digital music files from your PC and listen to them through a home stereo. Roku lets you listen to files on any of various memory cards (CompactFlash, SD, MMC, Memory Stick, SmartMedia) or over a simple Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, so you can enjoy your favorite music through the high-quality sound system in your living room. Its attractive onscreen display shows the current media source and displays its contents as well as the media file in play, with full ID3 data for music files.

The HD1000 offers built-in protection to reduce the risk of image burn-in on your TV screen, too. (The unit can't prevent all types of burn-in, of course--it's ultimately your responsibility to use your display's manual and common sense to prevent burn-in.) The HD1000's Screen Saver mode engages when the HD1000 is your primary video source, and it can even step in whenever one of your other video sources stops moving. When placed in a pass-through configuration--with the signal from a DVD player, say, passing through the HD1000 on its way to a screen--the HD1000 can detect when the video input source is still and will automatically generate a changing Screen Saver.

The HD1000 is based on the Roku OS, an open platform that includes Roku's advanced media APIs and the Linux Kernel, and for which other companies can design as-yet-undreamed-of accessories.

What's in the Box
HD1000, user's manual, remote control, remote batteries (two AAA), a component-video cable, a stereo analog audio interconnect, and an AC power cable.