HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface
A connection standard that sends both video and audio together through a single cable.
In Simple Terms
HDMI is a way to connect a TV to devices like game consoles or computers, sending both video and audio through a single cable. In the past, you needed separate cables for video and audio, but with HDMI, one cable handles everything. It's widely used for showing a game console's screen on a TV or hooking a computer up to a larger monitor.
Behind the Name
HDMI stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface." "High-Definition" refers to a sharp, high-quality picture, "Multimedia" points to different types of media like video and audio, and "Interface" means a connecting point between devices. Put together, the name describes a standard built to carry video and audio without losing any quality along the way.
Take a Closer Look!
HDMI is a connection standard for sending digital video and audio data together through a single cable.
It was developed to connect TVs with Blu-ray recorders, game consoles, computers, and similar devices.
Simply put, one HDMI cable can display video on a TV screen while sending sound to the speakers at the same time.
Compared to the old red, white, and yellow cable set, HDMI transmits data digitally, which makes picture and sound less likely to degrade in quality.
On top of video and audio, it also carries signals that let connected devices communicate with and control each other.
For example, that signal exchange is what lets a TV remote turn on a connected game console together with the TV itself.
The connector has a flat, wide rectangular shape, and you'll often see "HDMI" printed near the port on the back or side of a device.
Many devices, including TVs, recorders, and computers, come with this port built in as standard.