HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a type of audio/video interface that is widely used for transmitting digital content from one device to another. The HDMI cable is made up of several wires that are color-coded for easy identification. In this article, we will discuss the wiring color diagram of HDMI wires in detail.
What are the Different HDMI Wire Colors?
The HDMI cable consists of 19 wires that are color-coded for easy identification. These wires are grouped into three categories: Video Data, Control Data, and Audio Data. Let’s take a closer look at the HDMI wire colors:
| Wire Color | Wire Function |
|---|---|
| Red | +5V Power |
| TMDS Data0- | Video Data |
| TMDS Data0+ | Video Data |
| TMDS Data1- | Video Data |
| TMDS Data1+ | Video Data |
| TMDS Data2- | Video Data |
| TMDS Data2+ | Video Data |
| TMDS Data3- | Video Data |
| TMDS Data3+ | Video Data |
| TMDS Clock- | Video Data |
| TMDS Clock+ | Video Data |
| CEC | Control Data |
| HPD | Control Data |
| DDC/CE | Control Data |
| SCL | Control Data |
| SDA | Control Data |
| TMDS Data4- | Audio Data |
| TMDS Data4+ | Audio Data |
| TMDS Data5- | Audio Data |
| TMDS Data5+ | Audio Data |
Video Data Wires
The video data wires are responsible for transmitting the video signal from the source device to the display device. There are eight video data wires in the HDMI cable, four of which are “negative” (TMDS Data0-, TMDS Data1-, TMDS Data2-, and TMDS Data3-) and four of which are “positive” (TMDS Data0+, TMDS Data1+, TMDS Data2+, and TMDS Data3+).
These wires work together to transmit a high-bandwidth digital signal that carries information about the video resolution, refresh rate, color depth, and more. The TMDS Clock- and TMDS Clock+ wires are responsible for transmitting the clock signal that synchronizes the data transmission.
Control Data Wires
The control data wires are responsible for transmitting information about the devices in the HDMI chain and for controlling their functions. There are five control data wires in the HDMI cable: CEC, HPD, DDC/CE, SCL, and SDA.
The CEC wire allows devices to communicate with each other and control each other’s functions. The HPD wire tells the display device whether there is a valid HDMI signal present. The DDC/CE wire is responsible for transmitting information between the source and display devices to establish a connection and negotiate the video parameters. The SCL and SDA wires are used for I2C communication between devices.
Audio Data Wires
The audio data wires are responsible for transmitting the audio signal from the source device to the display device. There are four audio data wires in the HDMI cable, two of which are “negative” (TMDS Data4- and TMDS Data5-) and two of which are “positive” ( TMDS Data4+ and TMDS Data5+).
These wires work together to transmit a high-quality digital audio signal that carries information about the number of channels, the sample rate, and the bit depth.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the red wire in the HDMI cable?
The red wire in the HDMI cable is used to transmit +5V power to the device. This power is used to power the display device and does not affect the video or audio signal.
What is the HPD wire in the HDMI cable?
The HPD (Hot Plug Detect) wire in the HDMI cable is responsible for detecting whether a valid HDMI signal is present. This wire is used by the display device to determine whether it should turn on and display the video signal.
What is the purpose of the CEC wire in the HDMI cable?
The CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) wire in the HDMI cable is used to enable devices to communicate with each other and control each other’s functions. This allows you to control multiple devices with a single remote control.
How do I connect an HDMI cable?
To connect an HDMI cable, simply plug one end of the cable into the HDMI output on your source device (such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console) and the other end into the HDMI input on your display device (such as a TV or projector).
What is the maximum length of an HDMI cable?
The maximum length of an HDMI cable is 15 meters (49 feet). This is because longer cables can experience signal degradation, resulting in poor picture and sound quality.
Conclusion
The wiring color diagram of HDMI wires may seem complex, but understanding it is important for ensuring that your HDMI devices work properly. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the different HDMI wire colors and their functions. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below!
