For all the care and consideration you put into buying and maintaining a smart TV, you can’t overlook all the importance of your cables that connect to it. HDMI cords in particular are crucial in achieving quality video and picture, embracing the best your smart TV can provide. USB and Ethernet cables are also likely in your entertainment collection, and these need to be maintained as well.
Here’s how to protect your cords and cables all year round so that you can keep your entertainment running smoothly.
Why HDMI cables are so important
Transmitting quality audio and video
In order to get the most out of your cables, particularly your HDMI cords, and keep them operating for a long time, it’s helpful to know exactly why they are an important part of your home entertainment system. The HDMI cable is most vital, as it is the means by which you move audio and video from a source, such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player, to your smart TV screen.
Without an HDMI cable that matches your source and TV’s capabilities, you’re losing out on key video and audio features that you likely want and probably paid a fair amount to enjoy. For example, if you have a 4K Blu-ray player and a 4K smart TV, you still need an HDMI cable capable of transferring that 4K resolution. In most cases, you’ll want to make sure you have a certificated HDMI 2.1, also known as an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable. This allows the transfer of 4K resolution at a high refresh rate, and allows for the top audio and video formats to move between devices.
HDMI 2.1 also allows for an enhanced Audio Return Channel, which is necessary for quality sound. The eARC features send audio back to an output device, such as a soundbar, from your TV so that you can achieve immersive and spatial audio that resists any syncing issues sometimes found in older HDMI iterations.
USB cables are worth keeping intact too, as they provide power to streaming sticks, gaming controlllers, and other electronics. They also allow the transfer of data between devices. While HDMI cables lead the entertainment experience, USB cables provide support.
Certify your new HDMI cables
Check label and purchase from trusted sellers
If you want your HDMI cables to last a long time, then you want to make sure they are legit. Unfortunately, there are far too many knockoffs flooding the market, mainly because these cables are relatively cheap to make and there is high demand. It doesn’t help that the market for HDMI cables can be quite confusing.
You want to make sure you’re always buying from a reputable seller. Buy cables from brands you recognize; if you don’t recognize the name, then search online to find out what other people are saying. Always buy new cables; it’s not worth it to gamble on second-hand or used cords, especially because cables aren’t super expensive to begin with.
If you’re unsure what kind of cable you’re using, look for a name listed on the cable itself. An HDMI 2.0 cable is known as a Premium High-Speed, while HDMI 1.4 will be labelled as High-Speed.
HDMI 2.1 cables are likely what you need for your setup; they are the required connection for any top audio and video format and what you need for any quality sound and gaming setup. If you’re buying an HDMI 2.1 cable, then the packaging should confirm the cable’s legitimacy. There should be a holographic image that asserts it is an ultra-high speed HDMI cable. It should also come with a QR code you can scan for verification. It will also allow you to register your product. If either of these items are missing or damaged on your HDMI 2.1 cable, then don’t buy it or return it if you already purchased the cable.
Find the right cable for the job
Maintain cord length to ensure longevity
It may be tempting to get a long cable as increased length can seemingly provide more convenience. And while that may be the case in some instances, you don’t want too much extra slack with your HDMI cable, or any cable for that matter. Excess length can lead to the cable twisting or turning unnecessarily, and any kinks in the cable can increase the wear and tear. The more cable you have, the more opportunity there is for damage to occur.
Longer cables can also become a nuisance, especially if you’ve a comprehensive setup with other devices. Consider that a soundbar and gaming console both use HDMI cables; so too does the Google TV Streamer and any quality Blu-ray player. And all those devices require power,too. All the cables add up.
You’ll want to be mindful of how the cable makes its way from one device to another. Avoid sharp turns or any spots where it might get pinched or stuck, say behind a piece of furniture or taking a turn out of the back of a TV stand. Sharp bends or prolonged compression can break apart components inside the cable.
Maintain a clean cable area
Watch out for dust and dirt
You’ll want to regularly clean the area around your electronics in order to protect against any outside elements that can block or damage ports and cables. Dust in particular is a concern, especially as it can accumulate easily in cozier areas behind TVs and under furniture. After dusting the area, use compressed air to keep ports on your TV free from any smaller particles or debris.
When storing any cables not in use, be sure to coil the cables instead of trying to fold them or cram them into a space. Let them stay loose as a tight coil will damage the interior. If you have caps for the heads of the cables, them put those on when they’re not in use. Otherwise, you may want to use compressed air again when you are ready to use the cables.
The area around your entertainment setup, and any storage place for the cables and other devices, should be cool and dry. You want to avoid excessive humidity, moisture, direct sunlight, and heat, as all these elements can wear down electronics. Such factors won’t necessarily ruin your devices immediately, but instead start to chip away at their longevity. You won’t really notice issues right away, but the lifespan of your TV, cables, and any other exposed devices will start to decrease.
Be mindful when connecting
One way you can help keep your cables running smoothly for a long time is to handling them with care and consideration. Avoid yanking the cables out of a port by the cord itself. Grip the connector, or head of the cable, and gently pull it out of the port when disconnecting. Similarly, don’t aggressively insert the cable either when plugging it into a port.
It’s worth mentioning that cables have a finite life when it comes to connecting and disconneting. Now, that lifespan is quite long and it’s unlikely you’re going to reach the limit, but you still don’t want to go around constantly connecting and disconnecting the same cable across the day between different devices. That repeated use can start to wear down the pins in the connector.
Treat your cables with the same care and consideration you do your more notable electronics. Without them, those coveted devices aren’t going to give you the best entertainment experience possible.
