Tag hdmi cables

Audio quality can make or break your listening experience. When it comes to high-quality audio, two technologies are common in both personal and professional settings: HDMI and I2S. Both are excellent options for audio playback, but they do have unique differences. Which option is right for you will depend on your needs. Below, we pit HDMI vs I2S and outline the differences between them so you can determine which one is right for you.

HDMI vs I2S for Audio

Understanding the differences between HDMI and I2S will help you determine which one is right for you. Consider the following information about both options.

HDMI

HDMI is a common cable technology used for audio presentation. It is highly popular and widely used for personal and professional technology setups. HDMI cables are often used in gaming consoles, televisions, soundbars, conference room setups, home theater systems, and a plethora of other arrangements. HDMI cables carry digital signals for audio and video, which is why they are used across a variety of platforms. Due to its versatility, it is considered the industry standard when it comes to audio cables.

There are several advantages of using an HDMI for audio. Unlike other options, it transmits high-resolution audio formats, with up to 32 channels of audio. It also reduces physical clutter as it can transmit audio and video in just one cable. The ability to transmit both makes it a top competitor among other audio cables. While HDMI is highly beneficial, there are some disadvantages. It can have some latency issues due to the fact that it transmits both audio and video. Additionally, there is some signal degradation in cables longer than 50 feet.

I2S

I2S transfers digital audio from one component to another. It offers excellent audio as it has a simple clocking system with separate features, including separate clock lines, word selection, and data. These features ensure audio signals are synchronized. Common uses for I2S include digital-to-analog (“DAC”) converters, audio-integrated circuits (“IC”), and amplifiers. I2S is not as versatile as HDMI, so it is not considered an industry standard.

Despite the limitations of I2S, it offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for audio professionals. It offers very high-quality audio that is unparalleled. This is why it is a top choice for DACs and amplifiers. The transmission is also highly efficient. Because it only transmits audio, there are no latency issues. This results in a much more efficient transfer of data. Another benefit is the low risk of jitter, which is necessary for high-quality audio transmission. While I2S offers excellent audio, there are some drawbacks. It is used for specific applications. Because of this, it is not universally available for various types of technology. 

Which Audio Option is Right for You?

When deciding between audio transmission options, there are several factors to consider. HDMI is wonderful for televisions, gaming consoles, and home theater systems because it can effectively connect a wide range of audio devices. It also offers both audio and video transmission and limits the number of cords required.

Alternatively, I2S is more of a niche form of audio transmission. It is a great option if you are using high-end audio technology, such as DACs, music players, and other professional audio gear. Unlike HDMI, I2S is not commonly used for consumer electronics. It is used internally in more professional technology setups that require the very best in audio transmission. 

AV Technology Retailer

No matter what cord you need for your personal or professional life, you can get it from an AV technology retailer.  To determine if you need HDMI or I2S, contact Kanex Pro today.

Connecting our devices— whether they are computers, TVs, or smartphones—to external screens or storage devices, has become more and more necessary for work and for people’s personal or household entertainment. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are two of the most popular and commonly used connectors for this purpose. Though they are both extremely popular, many users do not know how to differentiate one from the other. Many users have most likely wondered what the difference between HDMI and USB is. If you are one such user, here is a breakdown of the functions, capabilities, and optimal uses of each connector. Understanding the differences will help you determine when to use them or which one to get when you are selecting your AV products.

What Is the Difference Between HDMI and USB?

Purpose and Function

HDMI is today’s standard when connecting computers, laptops, and other gadgets to televisions to transmit high-quality audio and video signals. Its simplicity allows anyone to quickly connect two devices via the cable.

First released in 2002 and having undergone several updates, HDMI has become the go-to for connecting video game consoles, Blu-ray players, TVs, and computer monitors. Its ability to carry both uncompressed audio and video signals ensures high-quality output, whether in home entertainment or professional setups.

Meanwhile, USB is a connector initially designed for data transfers between computers and peripherals such as keyboards, printers, etc. Throughout the years, USB has been further developed to support other functions such as charging devices, transferring high-speed data, and even delivering power.

Audio and Video Capabilities

HDMI is perfect for applications where high-quality media output is a must. The evolution of HDMI has allowed it to support higher resolutions, even up to 8K, surround sound formats, and High Dynamic Range. For instance, HDMI 2.1 supports Ultra High Definition resolutions and refresh rates of 120 Hz, which makes it perfect for gaming, home theater, and other entertainment setups.

On the other hand, USB was not designed for video output. However, its evolution has allowed USB-C to support video output through specific protocols that enable users to connect particular laptops and smartphones to external monitors. However, when it comes to handling audio and video, users will be better off with an HDMI.

Data Transfer and Power Delivery

When it comes to data and power delivery, USB is unrivaled. USB 3.1 and 3.2 are excellent when connecting hard drives and SSDs because their transfer speeds can go from 10-20 Gbps. In addition, USB-C has no problem charging laptops, smartphones, and other high-powered devices because it can deliver up to 100 watts of power.

Meanwhile, HDMI  does not handle files, documents, and other data files. Although it can offer some power delivery of around five bolts, it is minimal and generally only supports small device functions.

Compatibility and Convenience

USB is versatile, and there is no problem with compatibility. With USB-A to USB-C, there are ports on almost all devices, from computers to cameras. Being able to use one connector for multiple devices allows for easy setup without complicated configurations.

Although a must for video and audio connectivity, HDMI is not as universal as USB. While it is true that HDMI ports are common on TVs, monitors, and other multimedia devices, HDMI cables offer less convenience when it comes to cable management due to the rigidity and size of the cables as compared to USB.

Get the Right Connector Today

Ultimately, your choice between HDMI and USB will depend on your intended use or purpose. If you want specialized support for multimedia content, HDMI is the perfect choice. But if you need a tool for data transfer, device charging, or connection to peripheral hardware, your best choice is USB. Contact the team at Kanex Pro representatives for help determining which connector better suits your needs.