To use devices such as projectors, monitors or hi-fi systems to their full potential, professional signal and cable management is an absolute must! With us, you will find the right equipment for wired or wireless transmission of data, video and audio.
To make your choice easier, we explain the most important connector types, such as HDMI and DisplayPort, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Our product experts will be happy to help you select the right components for high-quality signal transmission.
HDMI: Digital connection for the transmission of picture & sound. Necessary for high-resolution picture quality (HDTV). Since HDMI 1.4 (High Speed) suitable for transmission of 3D content in Full HD. For high-resolution picture quality in UHD, 4K or HDR, the connection via HDMI 2.0a and higher is suitable. HDMI 2.1 or higher should be used from 120Hz refresh rate in 4K.
VGA: The VGA connector is a 15-pin connector for analogue image transmission. It is also called DSub15 and is often found on notebooks and PCs. Compared to the other analogue connections, it offers good picture quality. It can be screwed to the input or output device and can be adapted to YUV with a suitable configuration.
DisplayPort: The DisplayPort connection is a VESA-standardised connection for the transmission of image and sound data. In addition to HDCP encryption, DPCP is also supported. Due to its compact size, the connection is most commonly used in notebooks. An extra small variant is the MiniDisplayPort, which is used especially with Apple devices.
DVI: DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is an interface for the transmission of video data. Only analogue signals can be transmitted via DVi-A, only digital signals via DVI-D and both types of signals via DVI-I.
USB: USB (Universal Serial Bus) is used to control and manage the projector (USB-B). With some business devices, office files and images can also be presented directly with a USB stick or a mouse can be connected via the USB input (USB-A).
Toslink: The Toslink connection is an optical signal connection that works on an optical fibre basis. It is used for the digital transmission of audio signals. The optical design offers a lower susceptibility to interference from external magnetic and electrical influences. The connection is mostly used in the area of DVD / Blu-ray players and comparable devices in connection with an AV receiver, if these work with dts or Dolby Digital signals.
YUV: The YUV connection, also called Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr or component connection, is an analogue video connection with three channels (light intensity and two colour channels). Qualitatively, it is the best analogue video connection.
Component cable: The YUV connector transmits analogue signals over three cables (Y=black and white UV=colours). YUV is used to transmit HDTV and is compatible with Cinch, for example.
S-Video: The S-Video connection is also called S-VHS or Hosiden connection. Compared to the Cinch video connection, it works with two channels (brightness/colour). In terms of quality, it is somewhat better than the Cinch video connection, but there are also limitations. These can be explained by the susceptibility of the signal, which is reflected in picture distortions, for example.
Cinch: The cinch video connection is also called composite connection. To make it easier to recognise, it is usually sheathed in yellow. Since the transmission is only via one channel, the picture quality is on a low level.
D-Sub15: The VGA connector is a 15-pin connector for image transmission on an analogue basis. It is also called DSub15 and is often found on notebooks and PCs. Compared to the other analogue connectors, it offers good picture quality. It can be screwed to the input or output device and can be adapted to YUV with a suitable configuration.
RS232: The RS232 interface can be used to control or manage the projector.
Mini Jack: With a single-pin Mini Jack, mono audio signals can be transmitted, with a two-pin stereo audio signals and with a three-pin stereo audio signals and image data can be transmitted.
Scart: Scart is a connector that can be used to transmit analogue audio and video signals. It is compatible with other analogue connections such as RCA or S-Video.
ARC: The audio return channel, also called ARC or audio return channel, was introduced with HDMI version 1.4 to reduce the amount of cabling between HDMI components. The audio return channel runs via the existing HDMI cable. Therefore, an additional cable for the sound no longer needs to be connected. However, both devices must support ARC. All audio file formats that are also transmitted via the SPDIF interface can be transmitted via the audio return channel. These include Dolby Digital, Digital Theatre Sound and PCM audio. As an example, a connection between a TV (including receiver) and an AV receiver could be made via an HDMI cable. The sound from the TV is fed back via the HDMI cable. Previously, an additional digital cable (coaxial or Tos-Link) was required for the audio signals.
Output resolution
Resolution: The resolution of a projector is the maximum number of image points (pixels) that a projector can display based on its naturally existing technology, i.e. without conversion or cropping of the image. The native resolution is the number of pixels that a projector physically has to display the image. A projector usually interpolates a resolution when it receives an image signal with a higher resolution than the native one. If this is the case, there may be a lack of image detail or general blurring in the displayed image. If a projector receives an image signal with a lower resolution than the native, it also interpolates, it scales the image up to the native resolution, calculates corresponding additional pixels, if possible without changing the image information. The disadvantage here is that although the image is displayed larger than fed, the original individual pixels may become much more visible as they are multiplied by the conversion.
4K: 4K refers to the resolution of 3840 x 2160 or Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV). This resolution corresponds to 4 times the resolution of Full HD. To record films with this resolution, special cameras are needed that can record at around 8 megapixels (4K).
Full HD: The term Full HD is used to describe devices that can physically display or output HDTV signals in full (1920 x 1080 pixels).
1080p: 1080p is the specification of the vertical picture lines. Among other things, it refers to the resolution 1920 x 1080. The "p" in this case means full frames, so all picture lines are displayed simultaneously.
1080i: 1080i is the specification of the vertical picture lines. The "i" in this case means fields. This signal is usually displayed interpolated (e.g. by devices with a 1280 x 720 HDready resolution). The interpolation digitally adds pixels, but also offers a slight blurring. In contrast, 1080p playback uses full frames.
Signal Management Equipment for Conference Room and Home Cinema
To make your choice easier, we have compiled the most important criteria and information about high-quality signal transmission. This way you know what is important before you buy!
Content
Cables and adapters for every application
Do you have a good connection to your projector, PC or hi-fi equipment? If not, we have suitable cables and adapters for you to exploit the full performance of your devices.
If components in your system do not fit together, appropriate adapters can help to connect your devices. We have a large selection of adapters for various interfaces.
Reliable connections to projectors, displays or monitors are thus guaranteed. Of course, our contact persons will also be happy to advise you personally on your purchase! Discover high-quality cables and adapters for home cinema, conference room or home office now.
HDMI cable: Everything you should know before buying
The HDMI cable is the most popular and well-known type of cable among multimedia cables. In addition to connecting different devices, it is used to transmit digital audio and video signals. HDMI ports are available on most modern laptops and tablets. They provide a convenient way to connect your devices to a display or monitor. When using HDMI cables, no additional cables (e.g. separate audio cables) are needed.
When buying an HDMI cable, you should consider these 4 criteria:
1. HDMI cable designations
Maximum data rate
Maximum image resolution
Frame rate
HDMI 1.0 HDMI Standard
4,95 GBit/s
1080p
60 Hertz
HDMI 1.4 HDMI-High-Speed
Type A and C: 10,2 Gigabit
2160p
120 Hertz
HDMI 2.0 HDMI-High-Speed Premium
2160p, 60 Hertz
2160p, 60 Hertz
120 Hertz
HDMI 2.1 HDMI Ultra High Speed
Type A, C and D: 38 Gigabit
4320p, 60 Hertz
120 Hertz
2. The main HDMI connector types and what they are used for
Standard (Type A)
for almost all multimedia and home entertainment devices such as projectors or game consoles
Dual-Link (Type B)
Supports dual-link DVI video transmission
Mini (Type C)
Similar to type A, but with a smaller form factor for devices such as DSLM cameras and camcorders
Micro (Type D)
Even smaller than mini-HDMI connectors, micro-HDMI is suitable for tablets and smartphones
Automotive Connection System (Type E)
Specially developed for automotive applications
3. Cable shielding for best possible sound and picture quality
Well-shielded HDMI cables are insensitive to external electrical and magnetic fields. This means you maintain the best possible sound and picture quality. As a rule, the more layers of sheathing a cable has, the better it is protected.
4. HDMI cable length
Cable lengths of 1 to 10 metres are common. If the HDMI cable is too long, it should be noted that the signal strength decreases as the attenuation increases. For cable lengths over 10 metres, an HDMI amplifier / repeater or hybrid fibre optic cable should be used to amplify the signal. With the help of a connection standard HDBaseT, you can transmit HDMI signals over a distance of up to 100 metres.
Our tip
HDMI also works without cables. With a corresponding wireless HDMI system, you can transmit high-definition content wirelessly. If your projector or monitor is equipped with an older DVI connection, you can use an HDMI adapter to establish a connection via an HDMI cable.
DisplayPort cable: What is it?
DisplayPort is comparable to the HDMI interface and belongs to the digital transmission standard for image and sound. While HDMI provides for the connection of multimedia and home entertainment devices, the DisplayPort is predominantly used for transmission from a computer or notebook to a monitor. A major advantage of DisplayPort technology is that large amounts of data can be transmitted in a small space. This makes them ideal for space-saving integration into smaller electronic devices such as tablets, notebooks and computers.
A DisplayPort connector comes in two versions:
DisplayPort
The DisplayPort is a universal and licence-free connection standard for the transmission of digital image and sound signals.
Mini DisplayPort
The Mini DisplayPort offers the same functions as the standard version, but has no locking mechanism. The compact size saves space on the end device.
Our tip
Does your PC have a DVI or HDMI interface, but no DisplayPort output? No problem: To adapt different connections to DisplayPort, we have suitable DisplayPort adapters for you.
DisplayPort vs. HDMI: Where are the differences?
Anyone who has ever connected their computer to a monitor will have asked themselves which interface is ideally used to connect these two devices. In addition to HDMI plugs, many devices also have DisplayPort sockets. But which connection is better, DisplayPort or HDMI?
DisplayPort
HDMI
Mechanical locking
has an additional safety device
-
Cable length
up to 15 metres
up to 50 metres (above 10 metres amplifier necessary)
Colour depth
30 bit per pixel
48 bit per pixel
Network connection
-
Ethernet data transmission
Daisy chains
Connect multiple monitors in series
-
Compatibility
Compatible with VGA and USB-C
-
Sync programmes
NVIDIA G-Sync & AMDs Freesync
AMDs Freesync
Transmission of input commands
-
Transmission of control commands through HDMI-CEC
Audio Return Channel (ARC)
-
is supported
Application areas of DisplayPort and HDMI
DisplayPort
The connection via DisplayPort is being used more and more in computer technology. It is suitable for transmitting large amounts of data, such as video walls and LED walls. With additional protection provided by a mechanical lock, the DisplayPort connection is also suitable for height-adjustable desks.
HDMI
HDMI is primarily used to connect multimedia and home entertainment devices to transmit audio and video data. Gaming monitors as well as TV sets and projectors offer a reliable HDMI connection.
Our tip
Make sure that the source and the display device are of the same generation so as not to slow down the data transfer.
Connecting a projector with the right cable
If you want to connect a projector, the right cable is crucial. In order to bring order into the cable tangle, we explain the meaning and function of all possible connections of a projector. This way, you know what to look out for before you buy a projector so that you can enjoy the full projection pleasure.
Wireless HDMI and Presentation - flexible presentation of your content
Wireless presentation systems are becoming increasingly important for signal management in meeting and conference rooms. With wireless HDMI and presentation solutions, you can quickly and flexibly transmit content from your laptop or smartphone to a central screen. Wireless presentation systems are easy to use, affordable and convenient. Presenting your content in meetings or conferences will be easier than ever before!
Our tip
If you want to start your presentations without cables, take a look at our wireless presentation systems. With the plug-and-play solutions, your content is transmitted wirelessly from the screen, tablet or notebook to a presentation screen in the meeting room.
Network - routers and access points for perfect signal strength
Routers and access points are part of the basic Internet equipment, especially for larger facilities and offices. These ensure a stable and interference-free WLAN within your network. Wherever you want to improve the speed and performance of your wireless network, routers and access points can be set up.
Distributor / Splitter
You want to connect your brand-new games console to a high-resolution gaming monitor and projectors to experience gaming in large format? With a distributor, you are perfectly equipped to distribute signals from one source to several output devices in parallel. This interface can also be done via WLAN or Bluetooth.
Important: Make sure that the splitter supports your desired resolution.
Converter / Scaler - more compatibility between your devices
With the help of a converter, you have the option of converting or upgrading signals from your devices. For example, you can convert an analogue signal into a digital signal or scale a 720p signal to a 1080p signal to achieve better picture quality.
Converters are often used in the hi-fi sector.
Amplifier / Repeater - increased range of your signals
A repeater amplifies the analogue or digital signal of your wired or wireless device connection. This counteracts loss of quality due to long cable runs and wide reception ranges.
The repeater has two main functions: It enables devices to communicate over longer distances, and ensures better reception by amplifying the power of weak signals.
Switch / matrix - easy switching of several control sources
A changeover switch is comparable to a distributor: It distributes the signal of a source to any number of output devices.
A matrix works with several sources and output devices simultaneously. Different sources can thus output their signals on different output devices. Especially for larger digital signage applications, a matrix is therefore an absolute must.
Our tips on amplifiers and repeaters
1. Place the repeater near a signal source.
If possible, use a repeater near the signal source (e.g. Blu-ray player, notebook, projector).
2. Connect the HDMI cable to a repeater
You should connect an HDMI cable to a repeater at a length of 10 metres at the latest in order to optimize the transmission quality.
3. AV receiver replaces HDMI cable and repeater
If you are using an AV receiver, there is no need for an active HDMI cable or repeater, as the AV receiver already amplifies the signal.
