CNET'S QUICK GUIDE: HDMI and HDMI cables

In just a few years, HDMI has become the standard audio and video connection for high-definition home theater gear. Every new HDTV has at least two HDMI inputs, and gadgets such as DVRs, DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and computers feature HDMI outputs to deliver audio and video. Having a single cable handling both images and sound has the potential to make home theaters much simpler, but that's not always the case. Faced with complex standards (HDMI 1.2 vs. 1.3), confusing buzzwords (Deep Color), and exorbitantly priced cables (Monster), many buyers may be tempted to throw up their hands and stick with the analog cables they know.

Don't panic--what seems bewildering on the showroom floor is really pretty simple. And if you get nothing else from reading this guide, you should remember one simple fact: There's no reason to pay extra for HDMI cables. Intrigued? Let's get started.

What is HDMI?

What is HDMI?

What HDMI cable should I buy?

More advanced details

Additional HDMI resources