Take a look at all the electronics and electric items inside your house. Chances are that you will come across an avalanche of cables and wires you can’t do without. It doesn’t matter whether you no longer use cable TV or Ethernet connections, every home has a few cables. Below we look at the most important cables in any home.
HDMI Cables
HDMI is an acronym for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s used to transmit video and audio signals from computers to TV monitors. HDMI is a newer technology and is only compatible with modern digital devices.
Traditionally, transmitting sound and video involved the use of both audio and visual cables. With HDMI technology, you only need one cable to do the job. There are at least three types of HDMI cables, version 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1. The difference between the cables lies in their capabilities but they all support 4K audiovisual transmissions.
Besides the regular HDMI devices used in computer connections, there are Mini and micro HDMI ports. The two small versions of the display cables work with smartphones, tablets and DSLR cameras. You can also use HDMI cables on your old model TVs and laptops. But it would cost you to upgrade their graphics.
Display Port
Display ports provide similar services to HDMI cables. They connect a video or audio source to a computer monitor. Like HDMI cables, display ports were designed to replace VGA and DVI cables. They can help you stream 4K quality videos at 60Hz and 1080p for streaming.
The best quality display port cable supports multiscreen capabilities so that you can transmit videos on more than one computer monitor. They also tend to have longer cables than HDMI, which is essential for desktop computer users.
Universal Serial Bus Cables
Almost every computer and smartphone user has a USB cable somewhere. You probably use your cable multiple times in a day. While they provide several services, USB cables’ primary purpose is to transmit data from one electronic device to the other.
Currently, most laptops, TVs and other electronic devices work with USB 2.0 and version 3.0 ports. USB 2.0 transfer data at speeds of 480Mbps maximum while their version 3.0 counterparts handle up to 4.8 GPs. Ideally, USB 3.0 ports are ten times better than USB 2.0. But irrespective of which port is used, most USB cables will transfer the data needed successfully.
Like most cable types, there is more than one type of USB cables. The first type is your standard flat, rectangular shaped cable. You use these cables on laptops, TVs, and consoles. The second types are square shaped. They are most common with older generations of printers and fax machines.
Micro-USB cables worth with smartphones and DSLR cameras and game controllers. The latest computer comes with newer USB cable types that promise faster data transfers and juggling multiple services.
Ethernet
Irrespective of how popular Wi-Fi routers have become, most homes still use Ethernet-based Internet connections. The cables set up local area networks to make connections among computers, TVs and other Internet-based devices. Ethernet cables come based on their speeds. The most basic cables handle under 100Mbps while Cat 6 high-end cables handle up to 10Gbps.
The good thing with Ethernet cables is that they are cheap and reliable. While Wi-Fi connections tend to disappoint sometimes, good cables can provide reliable Internet connections 24/7.
Power Cables
It is correct to say you wouldn’t use your TV, laptop or any modern electronic device without power cables. Power cables transmit electrical power from power sources to the devices. Most electronic devices also have adapters or power supply units that convert the Alternating Current from power sources into Direct Current. The DC current is what powers your TV and computers.
Most electronic devices come with power cords. So, you shouldn’t have any problems having the right power cable for each device in your house. However, it is important to check the quality of the power cables that came with your devices. If any of them is faulty, invest in better cables.
Coaxial Cables
Unless you have totally shifted to streaming and watching TV online, you probably have a coaxial cable at home. Most digital set-top boxes are connected to the TV through a coaxial cable. A good cable keeps the pictures stable and in good quality.
While Ethernet cables have been replacing coaxial cables in recent times, most homes and offices still use them. The fact that they are insulated and often made of great build makes them more durable than fiber optic cables. They are also cheaper and easy to install and use.
If you decide to buy a coaxial cable for your TV needs, make sure it’s a modern cable. New age coax cables handle fast speeds for both audiovisual transmissions and data transfers. A good cable should also be properly insulated and long enough to for great convenience.
Extension Cords
Most homes have power outlets with two or three ports per room. Where there are more, they may be located farther from your work areas. While you could move closer to the power source, a better alternative is to have an extension cable.
They are often not glamorous and don’t have any exciting features. But you’ll need at least one extension cord to support the multiple electronic devices in your home. Extension cords have a power cable and two or more extended power ports. You use the ports to power your TV, laptop and other devices
Keep in mind there are indoor and outdoor extension cords. The outdoor cables are designed to last for long. They can handle moisture and sunlight, meaning they could also work indoors. However, indoor extension cords should never be used outdoors.
To Conclude
There are more than ten cables in any modern home at any given time. USB cables often double up as smartphone chargers while also helping you transfer data. Power cables provide power to your devices while coaxial cables link up your TV with the antennae. Whichever the purpose, cables serve important jobs in every home.
