Over the past two decades, the HDMI cable has reigned supreme in our living rooms. Simple, reliable, capable of transmitting high-definition image and sound with a single wire, it had become the backbone of our multimedia setups. Consoles, computers, TVs, or Blu-ray players, all connected through this small black cable. But today, its reign seems to be coming to an end.
Competition is growing tougher for HDMI. Everything it could do, new wireless transmission technologies can now do. They are capable of broadcasting 4K videos or high-definition audio, over distances exceeding 30 meters, and all without a cable, making it more aesthetic and just as practical. These technologies use high-speed wireless networks to directly send content from a computer, tablet, or smartphone to a compatible screen, instantly. And if HDMI is losing ground, it is also because these alternative solutions come in several formats.
Among the most common, Wi-Fi Direct, allowing two devices to connect without going through a router, or devices like Google’s Chromecast, which transmit images and sound from an application or browser directly to the TV. Less popular but just as effective, Miracas also duplicates your device screen on another compatible one. While maintaining remarkable image and sound quality, these technologies are becoming “invisible HDMIs” that put an end to complex installations, tangled cables, and unsightly setups in a well-decorated living room. A few manipulations are now enough to project a movie or share photos from a smartphone, knowing that some smart TVs now integrate these features natively.
Nevertheless, HDMI has not said its last word. In some situations, it remains irreplaceable, especially for video games, professional audio and video configurations, or home cinema systems. In these specific cases, wired transmission is essential because reliability will outweigh convenience for users of these installations. Before putting away your HDMI cable, it will be necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons. The quality of the network, physical obstacles, the distance between the two devices… Wireless solutions are not necessarily suitable for all households and this good old HDMI cable remains a security guarantee. Wired still has a few good years ahead of it, but the transition has already begun.
