HDMI is an abreviation for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and is a method of transferring digital Audio and Video. It allows transfer of audio and HD (1080) video on a single cable from your OpenView or DStv decoder to your HD Television. It has been used in the home since 2004 and is the most popular and convenient connection for HD TVs.
Did you know that just because your HD Television, DStv HD decoder or OpenView HD decoder supports HD, it does not mean you are in fact watching your programs in High-Definition? So could you get a better resolution image on your TV screen? Yes it’s possible! To ensure that you are not missing out on HD viewing there are a few things you could check. Let’s break this down into easy steps.
Step 01
Firstly, Check that your device is capable of showing High-Definition programs. Netflix can be viewed in HD if you have a 10 meg data line. OpenView decoders and the newer DStv HD decoders have programs that you can view in High-Definition. Many DVD players and Games Consoles also support HDMI. Check the back of your decoder or DVD and if you see an HDMI port that means you can send HD video from that port, via an HDMI cable to your HD Television. Some early Plasma TVs used VGA cables (Usually a blue plug with 15 tiny pins) or RCA cables (3 plugs – Red, White & Yellow) but these cables are not capable of sending a digital signal, meaning no HD content can travel across these cables. If you have one of these early Plasma TVs or the old box type TV you can unfortunately not view HD video.
Step 02
Secondly, ensure that you are using HDMI cables. An example of an HDMI cable can be seen on the left of the image above. The ordinary TV aerial cable is not capable of transfering HD video and you cannot see a High Definition picture even on the most modern Television if it is connected by the usual TV aerial cable. To see HD pictures you will need to replace your aerial cable with HDMI cable which can be bought in standard lengths of up to 20 meters. For longer distances it is possible to send HD video over CAT6 cable using appropriate converters, but this is a job for the professional installer and not recommended for the DIY homeowner.
Step 03
Confirm that the channel or program is being shown in HD. Usually, programs will notify you that they are being shown in HD, either in the name of the channel or on the actual screen in the corner. Check the DStv channel number you are viewing to be sure that you are viewing the program in HD and not normal/standard definition. Make sure the DVD you are playing is an HD movie.
Done.
Now you can rest assured that you are viewing your favourite shows in the best definition possible.