HDMI Cables Selection Guide
MAS HDMI cables come in three series: Eko, 4K and 8K; selection is decided by resolution, 18 or 48 Gbps speed class, and the difference between version and cable class.
This guide covers what to look at when choosing products in the HDMI Cables category.
Which jobs the Eko, 4K and 8K series suit
The MAS cables in this category come in three series; the series can be told from the model code and the product name.
- Eko (MAS-EHDMI): Listed with 1080p resolution. For Full HD display, set-top box, presentation and information display connections.
- 4K (MAS-HDMIPRO): Listed with HDMI 2.0 and 18 Gbps values. This is the highest data rate of HDMI 2.0, and it carries 4K video at 60 Hz.
- 8K (MAS-HDMI8K): Listed with HDMI 2.1 and 48 Gbps values. Formats that came with HDMI 2.1, such as 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz, use this bandwidth.
In the product data, the refresh rate of the 4K and 8K series is given as 60 Hz. If you will use 4K 120 Hz with a game console or graphics card, verify support for the length you choose from the manufacturer data.
Version number and cable class are not the same thing
HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 are specification versions that devices conform to. Cables, on the other hand, are labeled under the licensing body's rule by speed class rather than by version: the Premium High Speed class is a cable tested for 18 Gbps, and the Ultra High Speed class for 48 Gbps. If the specification or the device manual calls for one of these classes, check the class label on the product packaging and the manufacturer's documentation; the version and speed value in the product data alone do not replace a class certificate.
Cable length and long distances
The HDMI specification does not define a maximum cable length; the usable length is limited by signal attenuation, and this limit depends on the construction and conductor of the cable. For lengths over 13 meters, obtaining class certification becomes difficult. Long lengths such as 10 m, 20 m and 40 m are also listed in the category; before choosing a long cable, verify from the manufacturer data that your target resolution and refresh rate are supported at that length, measure the route and buy the shortest length that meets your need.
For long distances, the following solutions are used in place of a passive cable:
- Active HDMI cable: boosts the signal with the electronics built into it.
- Extender: carries the video over a data cable such as CAT6 cables; the reach of HDBaseT solutions is up to 100 meters.
- Fiber optic extension: for longer runs.
On fixed lines running inside walls, the cable can be terminated with audio and video sockets with HDMI connectors.
Connector type and audio return channel
- Connector: The standard input on televisions, monitors and projectors is Type A. Portable devices such as cameras and tablets may have a mini (Type C) or micro (Type D) HDMI input; for such a device, confirm the cable's end type before ordering.
- ARC and eARC: ARC sends the television's sound back to the audio system over the same HDMI cable. eARC requires an Ultra High Speed cable or a High Speed cable with an Ethernet channel; verify the cable's class and Ethernet channel from the manufacturer data.
Ordering notes
- Cables are sold per piece, and each length is a separate product. The number at the end of the model code gives the length in meters: MAS-HDMI8K10 is a ten-meter 8K cable.
- You can narrow down the series and length with the Resolution, HDMI Version and Length filters.
- Some of the products are made to order; for these, the price and delivery time are confirmed before ordering.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Short-Run HDMI Cable (1.5 m – 3 m) | Medium-Run HDMI Cable (5 m – 10 m) | Long-Run / Active Optical HDMI (15 m – 30+ m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution & Bandwidth | 4K 60Hz (18 Gbps) / 8K 60Hz (48 Gbps) | 1080p60 or 4K (requires heavy-gauge copper) | Lossless 4K 60Hz via active repeater or fiber (AOC) |
| Connector & Jacket | Gold-plated contacts, flexible PVC or braided jacket | Multi-layer foil + braid shield, molded strain relief | Directional connectors (Source → Display) |
| Signal Integrity | Standard passive copper pair transmission | Thicker 24–26 AWG conductors & ferrite cores | High immunity to EMI in cable trays and conduits |
| Typical Application | Desktop monitors, NVR/DVR CCTV recorders | Meeting room ceiling projectors, digital signage | Control rooms, auditoriums, industrial HMI displays |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an HDMI 2.0 and an HDMI 2.1 cable?
The difference is in the data rate that can be carried. In HDMI 2.0 the highest data rate is 18 Gbps, which is sufficient for 4K video at 60 Hz. HDMI 2.1 raises this rate to the 48 Gbps level; formats such as 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz use this bandwidth. The connector is the same, so both cables plug into old and new devices; the picture you get is determined by the lowest-spec component in the chain.
Do I need an 8K HDMI cable for a 4K television?
For 4K video at 60 Hz, the 4K series, listed at 18 Gbps, is sufficient. The 8K series makes sense for sources that need higher bandwidth, such as a game console or graphics card with 4K 120 Hz output, and for setups where a move to an 8K display is planned in the future. An 8K cable also works on a 4K television, but it does not raise the picture above 4K.
What is the maximum length of an HDMI cable?
The HDMI specification does not define a maximum cable length; the usable length is limited by signal attenuation, and this depends on the construction and conductor of the cable. As length and the target resolution increase, the limit of a passive cable is approached. On long lines, active cables, extenders that work over a data cable, or fiber optic solutions are used; before buying a long cable, verify the target resolution from the manufacturer data.
Which HDMI cable is needed for 4K 120 Hz on a game console?
4K 120 Hz is a format that came with HDMI 2.1, and a cable in the 48 Gbps class is needed for the full bandwidth. In this category the 8K series is listed as HDMI 2.1 and 48 Gbps, but the product data gives the refresh rate as 60 Hz. If you will use 120 Hz, verify support for the length you choose from the manufacturer data; the input of the television or monitor must also be HDMI 2.1.
Which HDMI cable is needed for a soundbar and eARC?
ARC sends the television's sound back to the audio system over the same HDMI cable; eARC is the newer version of this channel that also carries uncompressed multichannel audio. eARC requires an Ultra High Speed cable or a High Speed cable with an Ethernet channel. Plug the cable into the HDMI input marked ARC or eARC on both the television and the audio system; verify the cable's Ethernet channel information from the manufacturer data.