Adapters & Cables

Start with the connectors on the source and the screen, then decide whether a plain lead will do or the signal needs switching, splitting or converting.

HDMI cable speed and length

For 4K at 60Hz, an 18Gbps High Speed cable such as the HDMI 2.0 certified Knightsbridge AVHD4K10 is enough. For 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, use an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable such as the 48Gbps Knightsbridge AVUHD8K2. Long runs call for active cable: the Vanco RDM100 uses a RedMere chip over 30.48m. Vanco M Series optical HDMI cables run 5m to 30m.

Switch, splitter or matrix

A switch picks one of several sources for one screen, a splitter copies one source to several screens, and a matrix routes any source to any screen. The AV:Link 128.841UK is a 3x1 4K switch with IR remote, the 128.846UK a 1x4 4K splitter, the 128.863UK an 8K 1x8 splitter, and the 128.850UK a 4x4 4K matrix with EDID switch and RS232 port.

Converters and audio

Converters bridge analogue and digital equipment: the 122.416UK turns SCART into 720p or 1080p HDMI for older VCRs and consoles, and the 128.512UK sends HDMI to composite RCA for an older TV. Audio extractors such as the 128.514UK take optical and 3.5mm audio out of an HDMI signal for a soundbar or headphones, and the 128.516UK splits one TOSlink output two ways.

Brands we stock in Adapters & Cables

AMG Systems, AV:Link, AVARRO, Axis Communications, Belden, Comelit PAC, Eaton, ESP, Genie, Haydon, Knightsbridge, LEA Professional, Mercury, Neutrik, Opus Technologies, QTX, TRENDnet, Vanco and Xtralis by Honeywell.

Vanco supplies the most products, followed by AV:Link.

Related categories

See also General A/V Converters. See HDMI cables and adapters, AV adapters and XLR and Speakon connectors, or finish at AV wall plates and outlets.