Anyone who has ever hung a TV tightly against the wall or placed equipment in a cupboard will immediately recognise the problem. The HDMI connection is often so close to the back that a standard straight cable does not fit properly or puts too much tension on the connection. In...
Angled HDMI Cables
Anyone who has ever hung a TV tightly against the wall or placed equipment in a cupboard will immediately recognise the problem. The HDMI connection is often so close to the back that a standard straight cable does not fit properly or puts too much tension on the connection. In such situations, angled HDMI cables offer a smart and space-saving solution. These cables are equipped with an angled connector, so that you can easily connect your devices in hard-to-reach places without the risk of damage.
Angled HDMI cables are increasingly being chosen for wall mounting of televisions, for projectors that hang low or high or for AV cabinets with little space at the back. Because they are available in different directions and in multiple HDMI versions, there is a suitable variant available for almost every situation. In this text we explain what angled HDMI cables are exactly, when to use them and what to look for when choosing the right version.
What is an angled HDMI cable and when do you use it?
An angled HDMI cable is a cable where the HDMI connector is placed at an angle. Instead of sticking straight out of the device, the cable runs directly up, down or to the side. This prevents the cable from kinking or pressing against the wall. This is a common problem, especially with televisions that are mounted flat against the wall. A straight cable can also be difficult to place in cabinets or brackets where there is little space available. With an HDMI cable with an angled connector, you can connect devices neatly and safely, without having to make concessions to the placement of your TV or projector.
In addition to televisions, there are other devices where an angled HDMI cable can provide a solution. Think of AV receivers that are tightly integrated into a piece of furniture, media boxes with connections on the back or game consoles that are placed just under a shelf or in a compartment. An angled HDMI cable not only prevents damage to the port or cable, but also ensures a neater and more solid connection.
What types of angled HDMI cables are there?
Right-angled HDMI cables are available in different directions. The most common versions are angled to the left or right, also referred to as ninety or two hundred and seventy degrees. The direction you need depends on where the HDMI port is on your device and in which direction you want the cable to run. Some cables are angled up or down, which is especially useful for projectors on the ceiling or televisions that hang low. There are also rotatable HDMI cables or adapters, where you can set the direction yourself.
Angled HDMI cables are available in all common HDMI versions. For example, there are cables with HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 specifications. The version determines, among other things, which resolutions and functions are supported. For Full HD applications, HDMI 1.4 is usually sufficient. If you want to use 4K at sixty hertz or higher frame rates, then you better choose an HDMI 2.0 cable with an angled connector. For gamers or home cinema systems that work with 4K at one hundred and twenty hertz or 8K, HDMI 2.1 is the best choice.
What to look for when buying an angled HDMI cable
When choosing the right angled HDMI cable, there are a few important things to consider. First, take a good look at the direction in which the cable needs to bend. This depends on the position of your device, the location of the port, and the direction you want to route the cable to. It would be a shame if you order the wrong angle and the cable still doesn't fit.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to the length of the cable. If the cable is too short, you still have too little freedom of movement, while a cable that is too long results in excess cord that needs to be neatly concealed. Always choose a cable that matches the image quality you need. If you watch content in 4K or 8K or use techniques such as HDR or eARC, make sure the cable supports this.
The build quality of the cable also plays a role. Cables with gold-plated connectors often provide a more stable contact and are more resistant to wear. A sturdy sheath and good shielding ensure less susceptibility to interference, especially with longer cables or installations where multiple signals run simultaneously.
What is the difference with a straight HDMI cable?
A straight HDMI cable comes straight out of the device and only bends further on. This is not a problem if there is sufficient space behind the device. However, if the TV is mounted flat against the wall or the device is tightly in a cupboard, this can cause problems. A straight cable that is forced can cause damage to the connection or to the cable itself. In such situations, it is better to choose a angled HDMI, so that the cable can be neatly guided along the edge of the device.
With an angled HDMI cable, you can connect devices not only more securely, but also more neatly. It prevents cables from sticking out or kinking. This provides a much neater finish, especially with fixed installations such as wall brackets or ceiling mounting.
When do you choose a rotating HDMI cable or adapter?
In some situations, you don't know in advance exactly how the connection will end up. Or you have multiple devices with HDMI ports in different directions. Then a rotatable HDMI cable can be a handy solution. This type of cable has a movable connector that you can set to the right angle yourself. This flexibility is also nice if you regularly move equipment or connect it temporarily.
An alternative is an angled HDMI adapter. This is a separate intermediate piece that you place between your device and a standard cable. This allows you to connect an existing straight cable at an angle. Handy if you already have a good cable that you do not want to replace, but are running into space problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Right Angle HDMI Cables
A question that is often asked is whether an angled HDMI cable fits every TV. The answer is yes, as long as the HDMI port is accessible and the angle of the cable matches the position of the connection. So pay close attention to whether the cable has to bend to the left, right, up or down. The difference between ninety and two hundred and seventy degrees is in the direction of the bend and depends on how the HDMI port is positioned. If you are in doubt, it is best to test with a standard cable or see how you prefer to run the cable.
Right-angled HDMI cables are perfectly suitable for functions such as ARC or eARC, as long as you choose a cable with the correct version. For older systems, HDMI 1.4 with ARC works fine. For modern installations with eARC, choose an HDMI 2.1 cable. You can also use an HDMI cable with an angled connector for gaming or watching 4K films without any problems. As long as the cable has the correct specifications, the shape of the connector makes no difference in performance.