Q&A for How to Connect HDMI Cables

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Can you plug your smart phone into the HDMI cable, and then the tv to watch Netflix?

Community Answer

You will need an adapter that plugs into your phone and plugs into an HDMI cable connected to your TV.

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What is the recommended max HDMI cable length for UHD high quality? How effective is transmission via cat5 cable and adapters?

Community Answer

As HDMI is digital, the length of the cable doesn't matter a lot. It might get slightly worse after 100ft (33m), but nothing else. Also, cat5 cables are outdated. Try to go for Cat5e or 6 for faster connection speed.

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Question

How can I connect my HDMI TV to the Xfinity cable box that doesn't have an HDMI connection?

Community Answer

Most of Comcast's cable boxes come equipped with HDMI connections; you may want to speak with your cable provider about updating your cable box. You could also use standard red, white and yellow AV cables, or could purchase an adapter.

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Which HDMI port do I use to hook up my cable box to my TV?

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Any of the ports will work. It only affects what port you have to choose to use the cable box.

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Question

Will I get the better result for videos by using an HDMI cable?

Community Answer

It all comes down on the quality of the video you are going to watch. While you get better picture quality with an HDMI cable rather than a VGA cable, the HDMI cable also transmits audio so you don't need an audio cable.

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Question

Why does my laptop screen go black when I insert the HDMI connecting cable from my laptop to my TV?

Community Answer

Your laptop is set to transit only to the other display. To fix this problem, look for a button with a picture of a computer and hold it down while pressing the duplicate button.

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When using an HDMI cable, do I still need the other color coded connectors?

Community Answer

No, you do not. HDMI carries video and sound together. The other cables use an older technology that transmitted sound and video separately.

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Question

Is it possible to connect an HDMI cable to my TV if the TV doesnt have an HDMI input?

Community Answer

If it has another type of input, adapters may be available, but may be at reduced functionality (i.e. no sound or limited resolution). If your TV is not capable of HD, HDMI will not be the correct cable choice. You may be able to find a converter online, but again, you will likely have reduced functionality.

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Question

Why won't my HDMI cable work on my TV?

Community Answer

First, make sure it's in the correct slot. Then, check the cable on another TV to see if the issue is with the first TV you used. If the issue is the TV, then consult the manual and/or manufacturer. If the issue is with the cable, I would get a new one.

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Question

Is there a way to connect both my computer and my DVD player to my TV if it only has one input for HDMI?

Community Answer

You can buy an HDMI switch. They range in price from $20 to $100 depending out how many in/outputs they have.

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Question

How do I use this with a mobile?

Community Answer

Mobile phones do not have HDMI.

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Question

What can I do if my TV doesn't detect the signal from the HDMI cable?

Community Answer

Double check the connections, and if that doesn't help, replace the HDMI cable.

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Question

Can the HDMI PC/DVI port be used for another type of device?

Community Answer

Yes, any device that outputs an HDMI PC/DVI cable can be used with an HDMI or DVI input slot. An input connected to another input, or an output connected to another output will not work, however, so make sure you're using the correct slots. This should be obvious, but some receivers have HDMI, DVI or other types of input slots for pass-through functionality.

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Question

If I switch to HDMI, do I need to disconnect the coax cables?

Community Answer

You do not need to disconnect coax or any cable already connected, you'll just need to switch between inputs.

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Question

How to connect my phone with LCD via wire cable?

Community Answer

To use HDMI cable connection, your phone must support HDMI output. If you meet this prerequisite, then you need USB-C to HDMI cable, which you'll connect from your phone's USB port to your monitor or TV.

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Question

I've connected the HDMI cable to the TV and the cable box, but it still isn't working. What should I do?

Community Answer

Many TV's only have specific channels that work with your HDMI. Try channel surfing for the one that works. If you have multiple HDMI ports, then it could show on channels HDMI, HDMI2, HDMI3 and so on.

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Question

Can I use HDMI on my computer to charge the battery?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. Only a power cable can charge a computer. You can use a wall outlet or a portable power bank.

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Question

How many HDMI cables can be connected to a single monitor at one time?

Community Answer

It really just depends on the amount of HDMI inputs on the monitor. For example, if there are 4 HDMI inputs, you can connect 4 cables.

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