高価なHDMIケーブルは本当に違いがあるのか?
500円のケーブルと1万円のケーブル——4Kテレビにとって違いはあるのか?
## The Short Answer: No (Mostly)
HDMI is a **digital signal**. Unlike analog cables (VGA, RCA), there's no gradual quality degradation. It either works perfectly or doesn't work at all. A $5 HDMI cable produces identical picture quality to a $100 one.
## When Cable Quality Matters
The exception is **bandwidth certification**:
- A "High Speed" HDMI cable (10.2 Gbps) physically cannot carry 4K@120Hz
- An "Ultra High Speed" cable (48 Gbps) is required for HDMI 2.1 features
So the question isn't "expensive vs cheap" — it's "certified for the right speed."
## What You're Actually Paying For
Premium cables may offer:
- **Better build quality**: Braided jackets, reinforced connectors
- **Longer warranty**: 5-year vs 1-year
- **Certification testing**: Hologram sticker from HDMI.org
None of these affect picture quality.
## The $8 Rule
For runs under 3m, buy any certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for $8-15. For runs over 5m, invest in an active or fiber optic cable ($30-80). Never spend over $50 for a standard-length HDMI cable.