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What is it? Cables are needed to transmit video and audio from your content source (TV programming, disc player, game console) to your HDTV. The "yellow-white-red" cables of old are not meant for HDTV; you'll want to use an HDMI cable to deliver high-resolution video and multi-channel audio at the highest quality possible.

Why do I need it? Fewer cables, higher quality. HDMI combines yesteryear's many, many cables into one complete connection, and since HDMI supports things like uncompressed audio and 1080p video, you'll need it for the ultimate HDTV experience.

What's the next step? Ideally, you'll use four HDMI cables. Three of them plug into the receiver (connected to your digital cable/satellite box, high-def disc player, and game system). The fourth HDMI cable then connects from the receiver to your television, and standard speaker wires finish out the job by connecting surround speakers to the receiver. Of course, depending on the equipment you intend to purchase or already have, there are many different ways to interconnect your home theater system and still experience excellent picture and sound quality.

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Below is an overview of the various major types of video and audio cables:

Combining an HDTV with Blu-ray as a high-definition content source will give you breathtakingly clear images and high-resolution multichannel sound. But getting all the pieces of your home-theater system hooked up isn't quite as simple as plugging the red, white, and yellow cables from your VCR to your old TV set.

HDMI or component cabling is required for a high-def picture. If you aren't using one of those cables, you aren't watching HD! HDMI wins out in terms of convenience and quality, as it is the only cable to simultaneously deliver 1080p video and uncompressed surround sound audio. However, many high-def components don't come with HDMI cables, and some don't even include component cables. Check to see what's included before you buy.

HDMI is sensitive to length, but in ways different from traditional analog cables. When using a short cable, the sensitivity isn't severe, and because the connection is digital, there's no fuzzy middle-ground: it either works or doesn't. If your cabling doesn't need to run for very long, you can save a lot of money by purchasing lower-priced HDMI cables--with very few exceptions, these will work just as well as their overpriced peers. However, as your cable length increases, so do the opportunities for the cable to be damaged in specific installations--particularly through and behind walls. For best performance in these instances, look for cables that are HDMI certified.

DVI is another high-def video cable, and its wide connector plugs into a trapezoid-shaped jack that is usually white. DVI was only used on consumer gear for a few years and has since been replaced by HDMI. If you run into any errors trying to connect this sort of cable, don't replace the entire TV set; you can use adapter cables that convert DVI to HDMI and vice versa. Generally, such adapters do not affect the resulting video quality.

Take note: only DVI and HDMI support HDCP content protection. If the high-def video disc or television program you are watching is flagged with HDCP and you're using cables other than HDMI or DVI, the video may not appear at all or may only show in a reduced resolution. Thankfully, to avoid confusion for new HD owners, most content is not flagged with the protection's "shut-off" issue, but in the event that HDCP ever becomes widespread, HDMI cables can ensure that your home theater will not be affected.

Looking for the latest developments in high-def? Check out our blog to find all the news that's fit to post.

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