Many gamers are already used to the standard way of connecting a game console to the TV via HDMI cable. However, this usually comes with frequent lags and causes cluttering in the room, which can be annoying. Therefore, you may already be considering other alternatives, and I am certain wireless HDMI is at the top of your list.
Since you do not know much about wireless HDMI and are not even sure if it is an excellent idea for gaming, going for it may be challenging. Nevertheless, you should not worry about this as we have gathered every detail about HDMI and will tell you if wireless HDMI is good for gaming. So without wasting much time, let’s get to it.
What Is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface and has been the leading method of transmitting data between digital devices for over a decade. HDMI can transmit high-definition videos with audio. You will find HDMI ports in virtually any standard TV, home theatre, DVD player, laptop, desktop computer, and other home electronics you can think of.
At the advent of HDMI, the transmission was only possible through a cable, and this method was called wired HDMI. However, this narrative changed in 2012 when the first wireless HDMI devices were introduced.
You can see that there is no big deal about HDMI than just being a modern way of transmitting data. Recall that we mentioned two forms of HDMI in the above section, wired HDMI and wireless HDMI. In the next section, let’s look at these two types of HDMI.
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Wireless HDMI Vs. Wired HDMI
Wired HDMI is the first and most familiar form, which uses cables to transmit data. This form of HDMI exists in different types depending on the nature of the cables, such as coaxial cables, fiber optics, and Ethernet cables. The cables are excellent for transmission but have a lot of setbacks in terms of reliability and distance. Hence, the need for a reliable alternative.
Considering the issues of using a wired HDMI, tech companies started working on alternatives, and in 2010, wireless HDMI was introduced. This new method of transmitting data through HDMI does not require cable and can be likened to a home router. However, unlike home routers, wireless HDMI does not have a Wi-Fi connection; instead, it utilizes a transmitter and receiver connected at both ends of the devices (gaming console and TV).
Wireless HDMI eliminated most of the problems of using wired HDMI and then brought up its issues, although they are less significant than the latter. Let’s consider the advantages of the two types of HDMI over each other.
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Advantages of Wired HDMI over Wireless HDMI
- Higher Latency Rate: The latency rate is the delay period between initiating and occurring inputted data. You can also describe it as the time taken for the inputted data to be displayed or performed on the screen. Wired HDMI has a higher latency rate than wireless HDMI since it transmits data faster than the latter. However, this is not a big problem since the difference in their latency rate is almost negligible.
- Environment-free: Although wired HDMI can be affected by environmental factors such as improper handling of cables and constant stretch, it still performs better in this aspect. Wireless HDMI’s productivity depends on environmental factors such as obstacles and interference from other wireless devices, which can reduce the signal quality and lead to total signal loss.
- Price: A cable will cost way less than a wireless device. Most HDMI cables cost less than $10 and are of high quality.
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Advantages Of Wireless HDMI Over Wired HDMI
- Eliminating clutter: One of the most significant advantages of using a wireless HDMI is that it permits you to do away with excessive cable connections. Moreover, you risk the occurrence of accidents since you can easily trip on a cable and fall, bringing down your gaming console and even TV.
- Easy Setup: All you need do is to connect your devices to the transmitter and receiver accordingly to start gaming. Wired HDMI usually requires long cables, especially if trying to connect devices in different rooms.
- Improved Flexibility: Most wireless HDMI can transmit data within a range of 15 meters to 200 meters which helps remove the limit of distance posed by wired HDMI. You can change the position of your devices as much as you like without worrying about loss of connection.
- Reduces stress: Using a wired HDMI can be stressful, especially when attempting to fix an issue. Sometimes, you may need to carry out some complex wiring to efficiently use the wired HDMI. Wireless HDMI ensures you do not go through this stress as they are unnecessary if duly considered.
- Remove lags: Even though the latency rate might be slower than that of wired HDMI, you are sure not to experience any lag or loss in the picture quality with the wireless HDMI. This is because it can maintain its latency rate over the wired HDMI.
After considering the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of HDMI, the following action is to answer the question: “Is wireless HDMI good for gaming?”
Is Wireless HDMI Good For Gaming?
Looking at the advantages of wireless HDMI over wired HDMI, one can easily detect that it will be an excellent option for gaming. However, it is not absolutely rosy.
Wireless HDMI offers gamers a better display quality and stable connection than wired HDMI. The HDMI connection method is also mobile and allows for connection regardless of the location of the devices, given that you do not exceed the connectivity range. It also removes lags experienced when wired HDMI, and connection loss is almost impossible since it does not utilize Wi-Fi. Vividly, gaming via wireless HDMI provides you with a better user experience than wired HDMI.
Conversely, most wireless HDMI can only deliver up to 1080p resolution for maximum quality, and those that claim to deliver at a higher resolution up to 4k end up messing with the display and audio quality. This is due to the low bandwidth of a wireless connection, which affects the signal directly if not adequately enhanced. Thus, it presents a significant advantage to wired HDMI that delivers at high bandwidth and refreshes rate of up to 120 Hz. Unfortunately, most wireless HDMI only delivers at 60Hz or lower.
Nevertheless, this does not imply Wireless HDMI is bad in terms of resolution since many TVs do not yet support 8k resolution. Moreover, a resolution of 1080p is standard in the industry. You also have to consider that wireless devices can only improve; we have seen this over the years, even in developing HDMI extenders.
In summary, going for a wireless HDMI over a wired HDMI for gaming is an excellent decision since it offers better flexibility, quality connection, and an enhanced user experience. On the other hand, wired HDMI may provide better display quality and higher bandwidth, thereby might support more gaming features.
How To Improve Your Wireless HDMI
It is possible to improve the capacity of your wireless HDMI for optimum performance. This can be achieved by considering the factors that can thwart its performance. Here are some simple tips to get the best out of your wireless HDMI during gaming:
- Ensure your devices (gaming consoles and TVs) are close: This is to keep the transmitter and receiver within communication range, usually not more than 200m or 15ft.
- Maintain a direct line of sight: It is also advisable you avoid the existence of an obstacle such as a wall between the transmitter and receiver since the waves might not be able to penetrate some walls. In addition, diffusion decreases the strength of the connection and bandwidth.
- Reduce the number of wireless devices in the room: When several wireless devices are turned on simultaneously, there is a high tendency of interference, affecting your HDMI device’s connection quality.
- Avoid purchasing high-latency wireless HDMI devices since data transmission might be too fast and negatively affect output.
- Do not overload the wireless HDMI device through the connection of many gaming gadgets.
Conclusion
We have made it clear that wireless HDMI devices are good for gaming, even though there are instances when their performances can be impaired. You can always improve this by maintaining a direct line-of-sight connection and utilizing the wireless HDMI at lower resolutions.
