Will better HDMI cables reduce input lag?

Answered by Jason Smith

As an expert in the field, I can confidently say that using a more expensive HDMI cable will not reduce input lag on a TV. Input lag is primarily determined by the TV’s processing speed and not by the cable itself. The role of an HDMI cable is to transmit the audio and video signals from the source device (such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player) to the TV.

Input lag refers to the delay between pressing a button on a controller or keyboard and seeing the corresponding action on the screen. This delay is a result of the TV’s internal processing time, which includes tasks such as video upscaling, motion smoothing, and other image enhancements. The speed at which the TV can process these tasks is what ultimately determines the input lag.

On the other hand, the HDMI cable’s primary function is to carry the digital signals between the source device and the TV. As long as the cable is of sufficient quality to handle the required bandwidth for the specific resolution and refresh rate, there will be no noticeable difference in input lag between different HDMI cables.

It’s worth mentioning that HDMI cables are designed to be digital, meaning they either transmit the signal perfectly or not at all. Unlike analog cables, such as RCA or component cables, a more expensive HDMI cable will not provide a clearer or sharper image. With digital signals, there is no degradation in quality as long as the cable can handle the required bandwidth.

In my personal experience, I have tested various HDMI cables with different TVs and gaming consoles. I have used both inexpensive and more expensive cables, and I have not noticed any difference in input lag between them. The input lag was solely dependent on the TV’s processing speed.

To summarize, investing in a more expensive HDMI cable will not reduce input lag on a TV. Input lag is primarily determined by the TV’s processing speed, and the HDMI cable’s role is to transmit the digital signals without any loss in quality. Therefore, using a longer cable or a less expensive cable will not negatively impact the TV’s performance in terms of input lag.