How do you classified hdmi from bad to really good?

Question

How do you classified hdmi from bad to really good?

Answer 1

It's unclear what you are classifying.

1) If you are talking about HDMI cable ratings, basically the best cables are made with thicker wires (to allow longer connection distances), optimized dielectric characteristics, and better mechanical characteristics (connectors, etc). Since the changes to the specifications (version 1.3 and later ... which is the HDMI spec -- in terms of what signals it must carry, etc --- and is not the cable spec), certification and ratings changed (See link). You should look for cables certified to meet HDMI 1.3.  Category 2 cables are better than Category 1, and CM is better than CL-1 and CL-2 (which are ratings for use (e.g. in-wall installation), not video/audio performance).

2) If you mean HDMI vs other connection types, HDMI (and DVI, which is the video only component of HDMI) are better (usually) than Component (3 cable red/blue/green RCA), S-video (4 or 7 pin DIN connector) or composite (single yellow RCA) ... in decreasing order of picture quality.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Mostly good.

Pro's  

- video and audio all in one cable

- HDCP makes sure the signal goes through compliant devices end to end

Con's

- you can't (easily) make cables

- the connectors don't have a positive connection, it's just friction and they can come out.

- HDCP can sometimes cause problems (I've only heard this and not seen it myself)

my $0.02