Do gold-plated HDMI connectors matter?

No. Gold-plated connectors resist corrosion slightly better than nickel-plated connectors, but this only matters in environments with high humidity or chemical exposure. In normal home use, nickel-plated connectors last the full life of the cable. Gold plating has zero impact on signal quality. It is a marketing feature, not a performance feature. Choose cables based on certification, length, and build quality — not connector plating.

How long can an HDMI cable be before signal degrades?

HDMI 2.0 cables work reliably up to 25 feet for 4K 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 cables work reliably up to 10-15 feet for 4K 120Hz. Beyond these lengths, signal integrity decreases. For longer runs, use active HDMI cables (with built-in signal boosters) or HDMI-over-fiber solutions. For most home setups where the source and display are within 10 feet, any quality passive cable works perfectly.

Best HDMI Cables Under $15 2026