High-Definition Multimedia Interface 2.1b Cables for Analog Multichannel Audio: Objective and Subjective Analysis

Kim J. High-Definition Multimedia Interface 2.1b Cables for Analog Multichannel Audio: Objective and Subjective Analysis. J Audio Eng Soc. 2026;74(9):624-635. doi:10.17743/jaes.2026.0287

@article{Kim2026_23439,
  author = {Kim, Jooyoung},
  title = {{High-Definition Multimedia Interface 2.1b Cables for Analog Multichannel Audio: Objective and Subjective Analysis}},
  journal = {Journal of the Audio Engineering Society},
  volume = {74},
  number = {9},
  pages = {624--635},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  doi = {10.17743/jaes.2026.0287},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.17743/jaes.2026.0287}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - High-Definition Multimedia Interface 2.1b Cables for Analog Multichannel Audio: Objective and Subjective Analysis
AU  - Kim, Jooyoung
T2  - Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
J2  - J. Audio Eng. Soc.
VL  - 74
IS  - 9
SP  - 624
EP  - 635
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/16
DO  - 10.17743/jaes.2026.0287
UR  - https://doi.org/10.17743/jaes.2026.0287
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - This study evaluates repurposing HDMI 2.1b type A cables for analog multichannel (six balanced channels) audio transmission versus standard tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) cables. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables (1, 3, 5 m) from three manufacturers were adapted via an HDMI-to-TRS breakout and tested. Objective measurements followed Audio Engineering Society standard AES17-2020 for THD + noise and interchannel crosstalk; frequency response was measured using logarithmic sweeps. Subjective MUSHRA-like listening tests (n = 16, seven stereo samples) assessed perceived quality. At −20 dBFS, HDMI, and TRS showed THD + noise < 0.01%. Crosstalk ranged from −142.0 to −65.6 dB (HDMI) and −140.2 to −65.5 dB (TRS). Phase-inversion tests (−7 dBFS) yielded mixed-signal RMS −74.9 to −84.6 dBFS. Frequency-response deviations were ≤ 0.09 dB. Repeated measures ANOVA of MUSHRA-like scores found one omnibus difference (pop 2; F = 3.053; p = 0.037) but no significant pairwise differences (Tukey honestly significant difference, p > 0.05); overall perceptual equivalence was observed. These results indicate HDMI 2.1b type A can carry six-channel analog audio with near-TRS fidelity, suggesting a cost-effective alternative, pending further evaluation of longer cables and long-term reliability.
ER  -