One thing is certain when it comes to anticipating where technology will go:

Most of these predictions are likely to be obsolete because someone is working right now on new technology.

This is what we will be focusing on as we look at the impact of USB Type-C. Many experts believe that it will eventually replace HDMI as the “connector-of-choice” for high-definition video communication.

What Exactly Is USB Type-C?

USB-C, in its simplest form, was developed to be a connector that connects cables between devices and power sources.

You will need to connect all your electronics using different cables. Most likely, your flash drives and external drives are connected via USB-A ports. The USB-B ports are used to connect your scanner and printer. Most likely, USB mini or micro cables will be used to charge or connect your smartphones, tablets, and music players. Modern computer monitors are equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI inputs. HDMI cables can be used in your home theater, or you may still use RCA or component cables.

There are many cables out there that don’t work together. These cables are difficult to purchase, set up, and remember.

This is what the USB-C standard will change. It supports almost all types of signals, including data, audio, and video. All this is possible through the same ports on the equipment and the same cables.

You’ll only need one cable to make almost all connections once your equipment has USB-C ports.

USB-C has many other benefits. It can simultaneously carry data and power. It can transfer data at a higher speed and has greater bandwidth than the previous USB standards. A single USB-C cable can charge a laptop and carry 4K video signals. The connectors are smaller than the ones used in previous USB versions. They can also be reversible and symmetrical so there is no “wrong” side to plug into.

It’s almost perfect in a nutshell. It is worth noting, however, that USB-C does not have anything to do with the higher transfer speeds of USB standards 2.0, 2.0, or 3.0. Type-C refers to the connector hardware. USB 3.0 will always be faster than USB 2.0, regardless of connector type.

Many believe that USB-C will soon replace the high-quality HDMI cables and standards that we all have finally adopted for our audio and video equipment.

HDMI Via USB C Is Now Possible

It is important to emphasize that USB-C does not replace the cable and connector standard. USB-C to HDMI, i.e. HDMI signals can be transmitted via USB-C.

The company that created the HDMI standard has an alternative mode that allows USB-C devices to send signals directly to HDMI displays using one cable and no adapter.

Compatibility Of USB C And HDMI

HDMI is widely recognized as a video standard for many reasons.

• For nearly two decades, it has been the best choice for high-quality uncompressed video at the highest resolutions and without signal degradation.
• It supports audio, video, and control signals simultaneously and two-way communication via HDMI cables.
•  It supports encryption technology for data, which aids in preventing piracy.
•  Compatible with most video and audio devices, it supports all modern formats and color depths.

Remember the key phrase “for almost twenty years.”

While engineers are continually improving HDMI standards it is still a proven method of signal transmission. However, USB-C has been around for a few years so you would think that HDMI technology is much more advanced than USB-C.

Bottom line: USB Type-C is gaining traction but is not ready to replace HDMI.