HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a set of hardware and software standards designed to support the transmission of audio and video. Unlike older standards, which required separate cables for audio and video, HDMI can handle both though a single connection.

It's now the de fact standard for connecting external devices to TVs, linking external displays to computers (although that often requires an adaptor) and even adding smart TV functions to regular TVs through devices like the Google Chromecast, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Let's take a walk down HDMI Lane to see what makes it tick and how to make informed buying decisions.

It's not your fault, but it is very likely that you're using the wrong HDMI cord to plug that 4K Apple TV or PS4 Pro into your new TV. While you might have assumed that all HDMI cords are equal they are, unfortunately, not.

Until the end of the day today, Coles is selling a 1-metre HDMI cable for $2. That’s a single gold coin. You can’t even line up for a sausage sandwich at Bunnings for these sorts of prices anymore.

You may have just gotten used to HDMI 2.0, but HDMI 2.1 is already on its way, and it has all kinds of awesome new features. Here's what you need to know about the substantial update.

Imagine a PC in your pocket, free to carry anywhere there's a screen you can use to get your work done. Sure, a laptop works, but a PC-on-a-stick gives you serious freedom and flexibility. The Google Chromebit and Intel Compute Stick both sell that dream pretty hard. We took both for a test drive.

If you're new to the world of compact media centres such as the Raspberry Pi, it's easy to get caught up in all the bits and bobs you need to get it set up. Of course, having the required cables -- power, HDMI, USB, etc -- is mandatory, but before you splurge on a custom remote and infrared receiver, make sure your TV doesn't provide this functionality already.

Monster's new "Ultra HD Platinum" HDMI range is being billed as an essential purchase for anyone requiring the high-speed bandwidth demands of 4K video. On the downside, a single cable can set you back as much as $349. Is there any way this eye-watering markup could possibly be worth the money? Or will a $5 cable off eBay serve you just as well? Yesterday, Monster put its money where its mouth is in a live HDMI bit error face-off. Here are the results.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers including: the latest spectacular cosplay creations, how NSW Police destroyed their flagship patrol car with the wrong fuel, everything wrong with the movie Robocop.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers including: Holden VF Commodore SSV Redline reviewed, cheap HDMI cables, Goat Simulator 2014.

Dear Lifehacker, I am thinking about a UHD TV as my next TV. But the big name stores all tell me I need to throw away any HDMI cable I have now that is more than two years old because the technology has moved so rapidly. In my experience, they work or they don't. Do I need new cables now? Should I wait until I get the TV?

Dear Lifehacker, I have a new HD TV without any sound output other than HDMI. What are my options for hooking up a budget 50W(RMS) amplifier and bookshelf speakers? Are there any decent converters that can extract audio from an HDMI source and output via a 3.5mm headphone jack? Thanks, Not Quite an Audiophile

You already know what size of Windows 8 PC you want, but what are you going to put in it? More RAM? A bigger processor? Solid state storage? We're here to explain a few things for you to help you get the best Windows 8 device for your money.

A simple lesson in why you should never buy an HDMI cable from a conventional retailer, especially if that retailer is called Harvey Norman. Catch Of The Day is selling a 2M HDMI cable from professional cable over-charger Monster for $14.99 (plus postage). The cheapest 2M Monster HDMI cable from Harvey Norman costs $139, and it will sell you a pricier variant for $249.