Introduction
The most talked-about aspect of HDMI cables is usually performance, and their marketing often focuses on bandwidth, resolution and certification. While these factors are undeniably important, the real-world success of professional integrators depends on much more. HDMI certification provides you with assurance of a cable’s ability to meet specific performance standards for video and audio, but it does not consider material quality, connector durability or shielding integrity – the other critical factors that determine the overall reliability of an HDMI cable.
For AV professionals, the true difference between an adequate cable and a well-engineered one is revealed through installation challenges, reliability concerns and unexpected service calls. So, when you’re selecting a cable, performance is a good starting point, but it should not be the only consideration. Long-term reliability, client satisfaction and project profitability come from selecting cables that offer quality engineering, build precision, and a design suited to professional installations.
The Hidden Cost of Service Calls
The cost to your business of a single service call can easily outweigh the small incremental price difference of a well-engineered cable. Every minute you spend diagnosing a faulty HDMI connection is a minute you’re not spending making money on a new project elsewhere. For systems integrators, the impact is not only in lost time and opportunity but also in potential damage to client relationships.
Intermittent HDMI cable failures are among the hardest to diagnose, often appearing as flickering screens, signal dropouts or audio sync issues. An adequate cable may pass its initial testing, only to cause problems later when an installation is in full operation. These failures lead to unnecessary troubleshooting, callbacks and frustrated clients who expect a seamless experience and don’t understand the challenges of AV.
More often than not, these issues are caused by poor cable quality. Why risk your reputation and the entire project’s profit on something as low-cost as a cable, when the right choice at the outset would eliminate any complications? That’s why we like to say, “Don’t install a service call”. Investing in a cable built for reliability pays for itself ten times over in more predictable installations, fewer service calls and long-term trust in your work.
Easier Installations are More Profitable Installations
The on-site hassles created by a poorly made HDMI cable can add their own hidden costs. Poor cable design can slow down your installations and even lead to costly mistakes that require replacement before a job is finished.
A well-engineered HDMI cable will make installation easier by offering flexibility, precise tolerances and durable connectors. For example, specially-designed jacket materials that balance flexibility and toughness will prevent snagging when routing cables through conduit, making installation faster and more predictable.
Poorly engineered cables, on the other hand, can create a variety of avoidable problems. To list a few, large connectors with flat edges make running cables through walls more difficult, costing valuable time. Stiff cables can be nearly impossible to install in tight spaces, forcing workarounds or even requiring a different cable altogether.
Robustness also matters on-site. A fragile HDMI connector can easily snap if stepped on, requiring an immediate replacement. Poor tolerances can lead to connectors that fit too tightly or too loosely, increasing the risk of HDMI port damage or weak connections that degrade over time.
Clear and consistent labelling is also important, especially for directional HDMI cables that rely on active components to transmit signals correctly. If installed the wrong way around, they will not work, forcing the installer to pull and replace the cable. Without clear labelling, mistakes are made, wasting your valuable time and creating unnecessary frustration.
A properly engineered cable is purpose-built for professional installation. It reduces the time in which you can complete a job, ensuring first-time success. So, choosing the right cable from the get-go is not just about performance; it is about making every installation faster, smoother and more reliable, so you can get in, get out, and get on to your next project.
Engineering Excellence Delivers Long-Term Value
In the world of professional integration, not all project needs are created equal. Some require basic products, and some require specialised and high-performance products. The level of products you select, and the project fees you charge vary accordingly.
For AV, this means some cables simply need to go from point A to B in a basic home installation and some must be built to endure real-world installation challenges such as high-density racks, tight spaces and demanding environments. But regardless of the use case, a well-engineered cable is designed with carefully selected materials, an optimised form factor, and precision manufacturing to suit the specific intended use. And beyond its installation, that AV cable should perform reliably for years.
Quality engineering does come at a commensurate price—just compare the price of commercial and consumer TVs. However, the investment is justified. A well-engineered HDMI cable not only prevents costly warranty service calls that eat into your profit margins but also builds trust with clients, leading to repeat business. Additionally, proper design minimises equipment wear and tear. From an environmental perspective, durability matters—a cable built to last is far less impactful on the environment than one that needs replacing every two years.
Hence, a well-engineered cable means faster installations with less challenges and improved long-term performance. A cable that works reliably from the moment it is installed helps integrators deliver projects with confidence, reduces service calls and in the long run, makes installations more profitable.
Spotting the difference between an ordinary cable and a well-engineered one requires more than checking a specification sheet. Understanding the balance between performance and design is key. Some cables are built to meet a performance level on a budget, while others are designed for the highest reliability without being over-engineered or unnecessarily expensive. For example, the Kordz PRO4 HDMI Cable range is engineered for today’s general applications, offering reliable, professional grade connectivity for everyday installations. Whereas the full-featured Kordz PRS4 HDMI Cable range is designed to ensure the greatest possible signal integrity and longevity in the most demanding environments. Neither is over-engineered, nor under-engineered; they are purpose-built for their intended applications. Choosing the right cable for the right purpose ensures a balance between performance, durability and cost-effectiveness.
The Kordz Approach to Purpose-Led Engineering
The team of experienced former integrators at Kordz is committed to the success of AV professionals and supporting high calibre project delivery. We are passionate about product innovation that advances our industry. And so, our approach to purpose-led engineering places your real-world needs at the centre of all our product innovation. Through the Kordzification process, our team designs cables not only to meet certification standards but also to exceed your on-site expectations, solving the day-to-day problems that you face as integrators.
Performance is just one part of the equation. Reliability, interoperability, ease of installation and long-term durability are equally important in ensuring a HDMI cable continues to perform long after installation. The Kordzification process assures you that each cable meets the highest standards of engineering and reliability, balancing performance with practical design.
As a result, as a professional, you can install Kordz products with confidence, knowing that the cables will perform consistently in any environment. Whether in high-density AV racks, concealed within walls, or routed through tight spaces, Kordz cables are designed to deliver reliability where it matters most.
As a world leader in HDMI cable technology, in 2025, Kordz is upgrading its HDMI connectivity range to provide integrators with solutions designed for both performance and practicality across different applications. With a focus on purpose-led engineering, Kordz is ensuring that every cable delivers professional integrators long-term reliability, ease of installation, and consistency across projects, today and in the future.
Key Takeaways for Integrators
- Poorly made cables lead to hidden costs that erode your project profitability due to difficult installations, failed connections and wasted time.
- HDMI certification ensures performance but does not guarantee ease of installation, durability or real-world reliability.
- Shielding, contact materials and strain relief are also crucial for long-term reliability and stability.
- Clear labelling, especially on directional cables, helps prevent costly installation errors.
- High-quality HDMI cables enhance installation efficiency, reduce service calls and improve client satisfaction, increasing your profitability and word of mouth referrals.
- The Kordz HDMI Cable range follows a purpose-led engineering approach we call ‘Kordzification’ and is designed to meet the specific needs of AV professionals who demand fast and easier installation, reliability and performance.
Hear from principal, Mike Barry, at leading US integration firm, Millenium Systems Design, about how switching to Kordz cables has improved his project profit margins by 5-10% in this video.
Explore Kordz’s latest HDMI range and experience the purpose-led engineering that gives you complete confidence in every installation.
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