Dear Ms Connected,

My husband and I want to buy a new TV, and we keep seeing references to “HDMI inputs”. What are these?

Kerry C., Albany, W.A.

Dear Kerry,

It's not unusual to see new models of flat-panel Full HD TVs with up to three HDMI inputs - and that's a good thing!

HDMI is short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. Before I explain what this means, however, take a look at the back of your current television set, along with any components attached to it – for example, a DVD player or a set-top box.

Chances are these components are linked together using three separate cables with red, yellow and white plugs. Yes? The red and white cables transfer audio information between the components, and the yellow cable is for video.

This is the old-school method of linking audio-visual (AV) components. It has served us well for over 60 years, but nowadays has some serious shortfalls.

One is that Australian consumers are now hooking up more AV equipment than ever before – TV, disc player, stereo, gaming console, etc – and in this scenario the three-cable system becomes downright messy. The other issue is that RCA cables, as they are known, do not effectively transfer High Definition or Full High Definition video.

Enter HDMI – a new AV interface jointly developed by consumer-electronics companies such as Sony, Panasonic and Philips.

The main benefit of HDMI is that it combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity and confusion of multiple cables. Another is that it supports all kinds of video, from standard right through to Full HD.

HDMI is rapidly becoming the new industry standard. According to one estimate, more than 700 companies have become adopters, and nearly 200 million devices featuring HDMI are expected to ship in 2008.

So if you see a TV at your local retailer with HDMI inputs, this is not only a good thing, but probably a necessity if you intend upgrading your other AV equipment as well.

Yours in simplified technology,

Ms Connected

For her contribution to Ms Connected, Kerry has won a ViewSonic digital photo frame valued at $199. Send your question to msconnected@connectedaustralia.com.

Dear Ms Connected, I am looking to purchase a new microwave oven in the near future. It's been many years since I've done this and I always felt happy with my old and very basic Sharp Carousel, as I only ever warmed food and didn't use it for cooking much. I might become a little more adventurous, if I knew more about the advanced technology of the latest ones. Can you give me a rundown on the latest technology and what microwaves can do now? Megan, St Clair, NSW ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, I like the look of kitchen appliances that match your current kitchen cabinets and décor- I wanted to get this feature when I bought a new dishwasher…what options do I have here? Carly Peters, North Sydney, NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, What is Pyrolytic cleaning? One of my friends mentioned it’s like a self cleaning oven? Please explain! If it is- I want one! Angela, Baulkham Hills NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, My current vacuum cleaner will be dying of old age soon and I was thinking of upgrading to one of those new bagless models…but what is the difference between a Bagless or a Bagged Vacuum Cleaner? Is one better than the other? Kerry Nettle, Avoca Beach NSW  ... Read More

I keep hearing about something called podcasts. What are they? ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, I’ve heard of an RSS feed- but what exactly is it? Karen Collins, Richmond NSW  ... Read More

Dear Ms Connected, When looking for new appliances I’m noticing more and more have “energy ratings”. Does the energy rating of my appliances really make that much of a difference? Fran K., Gladstone, QLD ... Read More

I know about plasmas and LCDs. But what is an OLED television? ... Read More

My husband and I want to buy a new TV, and we keep seeing references to “HDMI inputs”. What are these? ... Read More

I heard recently that makers of portable navigation devices are adding a new feature called “Live Traffic”. What is this, and how do I get it? ... Read More

What is meant by the term "Bluejacking"? ... Read More

I am finally upgrading from dial-up Internet access to broadband. My Internet provider has told me I need some “line splitters”. What are these? ... Read More

What is meant by the term “Bluetooth”?  ... Read More

What is the difference between a mobile phone and a “smart” phone? ... Read More

I’ve been doing some research before I buy a new TV, and a few salespeople have mentioned a feature called “100 hertz”. What is this, exactly, and do I need it? ... Read More

How necessary is it to use name-brand ink cartridges? They are so much more expensive than generic brands! ... Read More

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about digital TV, but what about digital radio? Do you know when we’re getting this in Australia?  ... Read More

Ceramic hair straighteners are great. But is it safe to use them on your hair at those heats? ... Read More

I recently arrived home from a holiday in the USA. I bought some DVDs while I was there, but they won't work on my DVD player. Do you know why? ... Read More

I have heard that it is better to switch off some appliances - for example, the TV, kettle and washing machine - at the wall when not in use, rather than leave them on standby. Is this true, and if so, why? ... Read More

I read somewhere recently that "digital" television will soon replace "analogue" television. What's the difference, why are we changing, and is it true that when this happens my TV may no longer work?  ... Read More

I have seen a lot of advertisements lately for "Blu-ray Discs". They sound like some kind of futuristic sea creature. What are they, exactly?  ... Read More

I know this probably seems like a silly question, but I would like to know the answer so I can understand what my kids are talking about. What is the difference between an iPod and an MP3 player?  ... Read More