
Rocketfish™ – 4′ 4K UltraHD/HDR In-Wall Rated HDMI Cable – Black
- Only @ Best BuySet up your television and DVR with this Rocketfish 4K UltraHD cable, and enjoy high-quality high-definition entertainment the way it was meant to be viewed. The 4-foot cable offers ample length for connecting components, and a triple-layer shield protects against interference.
Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Rocketfish HDMI Cable
You just bought a shiny new 4K TV or the latest video game console, but now you need the cable to connect them together and unlock their full potential. That’s where a Rocketfish HDMI cable comes in.
But not all HDMI cables are created equal. You want one that can handle high resolutions, high frame rates, HDR, and all the latest features. Rocketfish HDMI cables are designed for the latest AV gear, and they come in a range of lengths to fit every setup.
In this buying guide, you’ll learn all about Rocketfish HDMI cables and how to choose the right one for your home theater or gaming rig. We’ll cover:
- What is a Rocketfish HDMI Cable?
- HDMI Cable Types
- Features to Look For
- Length and Quality
- Price Considerations
- Rocketfish HDMI Models
- Setup and Use
- Durability and Warranty
Let’s jump in and get you connected with the perfect Rocketfish HDMI cable for your needs!
What is a Rocketfish HDMI Cable?
Rocketfish is Best Buy’s in-house brand for cables and accessories. Rocketfish HDMI cables are designed to provide high-speed HDMI connections between your audio/video components.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s the standard cable used to deliver high-definition video and audio signals. HDMI carries a digital signal so you get pristine image quality without any loss or interference.
Rocketfish HDMI cables support all HDMI features including:
- 4K resolution at 60Hz
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Wide color gamut
- High frame rates up to 120Hz
- Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- Ethernet data connection
This makes them ideal for 4K TVs, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, AV receivers, and more. Rocketfish engineers their cables to optimize performance for the latest home theater gear.
HDMI Cable Types
Not all HDMI cables are created equal. There are different categories based on bandwidth capability:
- Standard HDMI – Supports up to 1080p resolution at 60Hz.
- High Speed HDMI – Supports up to 1080p at 120Hz and 4K at 30Hz.
- Premium High Speed HDMI – Supports 4K at 60Hz and high frame rate 1080p video.
For the best performance with 4K TVs and sources, you need a Premium High Speed HDMI cable. All Rocketfish HDMI cables meet or exceed Premium High Speed standards to handle the highest video resolutions and refresh rates.
Some older HDMI cables may only support Standard HDMI levels. These aren’t recommended for 4K setups. Always check that you get a high speed or premium HDMI cable.
Features to Look For
Here are some key features to evaluate when choosing a Rocketfish HDMI cable:
- 4K Support – The cable should handle 4K (Ultra HD) video at 60Hz for the highest clarity on 4K TVs. All Rocketfish HDMI cables support 4K.
- HDR – High Dynamic Range delivers enhanced contrast and color. Make sure the cable supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
- Ethernet – Some HDMI cables have a built-in Ethernet channel. This is useful if you want a wired Internet connection for a smart TV.
- ARC – Audio Return Channel allows TV audio to be sent to a sound system over the HDMI cable.
- High frame rate – For the smoothest gaming and video, look for support up to 120Hz at 1080p.
- Wide color gamut – For rich, accurate color, the cable must support wide color gamuts.
- High speed bandwidth – Premium HDMI certification guarantees sufficient bandwidth for high resolution video.
The latest Rocketfish HDMI cables include all these key features for optimal A/V performance.
Length and Quality
Rocketfish HDMI cables come in a wide range of lengths to suit different setups:
- 3 feet
- 6 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
In general, shorter cables under 10 feet provide the best performance and reliability. As the cable length increases, you may be more likely to run into issues with signal quality.
Very long HDMI cables over 15 feet may have problems supporting the full 48 Gbps bandwidth required for 4K HDR signals. There is signal degradation over long distances. Video may drop out or you may get sparkles or static on the display.
To ensure best quality, choose the shortest Rocketfish HDMI cable that will reach between your devices. Use cable extenders or repeaters if you absolutely need longer lengths. For most setups, a 3 foot to 10 foot cable offers the right balance of length and performance.
Price Considerations
Rocketfish HDMI cables range from about $15 up to $100 depending on the length. Here are some typical price points:
- 3 foot – $15 to $25
- 6 foot – $17 to $35
- 10 foot – $20 to $50
- 15 foot – $30 to $70
- 25 foot – $50 to $100
For the best value, stick to 6 feet or 10 feet in length. The extra long 25 foot to 50 foot cables have very high prices that usually aren’t worthwhile for home use.
Consider paying a little more for a thicker, well-constructed cable with nice strain relief. This adds durability. A rigid metal HDMI connector offers better signal integrity than a thin flexible connector.
Overall, Rocketfish HDMI cables provide very good quality for the price. There are cheaper no-name cables, but Rocketfish is a reliable brand you can count on.
Rocketfish HDMI Models
Rocketfish makes several series of HDMI cables to choose from:
- Rocketfish Essential HDMI – Budget-friendly cables with all essential features. Great value.
- Rocketfish Performance HDMI – Offer enhanced speed and reliability for high performance A/V.
- Rocketfish Gaming HDMI – Optimized construction to prevent video lag. Ideal for gaming.
- Rocketfish In-Wall HDMI – For running cables through walls to hide wiring.
- Rocketfish Active HDMI – Include powered signal repeaters to boost signal over very long distances. More expensive but sometimes necessary for cable runs over 25 feet.
The Essential line offers the best balance of price and performance for most users. Invest in a Gaming HDMI cable if you want to maximize responsiveness for competitive online gaming. Otherwise, the Essential and Performance cables will work well for all 4K HDR applications.
Setup and Use
Using a Rocketfish HDMI cable is as simple as plugging it into the HDMI ports on your devices. Here are some quick setup tips:
- Inspect both ends and make sure there is no debris or damage in the HDMI connectors.
- Connect one end securely into the HDMI output port on the source device like your Blu-ray player or gaming console.
- Connect the other end into the HDMI input port on your TV or receiver.
- Push the connectors all the way in until they click and lock into place. This ensures a solid connection.
- Use the provided cable ties and anchors to neatly secure the cable and prevent strain on the ports. Don’t bend the cable sharply.
- The HDMI connection is hot pluggable so you can connect and disconnect the cable without powering off your devices every time.
- After connecting, select the correct input on your TV or receiver to switch over and view the HDMI source. You may need to adjust settings to enable 4K, HDR, or high frame rates. Consult your device manuals for instructions.
That’s all there is to it! With quality construction and solid connections, your Rocketfish HDMI cable should deliver stunning high definition video and audio.
Durability and Warranty
No one wants to buy replacement cables frequently. Rocketfish HDMI cables are built to last. Here are some of the durability features:
- PVC outer jacket resists flexing and abrasion.
- Strain relief on the connectors prevents damage from bending or pulling.
- 24K gold-plated connectors avoid corrosion and oxidation.
- Proper shielding blocks electromagnetic interference that can disrupt signal quality.
- Sturdy full metal jacket around the HDMI plug for a secure connection.
With proper care, a Rocketfish HDMI cable should work reliably for many years. Avoid excessive bending, twisting, pulling, or pinching the cable.
In case you do get a defective cable, Rocketfish provides a 1-year limited warranty. Simply return the cable to get a replacement. This gives you reassurance that your purchase is covered.
Finding the Right Rocketfish HDMI Cable
Hopefully this buying guide has helped you understand what makes a good quality HDMI cable and how Rocketfish HDMI cables deliver excellent performance.
Here’s a quick recap of what to look for when selecting the right Rocketfish HDMI cable for your home theater or gaming setup:
- Make sure to choose a Premium High Speed cable for full 4K HDR support.
- Pick the shortest length possible that reaches between your devices for best signal quality.
- Prioritize quality – consider paying a bit more for robust construction and connectivity.
- Match special features like Ethernet or ARC to your needs.
- The Essential line provides the best value for most users.
Equipped with the right cable, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy stunning movie watching, gaming, and media experiences. Your Rocketfish HDMI cable will deliver the high bandwidth digital signals your 4K gear demands.
With top-tier construction quality and reliable performance, Rocketfish HDMI cables check all the right boxes for transmitting pristine high resolution video and audio. Get connected with the perfect HDMI cable for your home theater or gaming space right now!