Audio T Verdict
Chord Company Leyline HDMI is a refreshingly affordable way to replace the generic HDMI lead that came in the box with your television, games console or source equipment without compromising on the bandwidth required by modern 4K and 8K systems.
Its 48Gbps capability supports 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, making Leyline particularly relevant to current televisions, AV systems and gaming setups. Dynamic HDR and eARC support also make it a useful all-round cable for modern entertainment systems.
The construction is reassuringly substantial for the price, with copper conductors, Foam-PE insulation, twin aluminium-foil shielding and gold-plated HDMI connectors and pins, yet the complete cable remains only 6mm in diameter.
That slim and flexible construction is a real advantage behind wall-mounted televisions, crowded AV racks and games consoles, where some heavy-duty HDMI cables can feel more like plumbing than cabling.
Available from 0.75m to 3m, Leyline HDMI is a straightforward first cable upgrade for television, film and gaming systems without spending more on the connection than some people spend on the source.
Chord Company Leyline HDMI 48Gbps Cable
Leyline HDMI is Chord Company's affordable high-bandwidth HDMI cable for televisions, gaming systems and home cinema.
It supports a maximum published bandwidth of:
48Gbps.
This provides the bandwidth required for demanding modern video formats including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz when used with compatible equipment.
Available Lengths
Audio T offers Leyline HDMI in:
Which HDMI Length Should I Choose?
Choose the shortest cable that comfortably reaches between the two components without pulling tightly on either HDMI socket.
Allow enough spare length to move equipment for cleaning or reconnecting, but avoid buying several unnecessary metres if the source and display sit close together.
48Gbps Bandwidth
Leyline HDMI supports:
Up to 48Gbps bandwidth.
This makes it suitable for the high data rates associated with current high-resolution and high-frame-rate video formats.
8K at 60Hz
Chord Company specifies Leyline HDMI for:
8K video at up to 60Hz.
The source component, any AV amplifier or processor in the signal path, and the television or projector must also support the required video format.
4K at 120Hz
Leyline HDMI also supports:
4K video at up to 120Hz.
This makes it particularly useful with compatible games consoles, gaming PCs and high-refresh-rate televisions.
The Whole HDMI Chain Must Support the Format
The cable cannot add 4K/120Hz or 8K capability to equipment that does not already support it.
The source, AV receiver or processor, cable and display must all be compatible with the format you are trying to use.
Dynamic HDR
Leyline HDMI supports:
Dynamic HDR.
Dynamic HDR allows compatible video systems to use changing high-dynamic-range information throughout a programme or film rather than relying solely on one fixed set of HDR parameters.
eARC Support
Chord Company also specifies support for:
eARC - Enhanced Audio Return Channel.
With compatible equipment, eARC allows audio from a television to be sent back through the HDMI cable to an AV amplifier, processor, soundbar or suitable stereo component.
Ideal for TV Streaming Apps
eARC is particularly useful if you regularly use streaming services and apps built directly into your television.
Rather than requiring a separate audio cable from the television, compatible audio can be returned through the HDMI connection to the sound system.
Use the Correct HDMI eARC Socket
Televisions and amplifiers normally designate a particular HDMI socket for ARC or eARC.
Check the socket labels and equipment instructions before connecting. Simply plugging the cable into any HDMI socket does not necessarily enable eARC.
Copper Conductors
Leyline HDMI uses:
Shielded copper conductors.
The cable was designed to provide a cost-effective high-bandwidth connection while still using materials selected specifically for modern digital video and audio transmission.
Foam-PE Insulation
The internal conductors use:
Foam-PE insulation.
This forms part of the controlled high-frequency cable construction required for HDMI's substantial data rates.
Twin Aluminium-Foil Shielding
Leyline HDMI uses:
Twin aluminium-foil shielding.
The two shielding layers help protect the high-frequency HDMI signal from unwanted electrical interference generated by nearby equipment and power supplies.
Why HDMI Shielding Matters
Modern televisions and AV systems often contain numerous potential sources of high-frequency electrical noise, including:
- Games consoles
- Streaming boxes
- AV receivers
- Network equipment
- Computers
- Televisions
- Switch-mode power supplies
Leyline's twin aluminium-foil shielding helps isolate the cable's high-frequency digital connection from its surrounding electrical environment.
PVC Outer Jacket
The complete cable is protected by a:
PVC outer jacket.
The outer construction provides mechanical protection while retaining useful flexibility for everyday domestic installations.
Gold-Plated HDMI Connectors and Pins
Leyline HDMI uses:
Gold-plated connectors and contact pins.
The connectors form the electrical and mechanical interface between the cable and the HDMI sockets on the connected equipment.
Only 6mm in Diameter
Leyline HDMI has an overall cable diameter of:
6mm.
The slim construction makes it particularly convenient where space behind a television, games console or AV rack is limited.
Good for Wall-Mounted TVs
Bulky HDMI cables can place significant strain on sockets when there is very little clearance between a television and the wall.
Leyline's 6mm construction makes it a practical choice for many wall-mounted television installations where a slimmer cable is desirable.
Avoid Sharp Bends
Even though Leyline HDMI is relatively slim and flexible, avoid folding the cable sharply immediately behind the plug.
Allow a natural curve so the cable does not place unnecessary mechanical strain on the HDMI socket.
Ideal for Games Consoles
Leyline HDMI is particularly relevant to modern gaming systems because of its:
- 48Gbps bandwidth
- 4K/120Hz capability
- Dynamic HDR support
Where the console and television both support 4K at 120Hz, Leyline provides the published bandwidth required to carry that signal within its specified lengths.
Ideal for 4K Televisions
Leyline can be used with compatible 4K televisions whether the source is a games console, streaming device, Blu-ray player, media box or AV amplifier.
Suitable for 8K Televisions
Leyline also supports 8K at up to 60Hz where the connected source and display provide compatible HDMI connections.
Suitable for AV Receivers
In a home-cinema system, Leyline can connect a source component to an AV receiver or connect the AV receiver's HDMI output to a television or projector.
If the source is passing through an AV receiver, that receiver must also support the required resolution and frame rate.
Suitable for Blu-ray and UHD Players
Leyline HDMI can be used with compatible Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray players to carry digital video and audio to a television, projector or AV system.
Suitable for Streaming Devices
Streaming boxes and media players fitted with standard full-size HDMI outputs can also use Leyline HDMI.
Suitable for Projectors
Leyline can be used with projectors where the required HDMI run falls within the available 0.75m to 3m lengths.
Projector installations often require considerably longer cable runs, however, so a specialist active optical HDMI cable may be more appropriate when the source equipment is positioned on the opposite side of the room.
Long Projector Run?
Leyline HDMI is available up to 3m.
If your installation requires substantially more than this, speak to Audio T before ordering. A suitable active optical HDMI cable may be a better choice for a long concealed run.
Perfect as a First HDMI Upgrade
Chord Company developed Leyline specifically as an affordable first step beyond basic cables supplied with televisions, consoles and other equipment.
It brings many of the construction principles found further up the Chord Company HDMI range to a much more accessible price point.
Leyline HDMI Versus C-view Plus
C-view Plus sits above Leyline within Chord Company's current HDMI range and develops the shielding and feature set further.
Leyline HDMI
- 48Gbps bandwidth
- 8K/60Hz
- 4K/120Hz
- Dynamic HDR
- eARC
- Foam-PE insulation
- Twin aluminium-foil shielding
- Gold-plated connectors and pins
- 6mm diameter
- 0.75m to 3m lengths
C-view Plus
- 48Gbps+ bandwidth
- 10K/30Hz
- 8K/60Hz
- 4K/120Hz
- Dynamic HDR
- eARC
- Graphene-enhanced shielding
- Additional gaming HDMI features
- Higher-performance construction
Compare Chord Company C-view Plus HDMI Cable at Audio T.
Do I Need C-view Plus Instead?
For many straightforward television, film and gaming systems, Leyline's 48Gbps, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz specification covers the important modern high-bandwidth formats.
C-view Plus is the more ambitious option where the system justifies its upgraded shielding construction and broader published feature set.
Test HDMI Before Concealing It
If an HDMI cable is going behind a wall, beneath a floor or through furniture, test the complete system before making the cable difficult to access.
Use the highest resolution and frame rate you intend to run and check picture and audio operation before completing the installation.
Always Test Concealed HDMI Runs First
Replacing a cable is easy while the equipment is sitting in front of you.
It is considerably less entertaining once the cable has disappeared behind a finished wall.
Does Leyline HDMI Improve Resolution?
Leyline cannot make a source produce a resolution or frame rate that the equipment does not support.
Its role is to provide a high-bandwidth connection capable of transporting supported HDMI signals between compatible products.
Can I Use Leyline with 1080p Equipment?
Yes.
Leyline HDMI can be used with compatible lower-resolution HDMI equipment as well as modern 4K and 8K systems.
Can Leyline Carry Sound and Picture?
Yes.
HDMI is designed to transport compatible digital video and audio through the same connection.
Does Leyline HDMI Need Power?
No.
Leyline is a passive copper HDMI cable and requires no separate external power supply.
Is Leyline HDMI an Optical Cable?
No.
Leyline uses conventional copper conductors rather than active optical transmission.
Leyline at Audio T
Audio T has worked with Chord Company cables across both Hi-Fi and home-cinema systems for many years, from affordable first upgrades through to considerably more ambitious installations.
Read: Film Night Featuring Arcam, PMC and Chord Company Cables
Read: Cable Guys for a Day - A Visit to Chord Company HQ
Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
Chord Company currently covers Leyline HDMI with its:
Lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Warranty cover remains subject to Chord Company's applicable terms and proof-of-purchase requirements.
Key Features
- Chord Company Leyline HDMI
- 48Gbps bandwidth
- 8K/60Hz support
- 4K/120Hz support
- Dynamic HDR support
- eARC support
- Copper conductors
- Foam-PE insulation
- Twin aluminium-foil shielding
- PVC outer jacket
- Gold-plated HDMI connectors
- Gold-plated contact pins
- 6mm overall diameter
- 0.75m option
- 1m option
- 1.5m option
- 2m option
- 3m option
- Suitable for televisions
- Suitable for gaming systems
- Suitable for AV receivers
- Suitable for Blu-ray and UHD players
- Suitable for streaming boxes
- Suitable for short projector runs
- Passive copper construction
- No external power required
- British designed
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Company Leyline HDMI?
Leyline HDMI is Chord Company's affordable 48Gbps HDMI cable for television, gaming and home-cinema systems.
What bandwidth does Leyline HDMI support?
48Gbps.
Does Leyline support 8K?
Yes. Chord Company specifies support for 8K video at up to 60Hz.
Does Leyline support 4K at 120Hz?
Yes.
Does Leyline support Dynamic HDR?
Yes.
Does Leyline support eARC?
Yes.
Can I use it with a games console?
Yes. Its 48Gbps bandwidth and 4K/120Hz capability make it suitable for compatible modern gaming systems.
Can I use it with an 8K television?
Yes, provided the source and television support the required HDMI format.
Can I use it with an AV receiver?
Yes. The AV receiver must also support the resolution, frame rate and other HDMI features you wish to use.
What conductors does Leyline use?
Chord Company specifies shielded copper conductors.
What insulation does it use?
Foam-PE insulation.
How is Leyline HDMI shielded?
It uses twin aluminium-foil shielding.
Are the connectors gold plated?
Yes. Chord Company specifies gold-plated connectors and pins.
What is the cable diameter?
6mm.
What lengths are available?
0.75m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m and 3m.
Can I use Leyline with a projector?
Yes, where one of the available lengths reaches comfortably. For substantially longer projector installations, ask Audio T about an appropriate active optical HDMI cable.
Is Leyline an optical HDMI cable?
No. It uses passive copper construction.
Does Leyline need an external power supply?
No.
What is the difference between Leyline HDMI and C-view Plus?
Both support high-bandwidth modern video, but C-view Plus uses a more advanced shielding system and provides a broader published HDMI feature set. Leyline is Chord Company's more affordable entry-level HDMI option.
Does Leyline have a warranty?
Yes. Chord Company currently covers Leyline HDMI with its lifetime manufacturer warranty, subject to its terms.
Can Audio T help me choose the correct HDMI cable?
Yes. Tell us the source, television or projector, any AV receiver in the signal path and the required cable length and we can recommend the appropriate option.
Related Chord Company Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help choosing the correct HDMI cable length
- 4K and 8K compatibility guidance
- 4K/120Hz gaming setup advice
- TV and AV receiver connection guidance
- eARC setup advice
- Projector installation guidance
- Leyline and C-view Plus comparison advice
- Long-run active optical HDMI guidance
- Complete home-cinema system advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help choosing the correct Leyline HDMI length or checking compatibility with your television, games console, AV receiver or projector.