What are HDMI Video Leads?

As Scart leads become more and more obselite, the standard video lead across Europe is fast becoming the HDMI lead...so what IS an HDMI lead?...

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) leads are the current video leads used to transmit high-definition (HD) digital video and audio between your TV, DVD or Blu-Ray player or games console.

HDMI leads were developed to transmit both the sound and video from one lead yet improve the analogue signal being used with Scart leads, so reduce the need to connect many different cables to TVs.

There are 19 pins within a standard HDMI lead, which will transmit both the sound and video between the source and your TV.

HDMI leads feature "plug n play" connectivity, although this is dependant on the source (for example, a PlayStation 3 may need to be synced to use the HDMI output rather than the analogue output)

You can also use HDMI leads to connect a laptop or PC (with the HDMI output) to a TV, to watch films or TV via your computer.

We have a great selection of HDMI leads available online in our webstore, click to take a look.

Numark M2 DJ Mixer Review - A great mixer with a host of features

This Numark M2 DJ mixer is a great value unit for both bedroom DJs or the professional mixer. Its got loads of great features, which even a new DJ will get to grips with quickly.

The three band EQ on each main channel gives a great level of control over the sound and the ability to use upto four sources (two on each channel) gives you great flexibility

The crossover fader has some nice little options on it, including XF reverse and slope control, and the seperate headphone cue level control is a nice little feature (you can choose only to listen to Ch1 or Ch2 if you wish).

The unit is strongly built and feels like it will last a lifetime, and as it's from Numark the quality is, unsuprisingly, superb. It comes with an AC adapter and quick start guide too, so you can have it up-and-running in no time!

The Numark M2 DJ Mixer is available from Elvets.co.uk with quick delivery.

The M2 DJ Mixer is a glow cost mixer from Numark with a host of great features.

Item of the week - iPhone 4 Flip Case in Black Leather - Only £8.99!

Take a look at this fantastic executive leather effect flip case, which is designed to perfectly fit the Apple iPhone 4.

The black flip case comes with full protection for the iPhone 4 and features a slimline design with a magnetic clip fastening to protect the front screen.

All functions still work when the iPhone 4 leather flip case is fitted.

At only £8.99 this is great value for money and designed especially for the iPhone 4 from Apple!

XLR Leads

XLR leads are one of the most common sound leads available in the UK. XLRs are mainly used with professional sound systems, usually to connect microphones and other sound equipment between sound desks, DJ mixers and amplifiers.

Most standard XLR connectors are either "male" (an XLR plug) or "female" (XLR socket), and the industry standard is a 3 pin XLR but other pin types are available.

A standard XLR lead has a XLR plug at one end and an XLR socket at the other, with a length of balanced cable between. It can also be called a microphone lead, male-to-female XLR or XLR extension lead.

See here for how to wire or repair a XLR plug or socket.

You should use standard XLR microphone leads (also known as signal leads) when connecting microphones, CD players and other sound equipment to a sound desk or amplifier.

Be aware that you should use XLR Speaker leads between the amplifier and speakers, which are better for speakr cable than standard leads.

All of the XLR leads available from Elvets.co.uk are balanced and are available in a selection of lengths, as well as a range of XLR adapters and XLR adapter leads.

For more information on XLR leads please see our XLR Leads page.