Van den Hul The VDH HDMI Flat SE 2m
Overview
A flat HDMI cable that inherits Dutch expertise from Van den Hul, a manufacturer renowned since 1980 for its phono cartridges and high-end cables. The HDMI Flat SE takes the architecture of the HEAC model and adapts it for short setups, up to 3 meters. The absence of a Redmere amplification chip helps lower the cost while preserving the brand’s build quality and materials: OFC copper conductors, Hulliflex jacket, and gold-plated connectors.
A flat profile designed for integration
The flat shape of the cable, 14.6 mm wide and only 6 mm thick, makes it easier to route behind a TV stand, under a baseboard, or along a wall without creating visible bulges. This geometry is not just aesthetic: it helps reduce crosstalk between the internal conductors, a sensitive parameter when the data rate reaches 10.2 Gbit/s. The cable remains flexible despite its size, which simplifies connections in tight spaces such as the back of a rack or a wall-mounted TV.
Tinned OFC copper conductors
The HDMI Flat SE uses AWG 28 oxygen-free copper (OFC) strands, coated with a thin layer of tin. This treatment protects the copper from long-term oxidation and maintains low electrical resistance. Each conductor also benefits from an additional internal coating, a Van den Hul technique designed to isolate the strands from external aggressions such as humidity or temperature fluctuations. Transmission thus remains stable over time, without progressive signal degradation.
HDMI High Speed and 4K UHD compatibility
The cable complies with HDMI High Speed with Ethernet specifications, allowing simultaneous transmission of video, multichannel audio, and network data streams. Resolutions are guaranteed up to 4096 × 2160 pixels in 4K UHD for lengths not exceeding 3 meters. Beyond this distance, Van den Hul recommends the HEAC model, which incorporates a Redmere chip and larger-gauge conductors (silver-plated AWG 26) to maintain signal integrity up to 10 meters.
Hulliflex jacket and environmental commitment
The purple jacket surrounding the cable is made from Hulliflex, a proprietary material developed by Van den Hul more than twenty-five years ago. Free from chlorine, plasticizers, and halogens, Hulliflex releases neither toxic gases nor harmful residues when incinerated, giving it an unusually eco-friendly profile in this sector. Chemically closed, it prevents external agents from reaching the conductors and retains its mechanical properties over time, without stiffening or cracking.
Gold-plated HDMI Type A connectors
Both ends of the cable are fitted with standard HDMI Type A connectors whose contacts receive a thick gold plating. This treatment improves conductivity and prevents pin corrosion, a valuable feature in humid environments or when the cable is plugged and unplugged frequently. Insertion is firm without being difficult, and retention in HDMI sockets remains stable even when the cable is subjected to slight tension.
Technical specifications
Cable specifications
- Type: flat HDMI, special edition
- Conductors: tinned oxygen-free copper (OFC), AWG 28
- Connectors: HDMI Type A, gold-plated
- Sheath: high-resistance Hulliflex
- Special inner coating to protect the conductors against harsh environmental conditions
- Product range: entry-level
Video and audio performance
- Maximum supported resolution: 4096 x 2160 (4K UHD)
- High-definition video transmission up to 4K UHD
- Sharp images with vivid contrast and accurate colors
- Fine details reproduced perfectly
- Flawless digital audio transmission, compatible with all formats
Technologies and features
- AWG 28 conductors in pure tinned oxygen-free copper (OFC) for low attenuation
- Compatible with HDMI High Speed & Ethernet
- No Redmere chip, allowing the use of AWG 28 conductors
- Reliable transmission guaranteed for lengths up to 3.0 m
- Practical flat design for flexible installations
Frequently asked questions
Does the HDMI Flat SE support Audio Return Channel (ARC)?
Yes, HDMI High Speed with Ethernet compatibility includes the ARC function, which allows the TV’s audio signal to be sent back to an amplifier or soundbar via a single cable. eARC (Enhanced ARC), however, requires an HDMI 2.1-certified cable, which the Flat SE does not claim to be.
Can this cable be used for 4K HDR?
The cable carries 4K UHD (4096 × 2160) streams with a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbit/s. This covers most HDR10 content at 30 frames per second. For 4K HDR at 60 Hz or dynamic Dolby Vision, an HDMI 2.0b or higher cable with 18 Gbit/s bandwidth would be more suitable.
What’s the difference compared with the HDMI Flat HEAC model?
The HEAC incorporates a Redmere chip that amplifies the signal, allowing lengths up to 10 meters. Its conductors are also AWG 26 and silver-plated, versus tinned AWG 28 on the SE. The Flat SE is a more accessible entry-level option for short installations.
Is the cable bidirectional?
Yes, the HDMI Flat SE is a symmetrical cable with no required direction of connection. The two connectors are identical and interchangeable.
Is the Hulliflex jacket heat-resistant?
Hulliflex retains its flexibility and insulating properties within a typical temperature range (around -20 °C to +70 °C). It easily withstands the heat generated by an AV amplifier or the back of a TV, but is not designed for industrial environments with very high temperatures.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
