Does HDMI 2.1 need a different HDMI cable?

You'll need Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, which thankfully, aren't that much more than "regular" HDMI cables at this point. One final important reminder: if you have a receiver or soundbar in your system, and the game console is connected to that, it too has to be HDMI 2.1 in order to pass 4K120.

Can I use an HDMI 2.1 cable with a regular HDMI port?

The cable is backwards compatible and can be used with all existing HDMI devices.

Is there a difference between HDMI and HDMI 2.1 cable?

HDMI 2.0 has a bandwidth capacity of 18 Gbps (gigabits per second). HDMI 2.1 takes the number up to 48 Gbps, which means that HDMI 2.1 does not have to compress that much of the data and preserve a better data quality during the transmission process.

Do you need a HDMI 2.1 cable for 120hz?

To be able to read the signal from either the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, you need at least HDMI 2.0 connectivity (for 1080p at 120fps). Whereas, HDMI 2.1 is mandatory for 4K at 120fps.

What kind of HDMI cable do I need for 4K?

HDMI 1.4 – If you want your HDMI cables to support 4K resolution, you need to make sure that they are High-Speed HDMI cables. They are tested to transmit video resolutions from 1080p to 4K with a richer color palette. With or without HDR, you need High-Speed HDMI cables.

Don’t buy the wrong HDMI cable! | Buying HDMI 2.1 cables

What do you need a HDMI 2.1 port for?

HDMI 2.1 allows for higher resolutions like 8K and higher frame rates of up to 120 frames per second (fps). Resolution improves the clarity and sharpness of the picture, which means you can simply see more details, and have less distance to the screen or a bigger screen without noticing any pixels.

Are all HDMI cables the same?

An HDMI cable is just a conduit between your TV and media device, be it a DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K UHD Blu-ray player; media streamer; video game console; or PC. Different types of HDMI cables do exist, but their designations indicate how much data they can carry. (Spoiler: There's really no such thing as a 4K HDMI cable.)

Does HDMI 2.1 work on any monitor?

HDMI 2.1 will come to every monitor eventually.

Do you need a HDMI 2.1 cable for HDMI 2.1 port?

HDMI 2.1 is only needed if you want to use HDMI with 4K over 60Hz. This applies to consoles, as on PC you can get the same performance with DisplayPort 1.4, which is readily available. So, it's likely adding HDMI 2.1 cables and expense to your setup is not something you need to worry about now.

Do HDMI 2.1 cables work with HDMI 2.0 ports?

While there was no need for HDMI 2.1 with any console until November 2020, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S were designed with it in mind. They'll work with HDMI 2.0, but you won't get the full feature set. So, if you have a current generation console, you should ideally connect it to a true, full bandwidth HDMI 2.1 display.

Can you use a HDMI 2.1 cable in a HDMI 2.0 port?

However, it's worth noting that HDMI 2.1 cables are backward compatible with their predecessor. Even if your current setup mostly offers HDMI 2.0 ports, using an HDMI 2.1 cable will give you a satisfactory experience.

Does it matter what HDMI cable I use?

The quick answer is no. An HDMI cable, regardless of the materials used, can either transmit a signal or not – there's no in-between. An expensive HDMI doesn't produce richer colors or crisper sound than cheaper versions.

Does it matter what kind of HDMI cable I buy?

If you are simply replacing a cable to connect older 1080i or 720p components, a standard HDMI cable will suffice. However, HDMI cables are backward compatible, so we strongly recommend upgrading to a high-speed HDMI cable that will support your future needs.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 4K?

As we've established, HDMI 2.1 allows for higher resolutions at higher frame rates than before. With HDMI 2.0b, we could enjoy a maximum of 4K resolution at a maximum frame rate of 60Hz. With HDMI 2.1, we can get 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and right up to 10K resolution for industrial and commercial applications.

How do I choose a 2.1 HDMI cable?

Check the bandwidth and data transfer rate:

HDMI 2.1 cables have a higher bandwidth and data transfer rate than previous versions of HDMI, which allows them to support higher resolutions and refresh rates. Look for cables that have a bandwidth of at least 48 Gbps and a data transfer rate of at least 10.2 Gbps.

Does a good HDMI cable make a difference?

When you have invested in a high quality home theater or audio/video system, the last place you want to skimp is the HDMI cable. For a minimal expense, a high quality HDMI cable can make a noticeable difference in the video and audio quality.

Is HDMI 2.1 and eARC the same?

eARC (or (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) builds on this technology, leveraging the increased bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 to support a wider range of audio formats as well as expanded features such as automatically correcting processor delays so that your audio and video always match, as well as lip sync correction.

What HDMI cable do I need for 4K 120Hz?

For gaming at 4K at up to 120Hz on new-generation games consoles or graphics cards on desktop PCs, you need an HDMI 2.1 cable.

Do all HDMI cables work with all HDMI ports?

Please note that not all HDMI cables are created equal. The HDMI cables you were using for your 1080p shows will very likely not work well for all 4K bandwidths. HDMI 2.0b 18gbps rated cables are needed in order to reliably display 4K resolutions and HDR color on TVs that support those modes.

Does gold plated HDMI make a difference?

Although gold-plated cables are advantageous and even required like professional grade electronics, regular HDMI cables can provide decent picture quality. However, gold-plated is always better. Gold-plated cables provide the same image quality as the source – high quality.

Is there a difference between a regular HDMI cable and a 4K HDMI cable?

There really is no difference between a cable marketed as 4K and one that is not. But there is a label that does matter, and that is the speed rating. Speed will dictate the maximum bandwidth allowed by the cable.

Does it matter what HDMI cable you use for PS5?

PS5/ Xbox Series X|S equipped with an ultra high-speed HDMI port, or HDMI 2.1, the aims to deliver 4K 60Hz-120Hz and 1080p 120Hz. While the majority of games are 4K 60Hz or lower, means a premium HDMI cable is still just fine for a PS5.

Do all HDMI cables support 4K 60Hz?

An HDMI Cable, that is tested against the version 1.4 High Speed testing specification (10.2Gbps), will support 4K content @ 30Hz . However, 4K support beyond 50Hz (typically at 60Hz in advanced 4K UHD TVs) can only be supported using an 18Gbps capable HDMI cable (or a v2. 0 HDMI).

Do you need a special HDMI cable for Dolby Atmos?

You're in luck — all you need is a single HDMI cable to connect your TV and soundbar enabled with Dolby Atmos (HDMI 2.0 for ARC should do the trick while HDMI 2.1 is necessary for eARC setups).

Do I need HDMI 2.1 cable for eARC?

As is the case with ARC, you'll need two devices with compatible HDMI eARC sockets for the protocol to work. While a device doesn't specifically have to be HDMI 2.1-certified, HDMI 2.1 certification does just about guarantee eARC support.