When it comes down to 4K TV, you do not need to pick up special HDMI cables. The HDMI cable standard can impact color and resolution, but newer versions are not required for 4K TV.
The “4k HDMI” label is mostly marketing, so it doesn't mean a specific feature that will improve image quality. But if you have any cables past the HDMI 1.4 version, then they will be moving the same 4k image across the cable regardless of any marketing.
As TV manufacturers enhance their products with Ultra HD resolution, it is not surprising that cable manufacturers are producing 4K HDMI cables. However, your standard HDMI cables will likely support 4K just fine.
Currently, five standard HDMI cable connector types are available, namely: Type A (standard) Type B (dual-link - not currently used in mainstream consumer products) Type C (mini)
All HDMI ports look the same, but don't have the same capabilities. While you can still pretty much assume that what you plug in will work, how it works is up for debate, and whether you're getting the absolute best out of your equipment depends on whether it all supports the highest level of the protocols.
There are multiple different types of HDMI cable connectors sold on today's market. Although they all essentially do the same thing, they're not usually interchangeable in any specific application or device.
HDMI uses five main connector types: Type A, B, C, D, and E, each for different applications - these include the standard connector as well as the mini-HDMI and micro-HDMI. There are five types of HDMI connector.
HDMI 2.0 is certified to have a bandwidth of 18 Gigabits per second which supports 4K resolution at 60 FPS (frames per second). HDMI 2.0a – HDMI 2.0a offers all previous enhancements with different types of HDR. This enhanced cable allows for richer and more vibrant color.
High Speed HDMI: Up to 4K resolution (including 1080p) at a 30Hz refresh rate. Premium High Speed HDMI: Up to 4K resolution with high dynamic range (HDR) at up to a 60Hz refresh rate. Ultra High Speed HDMI: Up to 10K resolution with HDR at a 120Hz refresh rate (4K video can refresh at up to 240Hz)
HDMI 2.0 vs 2.1: Refresh Rate
HDMI 2.1 supports refresh rates up to 8K at 60 Hz (Hertz) or 4K at 120 Hz, while HDMI 2.0 only supports 4K at 60 Hz. Refresh rate refers to how many times the display refreshes the image per second.
Any HDMI cable labeled high-speed (18 Gbps) transfer speed is 4K compatible. Check the cable itself. Look for printing on the cable itself, which should say “high speed with ethernet" or something similar. The better cables print the specs on the cable part.
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.
For resolutions near 4K, it's recommended to use an HDMI cable that is no longer than 3 meters (10 feet). After that distance, the signal can start to degrade. For lower resolutions, the reliable distance is much longer, with the most common being 15 meters (50 feet).
The 4k image is smoother and has more detail than the 1080p image. Look closely and you'll see that the edges around objects in the 1080p picture are a bit more blurry, and text looks clearer on the 4k TV.
HDMI 2.0 DELIVERS UP TO 12-BIT COLOR AT 4K
Compare that figure with the 8-bit color resolution available through HDMI 1.4 at 16.7 million; the difference is staggering. If you are looking for top-quality in the picture quality of your home theatre, there is no question that HDMI 2.0 delivers over its 1.4 counterpart.
Cheap cables offer poor quality: Cheaper HDMI cables can work as well as as premium ones in some circumstances. Premium HDMI cables can boost your quality: You can't push the picture quality beyond the connected devices' capabilities.
You probably don't need new HDMI cables. You absolutely don't need to spend a lot of money on new cables. Even if your current cables don't work for 4K, different cheap HDMI cables will work. Both Amazon and Monoprice (and others) offer inexpensive HDMI cables that are rated to work with 4K.
4K (60p or 120p) content
Use a Premium High-Speed HDMI® cable which supports 18Gbps. Connect the HDMI cable to the 4K compatible HDMI port on the TV. Note: Information on the 4K compatible HDMI ports of your Android TV™ device is available. Set HDMI signal format to Enhanced format.
You are correct - HDMI 2/3 are 4K ports. For external audio (is Soundbar), use the HDMI 1 - ARC port.
Getting 4k With HDMI 2.0 Is Not As Simple As You May Think
Thus, HDMI 2.0 is strong enough to produce 4k video at 50 and 60 FPS respectively. But it's 4k@120Hz or 4k@144Hz that actually pumps energy in the video. Unfortunately, you can get this with HDMI 2.0.
The basic differences between these two are that outputs are designed to feed the audio and visual signals, whilst an input is designed to receive them. So, for example, you'd feed data from your console (HDMI out) to your TV or monitor (HDMI in). Your port should be labelled.