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.
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.
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.
The easiest way to figure out if an HDMI cable is 4K compatible is to check its speed rating or its maximum bandwidth. A cable rated at 18 Gbps maximum bandwidth is fast enough to give you 4K video. If your HDMI cable is labeled “high speed,” it should be able to pass a 4K signal at lengths of up to three meters.
Overview of HDMI 2.0
Released in September 2013, the specification includes support of increased bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, resolutions up to 4K @ 60 Hz, simultaneous delivery of two video streams and up to four audio streams, 32 channels of audio, as well as other key enhancements.
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.
If you are wondering about whether your existing HDMI cable will work, it is possible that you will not need to upgrade to one that is “4K-compatible.” Any HDMI cable up to five meters in length labeled “high speed” should be able to handle the increased bandwidth of 4K signals.
Standard HDMI: Up to 720p or 1080i resolution at a 30Hz refresh rate. 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 60Hz refresh rate.
The majority of HDMI connectors in use today are the Type A (Standard), Type C (Mini) and Type D (Micro) shown below. HDMI Type B (Dual Link) was developed for very high-resolution displays but was never used.
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).
A 4K HDMI does not improve audio and video quality better than other compatible non-4k ones. As long as the cable can accommodate the bandwidth required to show 4k content, you're good to go. An HDMI cable only transmits signals.
The short answer is no, spending more on HDMI cables shouldn't affect the quality of your picture. So while more expensive models may last longer, they shouldn't offer any noticeable visual or audio benefits over cheaper HDMI cables.
Most HDMI cables are the same. What matters the most is the standards used in the connection ports on your devices. While there are different HDMI types, chances are that almost any cable will function for an average consumer's needs, with a few exceptions that are worth learning more about.
A 2.1 HDMI cable can be as long as 50 feet or over. As a cable with a higher frame rate, the greater the distance the signal has to travel, the more quality loss there will be. For the best length and definition balance, we wouldn't recommend going over 20 feet.
You don't absolutely need HDMI 2.1 to reach 120Hz or even 144Hz refresh rates, but it is important for supporting both high refresh rates and high resolution at the same time.
HDMI 2.1 cables are up to the task, with an upper limit of 48Gbps (Gigabits per second) rather than 18Gbps. HDMI 2.1 supports Dynamic HDR at 4K/120fps and 8K/60fps. This allows the television to adjust its picture based on frame-by-frame information in the manner of Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Yes, there is a difference but whether or not you experience any difference depends highly on what you are using the HDMI cable for. When it comes to home theater equipment, you want to ensure that you are getting the highest quality sound and video from your system.
There are currently 3 standards of HDMI cable – category 1 (standard), category 2 (high-speed and premium high-speed) and category 3 (ultra high-speed).
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.
To place things in perspective, HDMI 1.3 can pass 10.2Gbps (gigabits per second) and doesn't support 4K at all.
Sound devices and projectors all use this standard. For a better sound experience, you can use an HDMI cable to direct the sound from your Smart TV to sound device. ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a special function of HDMI high-speed certified cables via which the sound can also be sent back to the transmitter.
If you still have the packaging for the HDMI cable, check it to find out if the cable is standard or high-speed. If you do not have the packaging, see if you can find it printed on the cable itself. You may find references to 1.2, 1.3, or other numerals printed on the HDMI cable.
HDMI 1.4 can deliver 10.2 Gbps and its bandwidth is large enough to provide 24 & 30 frames per second think of it as the entry level with the ability to have a dabble with any content such as 4K.
Traditional HDR monitors and screens provide at least 10-bit color depth and automatic contrast and brightness adjustments. More advanced screens with 4K HDR meet these standards and have a typical resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, around four times the traditional HD amount.