Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET key takeaways
- Not all HDMI ports assist the identical options.
- Use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Sequence X gaming and ARC/eARC for soundbars.
- Plugging into the incorrect port works, however it might lead to decreased efficiency.
Most newer TVs include three or 4 HDMI ports, and on the floor, all of them look equivalent.
All of them have the identical form and work with the identical HDMI cable, however not each port helps the identical options. Selecting the incorrect one can go away your PS5 caught at 60Hz, your soundbar silent, or your PC unable to output at a excessive refresh charge.
Additionally: How to disable HDMI-CEC on your TV – and why it makes such a big difference doing so
The excellent news is it is simple to be taught what every HDMI port does and how one can match your units to the precise one.
HDMI port sorts defined
All HDMI ports can carry video and audio, however they assist totally different bandwidth ranges, which decide the units it’s best to use with them. In case you occur to plug into the incorrect HDMI port, nothing will break, however you’ll not get full efficiency or sound.
For instance, an HDMI 2.0 port helps 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and ARC audio, making it good for streaming media gamers and cable containers. In the meantime, an HDMI 2.1 port helps 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which is nice for next-generation consoles like the PS5. HDMI 2.1 can generally attain 4K at 240Hz with Show Stream Compression (DSC).
Additionally: My Wi-Fi crashed, but an underuntilized TV feature made it totally bearable
Then there’s often an ARC / eARC port, or audio return channel. It appears to be like like an HDMI port, however it could ship audio again out to a soundbar or AV receiver. ARC helps commonplace Dolby digital 5.1, whereas eARC helps uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The right way to inform aside your HDMI ports
Your TV seemingly has labeled HDMI ports, so check out the again to see for your self.
Normally, they’re referred to as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and HDMI 3, and then you definately’ll see ARC or eARC. Some producers print descriptions below the labels. You may see an HDMI 2.1 port described as 4K120, VRR, Recreation, or Enhanced, or it’d even say the precise decision and body charge it helps. If there is no description for an HDMI port, assume it is commonplace HDMI 2.0 — besides the one displaying ARC.
Additionally: I changed 12 settings on my Apple TV to instantly make the system run like new again
My recommendation is to see if there are descriptions subsequent to the ports. You too can discuss with your TV’s person guide for extra data. Nearly all TVs launched within the final 20 years have HDMI ports and ARC assist, whereas HDMI 2.1 and eARC have grow to be extra widespread since 2017.
Which HDMI port ought to I exploit?
OK, so as an instance you will have a tool it’s essential to plug into your TV, whether or not it is a soundbar, a PC, a Blu-ray participant, or one thing else. Look in the back of your TV to find its HDMI ports, after which decide whether or not they’re HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, and which one helps ARC or eARC. Once more, see if there are descriptions subsequent to the ports or discuss with your TV’s person guide.
Additionally: I used secret codes to unlock my Roku TV’s hidden settings and menu screens – here’s how
As soon as you understand what your TV helps, it is time to pair every machine with the precise port. Use the information beneath.
| Machine | Advice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Soundbar / subwoofer / house theater receiver | ARC or eARC port | Sends audio from TV again to sound system. Required for Dolby Atmos. |
| Apple TV 4K (if utilizing with HomePod) | eARC port | Apple TV 4K wants eARC to route TV audio again to HomePods. |
| Gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox Sequence X) / gaming PC | HDMI 2.1 | Excessive-bandwidth port wanted for 4K120, VRR, ALLM, low-latency gameplay. |
| PC | Any HDMI port | However HDMI 2.1 is advisable for high-refresh-rate output and VRR assist. |
| Streaming units (Roku, Hearth TV, Chromecast, Apple TV if not utilizing HomePod audio) | Any HDMI port | 4K streamers solely want commonplace bandwidth. No HDMI 2.1 requirement. |
| Blu-ray / UHD disc participant | Any HDMI port | Handles regular 4K60 HDR bandwidth. No want for HDMI 2.1. |
Is there a typical port structure I can comply with?
Sure. Most TVs have three or 4 HDMI ports, with a typical structure which you can comply with, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to examine your ports to make sure compatibility.
For instance, older Samsung fashions sometimes have just one HDMI 2.1 port (typically labeled as HDMI 3 or 4), whereas newer fashions embrace extra.
Additionally: How to reset your Roku TV: 4 easy methods (and why you shouldn’t wait to do them)
On LG TVs, particularly newer OLED fashions, you may sometimes discover a number of HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony often reserves HDMI 3 and 4 for HDMI 2.1. TCL limits HDMI 2.1 to mid- to high-tier fashions, as do Panasonic and Hisense (the U7 and U8 have two HDMI 2.1 ports). Vizio additionally limits HDMI 2.1 ports to high-end fashions, such because the P-Sequence and OLED units.
Philips offers its newer OLEDs two to 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. As for Sharp, most of its ports are commonplace HDMI.
- HDMI 1: Streaming stick or Blu-ray
- HDMI 2 (often HDMI 2.1): Gaming console
- HDMI 3 (often HDMI 2.1 or ARC/eARC): Soundbar
- HDMI 4 (often HDMI 2.1): Secondary machine or PC
In case your TV has just one HDMI 2.1 port, make that the one in your major gaming machine.
Does it matter which HDMI port I exploit?
Sure, particularly for gaming and Dolby Atmos audio. Utilizing the incorrect port can lead to a lack of efficiency and sound high quality.
What if I plug a tool into the incorrect port?
Nothing will break. You merely don’t get entry to the total set of options.
Are HDMI ports fragile?
Not often. But when your TV is wall-mounted or cables bend sharply, use a right-angle HDMI adapter or a swivel head to scale back pressure.
What about HDMI 2.2?
HDMI 2.2 is the subsequent main improve to the HDMI commonplace, providing a big efficiency enhance with elevated bandwidth, smoother refresh charges, and assist for extra superior resolutions. Announced in 2025, the brand new specification will increase bandwidth to 96 Gbps utilizing next-gen Mounted Price Hyperlink expertise and provides options like Latency Indication Protocol.
Additionally: I discovered my TV’s USB port has 5 hidden benefits (and wish I knew sooner)
The excellent news is that HDMI 2.2 cables maintain the identical bodily connector and stay backward suitable.
