HDMI 2.0 is also suitable for 4K, but HDMI 2.1 supports this resolution at 100 frames per second. This provides an extra smooth image. Although current movies are not yet shot at 100 frames per second, this must change in the future.
HDMI 2.1 supports video resolutions up to 10K or 8K uncompressed, while HDMI 2.0 can only support resolutions up to 4K. That means you will be able to see more detail, and images will look sharper when you use an HDMI 2.1 cable, but only if the TV, video, and media player are all compatible with higher resolutions.
While you can't change HDMI versions on your devices with firmware upgrades, you don't have to do anything special to use HDMI 2.1 cables with products that use HDMI 2.0b and older. However, you should use HDMI 2.1 cables with HDMI 2.1 devices for the best performance.
Cable Questions
HDMI 2.1 does have a new cable called Ultra High Speed HDMI. It can transmit data at 48 Gbps, 2.6x faster than current HDMI cables. Current HDMI 2.0 resolution and refresh rate capabilities cap out at 4K/60 fps or 8K/30 fps, while 2.1 can carry all the way up to 10K/120 fps.
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.
Look for “HDMI Ultra High Speed” Cables
If you want to buy an HDMI 2.1-compatible cable, you should look for the words “HDMI Ultra High Speed” on the box. Cables aren't explicitly sold as “HDMI 2.1 cables.” In the past, HDMI 2.0b cables were sold under the regular “High Speed” moniker.
HDMI 1.4 introduced the kind of bandwidth required to deliver 4K video, but HDMI 2.0 can dole out 4K video without compromise, at 50 and 60 frames per second. In HDMI 1.4, the rate of 4K was limited to 24 frames per second.
Yes.You will be able to connect any HDMI-enabled device supporting any older version of the HDMI standard, and it will work just fine on a new HDMI 2.1-enabled TV or display. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are backward-compatible too.
That said, HDMI is and has always been fully backward compatible. It's perfectly fine to use a TV equipped with HDMI 2.1 with an older HDMI cable. It's also perfectly fine to use a next-generation console with a TV that has HDMI 2.0. They will work, but won't be capable of outputting in 4K at 120Hz or higher.
4K HDMI 2.0 cables deliver 4K at 60 frames per second (fps), while 8K HDMI 2.1 cables deliver 8K content at 60fps or 4K content at 120fps, since less data is required to transmit 4K content. The bottom line is that if you have 4K content, you'll get twice the frames per second using an 8K cable.
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.
Plus, 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. As we've said above, the consoles won't be pushing 120fps at maximum resolutions that often - not initially anyway.
An HDMI 2.1 connection essentially allows for 120fps at 4K, or 8K at 60fps, while an HDMI 2.0 connection can allow for 120fps, but at either 1080p or 1440p. HDMI 2.0 connections also allow for 4K at 60hz, which has been enjoyed for some time thanks to consoles like the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X.
The Audio Return Channel (ARC) connects your TV and audio system with a single High Speed HDMI® cable and eliminates the need for an additional composite audio or optical cable. You can view the video that covers ARC and enhanced ARC (eARC) features or skip to the detailed information. Sony Electronics | Support (US)
Does a monitor that already support HDMI have to specifically be made to support 2.1? HDMI is backwards compatible so you can use a HDMI 2.1 GPU with a HDMI 2.0 monitor and vice versa. Using a HDMI 2.0 GPU with a HDMI 2.1 monitor you will have limitations on what refresh rates etc it can support.
HDMI Version 2.1: This was launched on 28 November 2017 and added support for higher resolutions and refresh rates. It was a relatively major update as indicated by the move from 2.0 to 2.1 in terms of the revision number.
In 2019, HDMI 2.1 was released with a new feature called eARC (enhanced audio return channel). This advancement has a higher bandwidth, giving you better audio quality and support for more immersive audio formats, such as uncompressed surround sound and Dolby Atmos.
Gold-plated HDMI cables are of a higher grade, and they are better and larger conductors. They boast better shielding and are even more durable than regular HDMI cables. It is also true that gold-plated ends will not have the oxidation that may be found in regular HDMI cables.
If you want to make sure that your HDMI cable supports Ultra HD 4K resolution, you have to look for the HDMI High Speed logo on the cable's packaging. This is what a typical High Speed label looks like. Some cables may have the High Speed label on them.
Although there are different HDMI standards, with HDMI 2.0 being the most recent, there are only two HDMI cable standards: Standard and High Speed. Standard is out-of-date now and supports lower resolutions; High Speed supports everything, including the HDMI 2.0 standard, which gives you 4K TV at 60fps (Ultra HD).
Checking HDMI Port Version Through Trial and Error
Plug in your monitor to the HDMI port on your laptop. Make sure you are using an HDMI 2.0 cable (Premium High Speed HDMI cable at least). If the monitor runs at 4K@60Hz, then you have an HDMI 2.0 port. If it runs at 4K@30Hz, then you have an HDMI 1.4 port.
Do I need new HDMI cables to use eARC? According to HDMI.org, if you currently use a standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, or a High-Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet, you should be fine. Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables with Ethernet will definitely work.
The HDMI 2.1a Specification includes a new cable - the Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable. It's the only cable that complies with stringent specifications designed to ensure support for all HDMI 2.1a features including uncompressed 8k@60 and 4K@120. The cable's increased bandwidth capability supports up to 48Gbps.
As long as you have at least HDMI 1.4, 120Hz is doable on your compatible TV or monitor. You can even do up to 144Hz if your display supports it. For uncompressed higher resolutions, though, HDMI 120Hz connections need a next-generation HDMI connection.