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 a 60Hz refresh rate.
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.
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.
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.
High Speed is over twice as fast as Standard, with a minimum bandwidth of 10.2Gbps. The vast majority of new HDMI cables you shop for will be High Speed or above, which means they can carry a 4K signal. The hitch is that the bandwidth will support only 4K video at 24 frames per second.
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.
Contrary to popular belief (and misinformation) HDMI cables don't actually make all that much difference in overall picture quality. Sadly, people are still buying overpriced HDMI cables in droves, spending far too much money than necessary, believing they'll get far better quality video.
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.
Check out the cable
Almost all modern HDMI cables have the maximum resolution it supports labelled or printed on them. Just inspect the cable and see if 4K, 8K or 10K is printed on it. You may find it on the package as well. If you have 4K printed on it, then it is either HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0.
Also, HDMI cables are usually interactive and backward compatible. Therefore, a 4K HDMI cable on a 1080p television would not be an issue. However, HDMI cables that support 4K feature higher refresh rates and bandwidths than standard ones. The supported advanced features are also more.
The HDMI cable standard can impact color and resolution, but newer versions are not required for 4K TV.
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).
Although it is true that gold-plated cables are superior to regular cables, probably the main difference is the maximum bandwidth. While regular cables can achieve maximum transfers of 10 Gbit/s, a gold-plated cable can go up to 17 Gbit/s.
However, an HDMI cable made with better materials can be more durable, and support higher bandwidth at longer distances, but it won't offer any difference with the picture quality. Other benefits for higher-priced HDMI cables different can be: Better connectors. More flexible materials.
Only available on next-generation consoles and high-end gaming PCs, a 4K 120Hz HDMI cable solution for this kind of experience does exist, but you'll need the latest standard has to offer: HDMI 2.1.
The version should be clearly labeled on the packaging. Check the cable: Look at the cable itself for any labeling or text that may indicate the version. The HDMI version number may be printed on the cable, or it may have a different color to indicate the version.
Also HDMI 2.1 will allow use of source based tone mapping (SBTM) which if supported by monitor/TV is used in gaming. What do you need for an HDMI cable to work with 4K? ANY HDMI cable works just fine with 4k/30Hz. MOST HDMI cable works just fine at 4K/60Hz.
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 a 60Hz refresh rate.
HDMI cables are designed to support resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz over distances of up to 25 meters (82 feet). Longer cable lengths can be achieved using an HDMI splitter or special extension cables, although signal degradation may occur.
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.
Your HDMI cables are handy when it comes to delivering high-definition audio and video signals from a single cord. However, your cords may degrade with age. So it may be time for you to get an upgrade, in which case you should invest in new cables.
HDMI cables 2.0 and 2.1 both deliver 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) at higher refresh rates. However, that doesn't mean you would always get 4k HDR with these kinds of HDMI cables. Interestingly, 4K and HDR are often considered as synonyms.
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.
Premium HDMI Cables are a special certification for High Speed HDMI Cables that have been designed and certified for ultra-reliable performance for 4K/UltraHD at up to 18Gbps bandwidth including advanced features such as 4K60, HDR, and expanded color spaces including BT.