HDMI 2.0 vs 2.1: Video Resolution 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.
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.
In terms of physical qualities, the 2.1 model cables are identical to the 2.0 model cables. The color of the connections is the only noticeable difference you'll notice. The HDMI 2.1 connectors, like the HDMI 1.4 connectors, are gold-colored.
Yes. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables support all HDMI 2.1a and 1.4b features. Should I buy this cable if I have a 1080p or 4K television? Installations with 1080p or 4K displays can benefit by using the new Ultra 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.
Variable refresh rate
As we mentioned in the section on resolution, HDMI 2.1 can support higher frame rates for smoother video. But just as importantly from a gaming perspective, it allows for variable frame rates. Modern PC and console games do not use a single frame rate throughout the game.
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.
It is only necessary that the PS5 and the TV support HDMI 2.1. There is also a labeling problem here on the part of the technology. It would be easier for everyone if HDMI cables had the same name as the technology they support, starting from something as basic as that the standard has always been backward compatible.
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.
HDMI 2.0 vs 2.1 – Features
HDMI 2.0 has a bandwidth capacity of 18 Gbps (gigabits per second). HDMI 2.1 takes the number up to 48 Gbps, which means that HDMI 2.1 does not have to compress that much of the data and preserve a better data quality during the transmission process.
With the myths now debunked, it's time to know the truth. Can a very expensive HDMI cable show a better picture and sound quality than a cheaper one? The quick answer is no. An HDMI cable, regardless of the materials used, can either transmit a signal or not – there's no in-between.
You're in luck — all you need is a single HDMI cable to connect your TV and soundbar enabled with Dolby Atmos (HDMI 2.0 for ARC should do the trick while HDMI 2.1 is necessary for eARC setups). This is the simplest option and will send audio directly from your TV to your soundbar.
So, What Should I Do? 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.
Q: Does HDMI 2.1 Matter With Monitors? HDMI 2.1 matters in monitors when you want to use HDMI for anything over 60Hz at 4K resolution, such as connecting the latest gaming consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X, for 4K at 120Hz gaming.
HDMI 2.1 comes with quick frame transport or QFT technology. It allows sources to deliver active video signals over the HDMI cable. As a result, gamers can experience a reduction in input lag.
Games in 4K 60Hz with HDR work perfectly on premium HDMI (HDMI 2.0), with room to spare. Note that the PS5/Xbox Series X|S ship with an ultra high speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1), so if you have that, use it. All HDMI versions are backward compatible.
While HDMI 2.0 does support 1080p 120Hz and even 1440p 120Hz in theory, the PS5 is designed with HDMI 2.1 in mind and therefore any lower bandwidth version of HDMI will produce unexpected results.
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.
HDMI 2.1 – the latest and greatest HDMI version – has the most support for 144Hz with the least compromise, allowing 1440p and 4K resolution at 144Hz; although anything higher than that and you'll need to use Display Stream Compression (DSC) or Chroma Subsampling. That said, 144Hz 4K TVs are few and far between.
HDMI® Specification HDMI 2.1a supports end-to-end 8K/4K resolutions and higher refresh rate solutions with a single upgraded cable for seamless integration with the HDMI eco-system.
Full HDMI 2.1 specification is not necessarily required for VRR and ALLM, but TVs that offer HDMI 2.1 ports will likely have these features in tow. Currently, HDMI 2.0 cables are needed to achieve a 4K picture at 60fps or an 8K picture at 30fps.
HDMI 2.1 monitors are so expensive because HDMI 2.1 is a relatively new technology in the market and it's reserved for high-end gaming displays. Like with 4K monitors, the prices will soon go down as the technology becomes mainstream and more manufacturers make HDMI 2.1 monitors.
Should I upgrade? If you're in the market for a new TV and want the best of the best, we recommend buying one with at least one HDMI 2.1 port, especially if you're into gaming.
The increased bandwidth also brings with it support for the new eARC standard, affording you greater audio format compatibility. Just make sure all your devices support HDMI 2.1 and that you're using a HDMI 2.1 “ultra-high-speed” cable to take full advantage of all these great features.