Are All HDMI Cables the Same? HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 don't matter nearly as much as their speed ratings, which the HDMI Forum and HDMI Licensing Administrator also define. Those specifications indicate maximum bandwidths, but they don't specifically define every cable.
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.
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.
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.
There are three basic types of HDMI cables—Standard, High-Speed, and Ultra High-Speed—and each type has subcategories.
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.
An expensive HDMI doesn't produce richer colors or crisper sound than cheaper versions. 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.
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.
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 Standard HDMI connector (Type A) is the most widely used of the five HDMI connector types. These 19-pin connectors can be found on almost every brand of TV, computer monitor, game console, streaming device and desktop computer.
If you're unfamiliar with the HDMI connector, you may think that each HDMI port is designated for a specific device. However, this is not the case; you can use any one of them for any device.
Many different HDMI connectors are available today. Even though they do the same thing, they aren't always interchangeable between devices or applications. In other words, you'll need to know which connector type you're using before buying.
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.
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).
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.
Do 1080p videos look bad on 4k TVs? No, they look OK. There's good reason for that: 4K aka 2160p has exactly 4 times bigger pixel count than 1080p, so when upscaling, every pixel from the 1080p source is rendered by exactly 4 pixels on 4K screen. I have a 4K TV and watch 1080p movies on it rather often.
Variations Between 4k and 8k HDMI cable
8k cables have higher speed because of their higher bandwidth of 48Gps, unlike the 4k, which has a bandwidth of 18.2Gps. They also use more data than 4k for their frame rate and resolution.
Generally, you can get a 15-foot active HDMI cord for around $17 a 25-foot cord for $23, a 35-foot cord for $26, and a massive 50-foot cord for $33.
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.
Computers can send the maximum resolution and frame rate possible in the current HDMI spec. If you've got a beefy computer and want to connect to a UHD TV, it's probably worth it to get Ultra High Speed or at least Premium Certified cables. Noncertified cables might work, but it's less likely.
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.
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.
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.