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HDMI version quick reference

All standard HDMI cables use the same Type-A (full-size) physical connector, so the same cable that worked on your old TV will plug into a new one. What changes between versions is the bandwidth the cable and port can carry — which determines what resolutions, refresh rates, and features are supported.

Connector types: Standard HDMI (Type-A, 19-pin, full-size), Mini HDMI (Type-C), and Micro HDMI (Type-D) each share the same version numbering. This guide focuses on Type-A, which is found on most TVs, monitors, and consoles.

Version comparison table

Feature HDMI 1.4 HDMI 2.0 HDMI 2.1
Max bandwidth 10.2 Gbps 18 Gbps 48 Gbps
4K @ 30 Hz ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
4K @ 60 Hz ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
4K @ 120 Hz ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
8K @ 30 Hz ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
8K @ 60 Hz ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
HDR (basic) ✗ No ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
HDR10+ / Dolby Vision ✗ No Partial (device-dependent) ✓ Yes
ARC (Audio Return Channel) ✓ Yes ✓ Yes eARC (enhanced)
eARC (uncompressed audio) ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes
FRL (Fixed Rate Link) ✗ No ✗ No ✓ Yes (required for >18 Gbps)
Cable certification label High Speed HDMI Premium High Speed HDMI Ultra High Speed HDMI
Typical devices Older TVs, Blu-ray players, consoles pre-2014 PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, most 4K TVs 2016–2020 PS5, Xbox Series X/S, RTX 30/40 GPUs, OLED TVs 2021+

Do I need a new cable for HDMI 2.1?

For bandwidth above 18 Gbps (anything requiring 4K@120Hz or 8K), yes — you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI certified cable. Older "High Speed" or "Premium High Speed" cables are physically compatible but are not certified to carry 48 Gbps and may produce image artifacts or no signal at higher bandwidths.

Tip: Look for the "48Gbps" or "Ultra High Speed" label on the cable packaging. Cheap unlabeled cables may not meet the spec even if they physically fit.

What is eARC?

eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allows uncompressed surround formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to travel from the TV back to a soundbar or AV receiver over the HDMI cable — without a separate optical cable. Standard ARC (available since HDMI 1.4) only supports compressed formats like Dolby Digital 5.1. To use eARC, both the TV port and the soundbar/receiver port must support HDMI 2.1 eARC, and you need an Ultra High Speed cable.

What is VRR?

Variable Refresh Rate synchronizes the TV's refresh rate to the game console or GPU's frame output in real time, eliminating screen tearing and reducing stutter — similar to NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync on PC monitors. VRR is part of HDMI 2.1 and is supported by PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and compatible 4K TVs.

HDMI connector types

Type Pins Dimensions Common use
Type A (Standard) 19 13.9 mm × 4.45 mm TVs, monitors, consoles, laptops
Type C (Mini) 19 10.42 mm × 2.42 mm Older camcorders, tablets, DSLRs
Type D (Micro) 19 6.36 mm × 2.8 mm Smartphones, action cameras

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