While most electronics like soundbars or DVD players will be fine with older version HDMI cables, newer technologies like high-frame-rate console gaming or Dolby Atmos audio will require cables built to a newer specification. The version of HDMI cable you choose should align with your video needs. There are three basic features to track when comparing HDMI cables. While all HDMI cables perform the same basic functions, not all cables are the same. If your 4K TV supports HDR or Dolby Vision, or if you simply want to future-proof your TV setup, make sure it’s built on the HDMI 2.1 standard. It adds support for 4K at high frame rates (which is perfect for 4K gaming) and expands support for next-generation technologies like 8K TVs. These significantly improve the types of content that can be transmitted. (Notably, a later version, HDMI 2.0a, added support for newer TV technologies like HDR and Dolby Vision, so if those are important to you, be sure to pick up HDMI cables that support version 2.0a or higher.) HDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.0 cables are critical for any home theater with high-end surround sound. This added both support for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), a feature for legally playing back copyright-protected content, as well as the ability to use object-based surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. It can support 4K content (so long as it’s 30 frames per second, like most TV content), 3D Blu-rays, and even HDMI’s Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allows you to send audio from the TV back to an AV receiver or soundbar. HDMI 1.4Īround since 2009, this is the most commonly used standard in HDMI cables. Currently, there are three versions of HDMI available.
That means that every few years a new version of HDMI comes out that enhances functionality, which is great news for fans of new standards like 4K and high dynamic range (HDR), but it also means that you need to pay attention to which version of HDMI a cable supports. HDMI is a standardized physical interface, but how we use HDMI cables has evolved as new versions of HDMI technical specifications have come out. Swapping in a high-quality cable is easy, and it could make a big difference. If you think your TV’s image isn’t as good as it can be, start by replacing the HDMI cable. Low-quality HDMI cables can degrade TV picture quality.
0 kommentar(er)
