Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (2023)

If you just bought a new 4K TV, you might be wondering if you need to buy a new HDMI cable to go with it. If you already have an HDMI cable, the quick answer is: Probably not.

We will explain why in detail shortly. First, we'll explain the four main types of HDMI cables and offer purchase recommendations for each category, if you have onenoyou already have a cable or if you need to replace a damaged cable.

HDMI cable types explained

An HDMI cable is simply a conduit between your TV and your media device, whether it's a DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD Blu-ray player. media streamer; video game console; or PC. There are different types of HDMI cables, but their names indicate how much data they can carry. (Spoiler: There really isn't a 4K HDMI cable.)

When boiled down to the most basic information, video analysis guidelines—as defined by theHDMI Forum Technical Working Groupwhich sets the specifications—is:

  • Standard HDMI:Resolution up to 720p or 1080i with 30Hz refresh rate
  • High Speed ​​HDMI:Resolution up to 4K (including 1080p) with a 30Hz refresh rate
  • Premium High Speed ​​HDMI:Up to 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) resolution with up to 60Hz refresh rate
  • Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI:Up to 10K resolution with HDR at 120Hz refresh rate (4K video can refresh up to 240Hz)
  • Active HDMI cable: Any of the cable types listed above are equipped with a signal amplifier to carry HDMI signals over longer distances

The best 4K HDMI cable to buy

Best passive high-speed HDMI

Monoprice High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (1)

Price at evaluation:13,26 £

Today's best prices:£11.99 on Amazon

The more detailed versions of the instructions matter if you want more than a basic TV signal: If you play video games at more than 30 frames per second, for example, or plan to use a full HDR TV, or want an HDMI cable that can also carry data over ethernet (most people don't, but that bandwidth can be used for other things).

Best PASSIVE HDMI HIGH SPEED (another option)

(Video) Don’t buy the wrong HDMI cable! | Buying HDMI 2.1 cables

AmazonBasics High Speed ​​HDMI Cable – 6ft

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (2)

For these types of scenarios, you need to get the refresh rate (measured in cycles per second, stated as Hertz and abbreviated as Hz), the color accuracy level (also known as color depth, measured in bits, e.g. 8-bit , 10-bit or 12-bit) and color data compression (ie color subsampling).

the best active hdmi high speed

Monoprice Select Active Series High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (3)

Price at evaluation:24,30 £

Today's best prices:£10.00 on Amazon

The higher you go in refresh rate and bit depth—and the less color data compression you choose—the more data will be pushed to your TV.

(Video) Do I Need New HDMI Cables for 4K? Maybe!

best passive premium high speed hdmi

Monoprice Certified High Speed ​​HDMI Cable

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (5)

Price at evaluation:13,99 £

Today's best prices:$8.99 at Monoprice|£15.76 on Amazon

Accordingly, you will need an HDMI cable that has sufficient bandwidth. A premium high-speed HDMI cable should meet the highest demands you would ask of a 4K TV with a 60Hz refresh rate.

the best ultra high speed passive hdmi

Monoprice 8K Ultra High Speed ​​Certified HDMI 2.1 Cable (6 Feet)

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (6)

Price at evaluation:20,29 £

(Video) All HDMI Cables Are NOT The Same!

Today's best prices:$14.99 at Monoprice|£19.07 on Amazon

If you bought a 4K TV with a true 120Hz refresh rate, such as for use with a PlayStation or Xbox, you'll need to switch to an Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cable.

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (7)

HDMI License Manager

When to reuse an HDMI cable you already have

The HDMI cable you already have can support all the functions you need. Here's how you can figure it out.

If all you plan to do is watch TV and nothing else

Simply connect the TV and media device using the existing cable. If you have a solid image with no objects, you're good to go. No extra thought required.

If you want to watch HDR content, play games at 60 or 120 fps, use a TV as a monitor, etc.

You can determine if your existing cable is sufficient in one of two ways.

  1. Check if the cable is labeled High Speed, Premium High Speed ​​or Ultra High Speed. If your HDMI cable doesn't clearly identify its type, you may be able to find it if the manufacturer and part number are printed on the cable.
  2. Connect the cable to your TV and your media device, then change the settings on both to suit your requirements. If you get a solid picture when playing content, you should be good to go.

Of the two methods, the second is a bit more reliable - usually, you'll get a signal right away (or you won't). But it's usually best to start with method one andafterwardtry method two. If you end up with a blank screen during method two, going into viewable settings can be a pain, depending on your device.

When should you buy a new HDMI cable for your 4K TV?

If the HDMI cables you have available can't meet your requirements—for example, playing 4K content at 120Hz or with HDR—then you'll need to pay for a new one. You can also purchase a new cable if you want to ensure compliance with a specific HDMI specification. For example, Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cables must be certified to earn the label, and therefore should be guaranteed compatibility with HDMI 2.1 devices such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

You want to hide the HDMI cable inside the wall

If you have hung your TV on the wall and now want to run your cablesinsidethe wall to keep them out of sight, probablyordinaryyou can use an HDMI cable you already have. Professional installers use in-wall HDMI cables for this purpose, as do you if you're doing the job yourself. Wall-rated cables are designed to withstand fire (such as during a power surge or if something nearby burns) and not emit toxic smoke if burned.

For such cables, look for eitherNational Electrical Code (NEC)certifications: either Class 2 or Class 3 (abbreviated CL2 and CL3). The difference is in the maximum voltage each must accept: CL2 must accept up to 150 volts, while CL3 must accept up to 300 volts. In either case, the cable sheath will also be thicker and better insulated to protect the cables inside as the cable is pulled through the wall and bent into tight spaces such as a junction box. Certification is sufficient for HDMI signals. The assessment within the wall shouldnotadd a significant amount to the price of the cable.

You need to send audio/video signals over a long distance

If the source device is at one end of the room and your screen at the other (such as a projector and its screen), or if your source and screen are atdifferentrooms, you may need a cable with a built-in signal booster to ensure that data can be transmitted from one end to the other. You'll usually find these cables classified as "active" HDMI cables (preface each of the cable types we've already discussed with "active"). Another solution for long cable runs is an HDMI signal booster, such asKD-HDFIX22 digital key.

ThatIt does not suitmeans you have to pay $30 or more for a cable (though active cables cost more). Cable price does not necessarily guarantee performance. Rather its classification and certification do.

You can buy a very cheap cable and get top performance. Our recommendation is to choose between the Monoprice or AmazonBasics options, which have a huge following for their affordability and reliability. (See sidebar for specific suggestions.) Active and/or exotic cables (eg, cables that use fiber optic strands instead of copper wires) for highly specialized installations will cost more, but perform no better than their commoner counterparts typical facilities and transmission distances.

If you don't know exactly which cable to get or want to research the available options yourself, be sure to consider the following:

High-quality HDMI cables don't have to be expensive

We can't stress this enough, and it applies everywhere — including the rated cables in the wall.

Certified Premium High Speed ​​HDMI cables have passed additional testing to carry the label. (You will findmore information about HDMI certification and how to verify authenticityin the previous link.)

(Video) Ditch Your HDMI Cable? Find Out if IOGEAR's 4K Wireless HDMI TV Connection Kit Actually Works!

But you don't have to pay a huge premium to get that peace of mind: Monoprice, for example, sells two different6-foot Premium HDMI Certified Cablesfor less than $10 each. And you can buy oneAmazonBasics 15-foot high-speed HDMI cable, CL3for $13.

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (9)

Alaina Yee/Foundry

When searching for HDMI cables, use keywords only as a starting point

If you look on Amazon or Monoprice.com, you'll sometimes see products with names like "Ultra Slim High Speed ​​Cable". If you're not paying close attention, you might not realize that this particular example is just a high-speed cable: The "ultra" in this case refers to how thin the cable is, not the speed at which it can transfer data.

Make sure you have the right cable by looking at the actual specs. The quickest way to determine the type is to look for the bandwidth rating.

  • High speed= 10,2 Gbps
  • Premium High Speed= 18 Gbps
  • Extremely high speed= 48 Gbps

Price is still an important indicator of the type and quality of an HDMI cable

You won't find a respectable Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI cable for $3, but youcanfind a good high-speed cable at this price, although it may be limited to a lower refresh rate. (Then again, true high-speed cables are much less common.)

By paying attention to bandwidth rating, refresh rate and price, you can avoid unreliable cables. Options outside of the more well-known cheap brands (AmazonBasics and Monoprice are currently the top two) can be tempting, but some budget cables have weak electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, which can disrupt your Wi-Fi network. Fi and may cause optical artifacts and signal dropout. If you see a two-pack of high-speed HDMI cables for the same price as a single Monoprice or AmazonBasics option, proceed with caution.

On the other hand, bandwidth rating and price can also help you discover cables that punch above their weight, such asAmazonBasics High Speed ​​HDMI Cable. Is notcertifiedas a Premium high-speed cable, but the manufacturer promises that it can offer as much bandwidth (18 Gbps). Not surprisingly, it's also priced higher than a standard 6-foot high-speed HDMI cable.

Active HDMI cables shouldn't cost too much more than their passive counterparts. Although prices are on the rise, you can find them well below the high-end cable prices at Best Buy and similar stores. At Monoprice, for example, a6ft High Speed ​​HDMI 4K Slim Cableit costs less than $9. ofactive counterpartit costs $28.

Buy only the length of HDMI cable you need

The longer a signal has to travel, the more likely it is that parts of that signal will not reach their destination without amplification (eg an active cable or signal booster box).

The general rule of thumb is that for lengths of six feet or less, a passive cable is more than adequate. Between six and about 25 feet is negotiable, and above that, most people will opt for an active cable or signal booster.

The receiving chip in your TV can also affect whether or not a passive cable will work over long distances—if it's better at adjusting for a weaker signal, you won't need the signal booster.

Ignore silly features like gold-plated HDMI cables

Gold plated connectors make a marginal differenceanalogsignals, because the connections don't oxidize, but they don't matter at all with the digital signals that an HDMI cable carries. If you're interested in a stable image, you only need to pay attention to the speed rating and length of a cable, and whether it's passive or active. This is.

HDMI cables vs. HDMI specifications

If you've heard of HDMI specifications (eg HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1), you might be wondering how HDMI cables relate to them.

As mentioned above, an HDMI cable is just a conduit for transferring data. You can think of it like a path: Choose a wider (ie, higher bandwidth) if you have more data that needs to move along it at the same time.

The HDMI specification describes the kinds of features that are allowed to travel this path: resolution, color depth, types of color subsampling, and more. With each new specification, each new feature has increased the HDMI bandwidth requirement.

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable (11)

HDMI License Manager

(Video) Does An HDMI Cable REALLY Matter For 4k?

We go into more detail about the latest HDMI specifications in ourHDMI 2.0andHDMI 2.1primers, but all you really need to know is what features your hardware supports and what features you plan to exploit. Once you've narrowed it down, you'll know what type of HDMI cable you need.

Our colleagues at Tech Advisor have tooreview the best HDMI cables.

FAQs

Your new 4K TV probably doesn't need a new HDMI cable? ›

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.

Do I need to buy a new HDMI cable for a 4K TV? ›

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.

Do I need a new HDMI cable for Apple TV 4K? ›

On Apple TV 4K, you need an HDMI 2.0 or later compatible cable. To access all of the features that your Apple TV has to offer, use an HDMI 2.1 cable.

Do I need HDMI cables for my new TV? ›

You should use HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable when the components you intend to connect are HDMI compatible - that is, they both have HDMI jacks - and you want the highest quality digital video and/or audio connection.

Will a cheap HDMI cable work 4K? ›

As long as the cable can accommodate the bandwidth required to show 4k content, you're good to go. An HDMI cable only transmits signals. It doesn't make the audio and video quality better than your TV or other devices' capabilities.

Is there a difference between a 4K HDMI cable and a regular HDMI cable? ›

There really is no difference between a cable marketed as 4K and one that is not. But there is a label that does matter, and that is the speed rating. Speed will dictate the maximum bandwidth allowed by the cable.

Are old HDMI cables still good? ›

While older HDMI cables will work just fine with HDMI 2.1-supporting devices, they cannot enjoy the added bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 and therefore are not fit for the task of delivering some of the promises HDMI 2.1 makes.

Does Apple TV 4K come with a 4K HDMI cable? ›

But be aware that while the Apple TV 4K does come with a power cord and the Siri remote, it doesn't come with an HDMI cable -- that needs to be purchased separately.

Will a regular HDMI cable work with Apple TV 4K? ›

4K video, especially HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, requires an HDMI cable compatible with these formats. Apple recommends HDMI cables that have the Compatible Dolby Vision mark because they've been tested with Apple TV 4K and a wide range of TVs. An example is the Belkin Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable.

Does Apple TV 4K come with HDMI 2.1 cable? ›

The downside is that Apple doesn't ship an HDMI cable with the device. Unsurprisingly, you need a compatible HDMI 2.1 cable for Apple TV 4K to get the most out of your new streaming device.

What type of HDMI cable do I need for Apple TV 4K? ›

Go to Settings > Video and Audio and select Check HDMI Connection. 4K video, especially HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, requires an HDMI cable compatible with these formats. Apple recommends HDMI cables that have the Compatible Dolby Vision mark as they have been tested with Apple TV 4K and a wide range of TVs.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 4K? ›

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.

How long can an HDMI cable be 4K? ›

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).

Why is my 4k TV blurry? ›

Your TV may look blurry or fuzzy because you might be using an incorrect aspect ratio, a lower resolution setting, a smaller bitrate setting, a sharpness setting that's too low, using an older HDMI cable that isn't high speed, a blur reduction/motion setting that should/shouldn't be toggled on, or the possibility that ...

How can I tell if my HDMI cable is 4k? ›

Any HDMI cable labeled high-speed (18 Gbps) transfer speed is 4K compatible.

How much should you spend on HDMI cables? ›

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.

Are expensive HDMI cables worth it? ›

Is it worth spending more on HDMI cables? The short answer is no, spending more on HDMI cables shouldn't affect the quality of your picture. So while more expensive models may last longer, they shouldn't offer any noticeable visual or audio benefits over cheaper HDMI cables.

How do I know if my TV is 4K? ›

On TV product specifications, resolutions are usually shown as "3840 x 2160" for 4K TVs. Resolution is a term that tells you just how densely these tiny dots, the pixels, are put together on the display.

What's better 4K or 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.

Is HDMI going away? ›

At the end of the day, HDMI is still the established video signal port on TVs, monitors, gaming consoles, projectors and others. Even as USB-C ports are gaining ground, it is more for powering devices than as a video interface where it might pose more threat to replacing HDMI. Whereas, several devices like PS5.

Are there 2 types of HDMI cables? ›

There are three basic types of HDMI cables—Standard, High-Speed, and Ultra High-Speed—and each type has subcategories.

Can cheap HDMI cable ruin TV? ›

So while a bad HDMI cable won't necessarily render your TV useless, it can cause severe damage to individual components.

Do all HDMI cables support 4K? ›

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.

Should I get an Apple TV 4K if I don't have a 4K TV? ›

Unless you have an ancient television without a modern HDMI connection, you should be fine with using the Apple TV 4K as part of your viewing set-up. However, if your television doesn't support advanced features like 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Vision, you will struggle to get the most out of the streaming device.

Does UHD mean 4K? ›

A 4K TV comes equipped with this same resolution—roughly four times the resolution of the previous 1080 standard—whereas UHD offers a display resolution of 3,840 x 2,160. While this is slightly short of "true" 4K, UHD resolution is often rounded-up and referred to as 4K for the sake of simplicity.

What is the point of getting Apple TV? ›

Watch, rent, or buy your favorite shows and movies all in one expertly curated app. Enjoy critically acclaimed Apple Originals series and films from Apple TV+ as they were meant to be seen. Subscribe to just the channels you want.

Will a 4K TV work with regular cable? ›

4K-compatible HDMI cable: A “regular” HDMI 2.0 cable can handle 4K @ 60Hz, but an HDMI 2.1 cable does 4K @ 120Hz—but you'll need a TV with an HDMI 2.1 port.

What speed HDMI for Apple TV 4K? ›

OneConvey 8K HDMI Cable (HDMI 2.1) 3.2Feet -Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 48Gbps Optimal Viewing for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K Xbox PS4 4K Dolby Vision HDR10 Ethernet/ARC Dolby Atmos.

What is the benefit of HDMI 2.1 on Apple TV? ›

By pairing HDMI 2.1 QMS with the Match Frame Rate function, the Apple TV 4K will be able to seamlessly match frame rates for output in 23.976Hz, 24.00Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz and so on, without any black screen or picture interruption being seen on screen.

Is HDMI 2.0 enough for Apple TV 4K? ›

Apple TV 4K (1st generation) (2017) has an HDMI 2.0 port, and would work best with an 18 Gbps or better HDMI cable. Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) (2021) has an HDMI 2.1 port, and would work best with a 48 Gbps HDMI cable.

Which is better Apple TV or Roku? ›

Verdict: Both Apple TV and Roku Ultra support 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, but Apple TV is Bluetooth enabled, AirPlay capable, and has a responsive A15 Bionic processor. Roku Ultra comes with a quad-core processor and a customizable remote control, and both models support HDMI 2.1.

What TV is best for Apple TV 4K? ›

Best TV for Apple TV in 2023
  • Top TVs for Apple TV.
  • #1 Samsung UN85AU8000FXZA 85-inch Crystal UHD AU8000 Series 4K Smart TV.
  • #2 LG OLED C1 OLED65C1PUB 65-inch 4K Smart TV.
  • #3 Sony X900H 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV.
  • #4 Sony A80J 65-inch Bravia XR OLED 4K Ultra HD TV.
  • #5 TCL 50S546 50-inch 4K UHD QLED Smart TV.

Does the HDMI cable matter? ›

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.

How long can HDMI 2.1 cable be for 4K? ›

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.

Will a HDMI 2.1 cable improve picture quality? ›

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.

Does HDMI 2.1 cable quality matter? ›

The HDMI 2.1 specification can handle 4K and 8K video at up to 120 frames per second with room to spare. If you aren't planning to get an 8K TV just yet, the 2.1 standard is mostly important for high-end gaming, due to the potential of 4K signals at frame rates higher than 60fps coming from gaming PCs and consoles.

What is the longest HDMI cable without signal loss? ›

Like many audio, video, and data cables, HDMI cords can suffer from signal degradation at longer lengths—50 feet is generally considered the maximum reliable length.

Can HDMI cable affect quality? ›

No, HDMI cables do not change the resolution of the pictures transmitted, and that's because the cable itself does not have a say in the image's resolution. Although that's technically correct, the HDMI cable is given the data from your device (whether that's your TV, computer, Xbox, or projector.)

How do I get the best picture quality on my 4K TV? ›

Part 1. Best TV Picture Settings for Every Brand
  1. Picture Mode: Movie or Cinema Mode. This is also a feasible solution to fix 4K TV not showing 4K error.
  2. Brightness: 50% (set it to 10 if your TV has Brightness on a scale of 0-20)
  3. Backlight: Lower is better.
  4. Contrast: 100%
  5. Sharpness: 0%
  6. Color: 50%
  7. Hue: 0%
  8. Tint (G/R): 50%
Mar 10, 2023

Why does 1080p look better than 4K? ›

Full HD is just another term for 1080p or 1920x1080, and those are all ways of referring to the same resolution. By contrast, 4K has a resolution of 3840x2160. That's a lot more pixels in the overall image — totaling over 8 million pixels. As always, the higher the resolution, the sharper the picture will be.

Why do shows look weird in 4K? ›

What you're seeing is called video interpolation, aka the Soap Opera Effect, and it's something even Tom Cruise wants you to be aware of. The good news is, it's easy to fix, and doing so can help you enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows as they were meant to be seen.

What to look for when buying 4K HDMI cable? ›

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.

Are HDMI cables all the same? ›

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.

Is there a difference between HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 cables? ›

One of the primary differences between the HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 is the bandwidth. HDMI 1.4 can only handle bandwidths up to 10.2 Gbps. The HDMI 2.0 almost doubles this with a bandwidth of up to 18 Gbps. This increased bandwidth allows HDMI 2.0 to transfer more data.

Which HDMI cable is best for 4K TV? ›

Best HDMI Cables: Top Picks That Offer Easy Connectivity (June, 2023)
Best HDMI CablesApproximate Price
Ubluker 10k 8k 4k HDMI CableRs. 1300
Belkin High-Speed HDMI CableRs. 1000
AmazonBasics DisplayPortRs. 1100
BlueRigger High-Speed Micro HDMI to HDMIRs. 1200
4 more rows
Feb 7, 2023

How do I know if my HDMI cable supports 4K? ›

Any HDMI cable labeled high-speed (18 Gbps) transfer speed is 4K compatible.

Will a 4K HDMI cable work on any TV? ›

HDMI cables are interactive, so you can use an HDMI cable that supports 4K on your 1080p TV. For this same reason, you can use a high-speed HDMI cable on any digital TV, even a non-Smart TV or non-HD TV. HDMI cables for 4K have higher bandwidth and refresh rate than basic HDMI cables.

Does HDMI 2.1 require a different cable? ›

HDMI 2.0 cables are all really the same, despite what some manufacturers will try to tell you with their branding – but an HDMI 2.1 cable with 48Gbps will be necessary to experience the technology's capabilities, and you'll need a compatible HDMI 2.1 port on any connecting hardware (TVs, soundbars) too.

Will a 4K HDMI cable improve picture quality? ›

With any resolution, keep in mind that if you're getting a 4K signal, it's not possible for a different cable to make that 4K look better. The only differences in cables is one will allow you to get a stable, 4K image, and another one won't.

How do I connect 4K to HDMI? ›

4K (60p or 120p) content

Use a Premium High-Speed HDMI® cable which supports 18Gbps. Connect the HDMI cable to the 4K compatible HDMI port on the TV. Note: Information on the 4K compatible HDMI ports of your Android TV™ device is available.

Which HDMI on my TV is 4K? ›

Which HDMI Version Supports 4K? HDMI port versions 1.3/1.4 and above all support 4K video at a refresh rate of 30Hz.

How long can HDMI cable be for 4k? ›

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).

How do I know if my TV is 4k? ›

On TV product specifications, resolutions are usually shown as "3840 x 2160" for 4K TVs. Resolution is a term that tells you just how densely these tiny dots, the pixels, are put together on the display.

What happens if you use a HDMI 2.1 cable in a HDMI 2.0 port? ›

HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with HDMI 2.0. In terms of the functionalities, buying an HDMI 2.1 is a good choice to have enough capacity for data transmission, enjoy ultimate entertainment (if you already get a 4k/8k TV and video player), and also future-proof the 8K needs.

Do all HDMI cables support 4K 120Hz? ›

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.

Do I need a HDMI 2.1 cable for Apple TV 4K? ›

On Apple TV 4K, you need an HDMI 2.0 or later compatible cable. To access all of the features that your Apple TV has to offer, use an HDMI 2.1 cable.

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