You're using the wrong HDMI port on your TV (and why that's a problem)

Nowadays, even bargain-bin TVs come with a bunch of HDMI ports. While the HDMI ports look the same, there's a good chance they are from different generations, thus packing separate capabilities. While plugging your devices into an older HDMI port won't be the end of the world, you might miss out on some pretty important features.

Different HDMI ports look the same, but can vary wildly

More than meets the eye

In most cases, TVs come with both HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 ports. The catch is that it's impossible to tell them apart solely by appearance. Despite looking identical, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 are very different. The older standard tops out at a mere 18Gbps and is capable of delivering up to 4K@60Hz signals to your TV.

HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, has a maximum bandwidth of 48Gbps, supports 4K@120Hz video, and offers multiple gaming-centric features, such as variable refresh rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). VRR allows you to enjoy games without screen tearing, while ALLM automatically activates your TV's game mode (if available) as soon as you start a game, ensuring the lowest possible input latency.

HDMI 2.1 also supports dynamic HDR, which can look better than static HDR. The good news is that formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision work just fine over HDMI 2.0, as long as your TV supports them. In other words, HDMI 2.0 is still more than enough for a great HDR experience.

Newer TVs usually feature at least one HDMI 2.1 port, with high-end models offering multiple (up to four in some cases). Regarding HDMI 2.0 ports, they're the standard on mid-range and budget TVs, as well as on older high-end models.

Some older TVs, especially 1080p models, may have HDMI 1.4 ports. While HDMI 2.0 is fine for 4K, HDMI 1.4 is anything but. It tops out at 10.2Gbps and can only display 4K at 30Hz, which is fine for watching videos but can be pretty jarring for gaming, especially if you own a PC or a current-gen gaming console. On the other hand, if you own a 1080p TV, HDMI 1.4 is fine since it's designed for 1080p resolution.

How to find out which HDMI ports your TV has

It should be quite straightforward

You can check your TV's manual or visit its manufacturer's website to learn about its HDMI layout. HDMI 2.1 ports are sometimes clearly labeled—as HDMI 2.1 or HDMI 4K@120Hz—so you can check whether your TV has HDMI 2.1 connectivity by checking the HDMI port labels on the back of the TV. Also, if any HDMI port on your TV is labeled eARC, it's definitely HDMI 2.1, since only HDMI 2.1 supports eARC, with older HDMI versions being limited to the older ARC specification.

You could also comb through your TV's menus and look for a setting called "HDMI format," "HDMI signal," or something similar. There, you can check whether the HDMI port in question supports "Enhanced Formats" such as VRR, ALLM, or 4K@120Hz. If it does, it's an HDMI 2.1 port.

Populate your TV's HDMI 2.1 ports first

HDMI 2.1 brings that 4K@120Hz goodness

If your TV has multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, you should populate them first, especially if you own a current-gen gaming console (PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X or S) or a PC, because HDMI 2.1 supports 4K@120Hz, enabling high-refresh-rate 4K gaming. Using your gaming machine with HDMI 2.1 is beneficial even if you don't plan to play games at high refresh rates, thanks to VRR and ALLM support, which drastically improve the gaming experience even at 60FPS.

Various streaming boxes, including Apple TV, can work just fine over HDMI 2.0 because it supports HDR and 4K@60Hz. This is more than enough for an enjoyable viewing experience. You can also plug them into an HDMI 2.1 port if you have one free, but it's generally better to reserve those ports for devices like gaming consoles or PCs.

Lastly, there's HDMI 1.4. While on paper it can still work fine for streaming devices, the lack of HDR support on most HDMI 1.4 TVs makes it a less-than-ideal choice. If your TV doesn't support HDR, you should be fine. But if it does, make sure to connect your streaming box to an HDMI 2.0 port, which should be present on HDR-capable TVs. If you own a 1080p TV, HDMI 1.4 isn't that bad since it's more than enough for 1080p at 60Hz, but keep in mind that without at least HDMI 2.0, you likely won't be able to enjoy HDR content.

Got a soundbar or A/V receiver? Connect it to your TV's HDMI ARC or eARC port

Adjust the volume with a single remote

If you own a soundbar or an audio-video receiver, make sure to plug it into your TV's ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port if your TV has one. HDMI ARC ports can send audio back to the device they're connected to, allowing you to enjoy high-definition audio on your soundbar or speakers connected to the A/V receiver while watching content from a source connected directly to the TV.​​​​​​​

ARC is also handy because it allows the TV to control the volume of the soundbar or speakers connected to the receiver. You don't need a separate remote for that; you can use your TV's remote instead. Even HDMI 1.4 supports ARC capabilities, so you should have an ARC HDMI port even if you own an older device.

It’s not just the HDMI port, your HDMI cable is important too

Hooking your console or a PC up to your TV’s HDMI 2.1 port is great, but you won’t enjoy the benefits of HDMI 2.1 if you use the wrong HDMI cable. It’s easy to end up with the wrong one, so make sure to use an HDMI 2.1–certified cable labeled “Ultra High Speed HDMI” to access HDMI 2.1 features.

If your TV only has HDMI 2.0 or older ports, you should be fine with most cables, since most are HDMI 2.0–certified. But to be sure, look for one labeled as "Premium High Speed HDMI," which means the cable supports the full array of HDMI 2.0 features.

Length(s) 6.6 feet Brand UGREEN

Available in lengths of 6 feet and longer, the UGREEN HDMI 2.1 Certified Cable is perfect for gaming as it adheres to all HDMI 2.1 specifications.

$17 at Amazon