Does it matter which HDMI port you use on your TV? Short answer: Yes

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Not all HDMI ports help the identical options.
• Use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Collection X gaming and ARC/eARC for soundbars.
• Plugging into the flawed port works, however it might end in diminished efficiency.

Most newer TVs include three or 4 HDMI ports, and on the floor, all of them look similar. 

All of them have the identical form and work with the identical HDMI cable, however not each port helps the identical options. Selecting the flawed one can depart your PS5 caught at 60Hz, your soundbar silent, or your PC unable to output at a excessive refresh fee. 

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The excellent news is it is easy to be taught what every HDMI port does and methods to match your gadgets to the best one.

HDMI port varieties defined

All HDMI ports can carry video and audio, however they help totally different bandwidth ranges, which decide the gadgets it is best to use with them. When you occur to plug into the flawed HDMI port, nothing will break, however you’ll not get full efficiency or sound.

For instance, an HDMI 2.0 port helps 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and ARC audio, making it good for streaming media gamers and cable packing containers. In the meantime, an HDMI 2.1 port helps 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which is nice for next-generation consoles just like the PS5. HDMI 2.1 can generally attain 4K at 240Hz with Show Stream Compression (DSC).

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Then there’s normally an ARC / eARC port, or audio return channel. It appears to be like like an HDMI port, however it might probably ship audio again out to a soundbar or AV receiver. ARC helps normal Dolby Digital 5.1, whereas eARC helps uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Learn how to inform aside your HDMI ports

Your TV possible has labeled HDMI ports, so check out the again to see for your self. 

Often, they’re referred to as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and HDMI 3, and then you definitely’ll see ARC or eARC. Some producers print descriptions underneath the labels. You would possibly see an HDMI 2.1 port described as 4K120, VRR, Recreation, or Enhanced, or it’d even say the precise decision and body fee it helps. If there isn’t any description for an HDMI port, assume it is normal HDMI 2.0 — besides the one displaying ARC.

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My recommendation is to see if there are descriptions subsequent to the ports. You can even consult with your TV’s person guide for extra info. Nearly all TVs launched within the final 20 years have HDMI ports and ARC help, whereas HDMI 2.1 and eARC have grow to be extra frequent since 2017. 

Which HDMI port ought to I exploit?

OK, so for example you have got a tool that you must plug into your TV, whether or not it is a soundbar, a PC, a Blu-ray participant, or one thing else. Look behind your TV to find its HDMI ports, after which decide whether or not they’re HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, and which one helps ARC or eARC. Once more, see if there are descriptions subsequent to the ports or consult with your TV’s person guide.

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As soon as what your TV helps, it is time to pair every system with the best port. Use the information under.

Is there a typical port format I can observe?

Sure. Most TVs have three or 4 HDMI ports, with a typical format which you can observe, however it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to test your ports to make sure compatibility.

For instance, older Samsung fashions usually have just one HDMI 2.1 port (typically labeled as HDMI 3 or 4), whereas newer fashions embrace extra. 

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On LG TVs, particularly newer OLED fashions, you may usually discover a number of HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony normally reserves HDMI 3 and 4 for HDMI 2.1. TCL limits HDMI 2.1 to mid- to high-tier fashions, as do Panasonic and Hisense (the U7 and U8 have two HDMI 2.1 ports). Vizio additionally limits HDMI 2.1 ports to high-end fashions, such because the P-Collection and OLED units.

Philips offers its newer OLEDs two to 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. As for Sharp, most of its ports are normal HDMI. 

• HDMI 1: Streaming stick or Blu-ray
• HDMI 2 (normally HDMI 2.1): Gaming console
• HDMI 3 (normally HDMI 2.1 or ARC/eARC): Soundbar
• HDMI 4 (normally HDMI 2.1): Secondary system or PC

In case your TV has just one HDMI 2.1 port, make that the one to your main gaming system.