The HDMI connector is one of the most important solutions for connecting source devices and displays in modern electronics . It ’s a consumer - facing connector that is the mainstay ofmodern TVs , games consoles , Blu - ray players , streaming gadget , and anything else you might like to connect to a TV to stream content from . HDMI is high bandwidth and can support video and audio at the same time , but it does miss features of other connector eccentric , such as king delivery .
If you ’re going to connect your TV to almost anything , you ’ll probably want to usean HDMI cable . But the generation of HDMI connector you use , and its corroboration rating can determine what it ’s subject of .
Here ’s everything you need to know about HDMI .
What is HDMI?
The High Definition Multimedia Interface , or HDMI connector , was premise in 2002 as a refilling for aging analog and digital standards , like VGA and DVI . It ’s gone through multiple generations , with ever increase bandwidth and new and more subject feature support . Today , HDMI 2.1is the most coarse modern standard , hit bandwidths up to 48 Gbps , though a new HDMI 2.2 banner has also been proposed for the future .
HDMI use a proprietary , proportionate connector that can only be point in one room . Although electrically compatible with other standards like DVI and DisplayPort when using an adapter , HDMI cables are only compatible with HDMI ports directly .
HDMI supports modern visual feature like up to 16bit colour , high resolutions and refresh rates , various HDR formats , Dolby TrueHD and DTS - HD Master Audio , varying refresh rates , quick media shift , auto low latency mode , and exhibit stream compression , among others .
Used as the basal audio and video transmission medium for living way devices like game console and televisions , HDMI has more modified enjoyment in desktop personal computer . Graphics cards and onboard GPUs tend to offer a single HDMI yield , where they will have up to three DisplayPort and USB - atomic number 6 outputs . That said , HDMI is often the video - out connexion of option for laptop computer manufacturers .
Although HDMI cables are rearward compatible , you need newer , more up to standardsto take advantage of the late features .
HDMI versions
HDMI has gone through a act of versions over the years , reach adaptation 2.2 in 2025 . However , where in the yesteryear these versions were used to denote the capableness of a special HDMI embrasure or transmission line , after the sacking of HDMI 2.1 , the standard evolved to describe the certification point of certain cable as a more intuitive way to understand their capabilities .
At the fourth dimension of authorship these are the mainstream cable standards and their capabilities :
HDMI 2.2 has yet to see any far-flung release or musical accompaniment , so as yet does not have an official line appellative . However , when it becomes more wide uncommitted it is set to offer bandwidth of up to 96 Gbps , which would give it supporting for even eminent resolutions and refresh rate , like 16 K for professional displays , or native 4 K 240Hz without any compression .
Although most HDMI cable bid stock audio and video transmission , there are also specific HDMI cables that can pop the question Ethernet financial support in a limited mental ability , too . These are specifically design for unique situation , however , and are rarely used in consumer setting .
HDMI features
Alongside furnish the bandwidth to transmit gamy settlement audio and video from rootage twist to display , HDMI endure a number of important feature article which help make it the good pick for connecting a range of devices together .
One of its standout feature isARC / eARC support . This allows the exploiter to associate their A / V system to a TV via a single HDMI line , and that A / quintet to a digital source , like a well out control stick , games console , or Blu - shaft of light player . No need for extra audio cables between A / V system and TV , make for a more aesthetically pleasing , easier - to - instal apparatus .
HDMI also supports varying refresh pace , which can help prevent filmdom lacrimation or falter during gameplay , and dynamic HDR , so measure like HDR10 + and Dolby Vision can make your favorite shows and flick look their good . It also supports auto low latency mode , whereby your TV will switch to a lower - input signal - lag conformation during gaming to prevent issues with responsiveness .
While HDMI cables can support ultra high definition resolutions and eminent refresh rates , compressive engineering science like Display Stream Compression and chroma - subsampling can help oneself it offer support for even higher options . For deterrent example , HDMI 2.1 can support 8 K resolve at 30Hz , but with DSC enable it can support up to 120Hz .
HDMI alternatives
HDMI has a strong position as the mainstream method of link up living - way devices to one another , but it is n’t the only pick . In the microcomputer space , DisplayPort is far more commonly usedto link screen background electronic computer and monitors together . likewise so , USB - C is finding increase use for its smaller transmission line design and power to channelize magnate .
The intellect DisplayPort go out more use in PC , is that it typically offers greater overall bandwidth . DisplayPort 2.1 can reach 80 Gbps , which is enough to recreate game at 4 K 240Hz without the need for DisplayStream Compression ( though that is still more often how monitor attain such high-pitched resolution and freshen charge per unit combinations ) . When DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 were the main selection for gamers , too , DisplayPort was more capable , so again was the premiere option for PC substance abuser .
Where HDMI might facilitate streamline some setups with its ARC and eARC support cutting back on cabling , its unfitness to transplant power also sees its lose out to USB - nose candy in some compositor’s case . That reversible connecter is n’t just more wide available in more fluid consumer devices , but its power delivery means that it ’s peculiarly just for daisy chain video display together without the demand for surplus cabling . It ’s also seeing increase use in connecting laptops and monitor , as it can act as a charging cablegram as well as delivering video , sound , and data point simultaneously .
There ’s alsoa fresh GPMI cablethat ’s recently been uncover at the time of composition . It ’s a Taiwanese competition of HDMI that offer up to double the bandwidth , ability delivery up to 480W , and in a thin out - down version , compatibility with USB - C. While only Taiwanese tv set marque have yet to foretell using the overseas telegram , it could catch on as a challenger in select markets .
It ’s unlikely to supercede HDMI in the near term , as that standard is so embedded in modern devices that there would be little intellect to include it . There just would n’t be anything to connect it to — such is the wimp and nut trouble of new banner . But it ’s very open , and as Formosan electronics become more common around the world , we might see GPMI offer lineal competition to HDMI . to boot , though , we could see HDMI quickly pull ahead to offer up private-enterprise specification .
