HDMI 1.0 to 2.1: You need to know that via connection and cable

High-def Multimedia User Interface (HDMI) is an exclusive audio/video user interface for transferring uncompressed video clip data and compressed or uncompressed electronic sound data from an HDMI-compliant source device, such as a display controller, to a compatible computer system screen, video projector, digital television, or electronic sound tool. HDMI is a digital replacement for analog video criteria.

HDMI implements the EIA/CEA -861 requirements, which specify video clip formats and waveforms, transportation of compressed and uncompressed PCM audio, complementary information, and executions of the VESA DID.: p. III CEA-861 signals carried by HDMI are electrically compatible with the CEA-861 signals used by the Digital Visual User Interface (DVI). No signal conversion is required, neither exists a loss of video clip quality when a DVI-to-HDMI adapter is used.: § C The Customer Electronic Devices Control (CEC) ability enables HDMI devices to control each various other when necessary as well as enables the user to run multiple devices with one handheld remote device.: § 6.3 Numerous variations of HDMI have been developed and released because the first release of the modern technology, yet all make use of the exact same cable and adapter. Aside from enhanced audio as well as video clip ability, performance, resolution and shade areas, more recent versions have optional innovative features such as 3D, Ethernet information connection, as well as CEC extensions. Production of customer HDMI items started in late 2003. In Europe, either DVI-HDCP or HDMI is consisted of in the HD prepared in-store labeling specification for television sets for HDTV, created by DICTA with SES Astral in 2005. HDMI started to show up on consumer HDTVs in 2004 and also camcorders and electronic still cameras in 2006. Since January 2021, almost 10 billion HDMI devices have been offered.

Table of Contents

HDMI 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1: Good to know AV receiver and HDMI Switch: More Connections HDMI and home theater surround sound HDMI: Connect the AV receiver HDMI with ARC and EARL How to recognize good HDMI cable Select right HDMI image adjustment

HDMI is omnipresent. The acronym stands for H D if definition M Multimedia I interface, so for a connection, the picture and sound digitally transmits high resolution. HDMI connectors are found on televisions and monitors on the one hand, on TV receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players, game consoles and notebooks on the other. This is convenient if image and sound in the best possible quality with just a single cable carries. Uncomplicated this is in practice not always, because there are different HDMI versions with different options — and underperforming cable.

Good to know: HDMI 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1

HDMI is available in different versions. All transmitted from the outset videos in normal standard and in HD resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Long is also possible (also called 4K) Ultra HD with 3840x2180 pixels. Up to version 1.4 HDMI UHD was up to 30 frames per second in it, HDMI 2.0 provides 60 frames per second. HDMI 2.1 is again more efficient, so that even 8K resolution (7680x4320 pixels) with run up to 60 frames per second. Gamers benefit from variable frame rates, which are anchored since HDMI 2.0 possible and with HDMI 2.1 firmly in the standard. Important: The version numbers always indicate only the basic possibilities of connections. The actual capabilities of the device often include only part of it. Allowing HDMI 2.0, for example, ultra-HD resolution and increased color depth with HDR, a TV with HDMI 2.0 can also just Ultra HD and dominate not HDR. Say: A television with HDMI 2.1 processed not necessarily variable frame rates of the new game consoles.

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HDMI versions at a glance

AV Receiver and HDMI Switch: More Connections

Older or very cheap flat screen TV and projectors often have too few HDMI connectors for HDTV receivers, game consoles, streaming box and similar setter. Remedy switch with multiple HDMI inputs and one output, which are to have from about 35 Euro. Since it is important to pay attention to the specs, so that UHD- and HDR videos or certain sound formats pass the HDMI switcher without prejudice. The same applies to the AV receiver. The offer with their HDMI inputs several Zuspielern place and direct the images via HDMI to the TV on. Sound bars select price classes have even if they rarely offer also appropriate connections, more than two to three HDMI inputs. But only the most recent and high-quality models are suitable for UHD and HDR in all forms such as Dolby Vision.

HDMI and home theater surround sound

Blu-ray discs and UHD Blu-rays as well as the latest streaming players deliver Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master and Dolby Atmos and DTS: X high-resolution home theater sound. For this, no special HDMI cable is required. And it is not necessarily a new AV receiver due:

Blu-ray players and game consoles always give out stereo sound for TV sets and best home theater sound formats Dolby Digital and DTS for existing AV receiver. The corresponding adjustment is made in the player's menu. Some players give the new sound formats converted via HDMI out — in PCM format with up to eight channels. This digital sound format dominate many older AV receiver with HDMI connections. DTS The all-new surround sound method: X and Dolby Atmos can be but so not transfer that must pass without conversion as so-called bit stream from the player to the AV receiver or soundbar.

Connecting the AV Receiver: HDMI

If your home theater boxes remain silent on the AV receiver, the receiver may not be profitable use of the HDMI sound yourself, send it on to the TV set or makes him unused. Then adjust so that it refers to a receiver on the HDMI input image and the sound. How to do this, learn from the manual of the AV receiver. Also check on all playback devices that the HDMI output is set for the sound to Bit stream or raw, not only stereo sound is transmitted. Alternatively, multi-PCM channel is permitted.

HDMI with ARC and EARL

Televisions give on request the TV tone from one of your HDMI connections to AV receiver and Soundbars. This HDMI connection is additionally referred to on the TV set with the abbreviation ARC (Audio Return Channel). The right counterpart on the AV receiver or on the Soundbar is the HDMI connection for the TV, so HDMI out or TV out. So that the TV device does not reflect the sound about its own speakers, but decreases via the HDMI port, a corresponding setting in the sound menu of the TV is required. New TVs have an audio return channel with higher bandwidth, abbreviated EARL. The can spend high-resolution surround sound including Dolby Atmos. The corresponding sound formats do not arrive at the AV receiver? Often the extension in the TV menu is disabled ex works. In such cases, turn on the TV menu under Connections or Tone Earl.

How to recognize good HDMI cable

Especially with longer HDMI cables sometimes problems with image and sound occur. The cause may be a poor cable quality or must be poor bandwidth. Good cables are cheap, here are the information on HDMI versions such as HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, however, are mischief. Only the standardized bandwidth classes guarantee trouble-free operation:

HDMI High Speed ​​ Safe Transfer 10 Gigabits per Second (GPS). For 4k with 60 Hz, this is scarce, but it can work. HDMI Premium guarantees 18 GPS, enough for 4k with 60 Hertz and HDR. HDMI Ultra High Speed ​​features cables with guaranteed 48 GPS. This is enough for 4k with 120 Hertz and 8K.

Stripes provided with these designations guarantee that error-free image and sound transmission is possible via the offered cable length. If this does not work, replace the cable against another make. For even longer distances, they divide the route to two long stripping. And turn on an HDMI repeater in between: The adulates the signal so that at least for UHD images 20 meters are not a problem.

Select correct HDMI image setting

On devices with HDMI output, different settings for image resolution and display can be selected. Older TV equipment and projector do not process the resolutions 576p or 1080p, accordingly no picture. Then connect the player if possible via an analog video cable to see its menu. Then turn off the HDMI output of the player to 576i, 720p or 1080i. Choose the HDMI input again at the TV. Precious is also HDR: For example, in the PS4 Pro, you must enable UHD and HDR playback in the menu and releases the correspondingly occupied HDR inputs for HDR on the other side.