HDMI Versions: A Guide to Their Differences and Features
Did you know that there are different HDMI versions, each with its own specifications and capabilities? HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is a widely used standard for transmitting digital audio and video signals between devices. The cables can connect various sources. Blu-ray players, game consoles, laptops, and streaming devices, to displays, such as TVs, monitors, and projectors use HDMI. HDMI cables can also carry data and power, enabling features such as Ethernet connectivity, audio return channel, and device control.
However, not all HDMI cables are the same. Since its introduction in 2002, HDMI has undergone several revisions, each adding new capabilities and specifications. In this blog post, we will explore the history and evolution of HDMI versions. We will also show how to choose the right HDMI cable for your needs.
The History of HDMI Versions
There have been seven major versions of HDMI so far: 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.0, and 2.1. Each version has introduced new features and improvements over the previous one. Each version maintained backward compatibility with older devices and cables.
Here is a brief overview of each HDMI version and its main features:
HDMI 1
- HDMI 1.0 (December 2002): The first version of HDMI was a revolutionary technology that could carry both a 1080p high-definition video signal (with 8-bit color) and eight channels of 24-bit audio on a single cable with a maximum bandwidth of just under 5 Gbps. It also supported DVD-audio format and PC’s native RGB color space.
- HDMI 1.1 (May 2004): The second version of HDMI added support for more audio formats, such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio. It also introduced a special Type-A connector for computer usage.
- HDMI 1.2 (August 2005): The third version of HDMI made further enhancements to the PC compatibility, such as supporting low-voltage sources and allowing native sRGB color space. It also added support for one-bit audio formats, such as Super Audio CD (SACD).
- HDMI 1.3 (June 2006): The fourth version of HDMI significantly increased the bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps, enabling higher resolutions (up to 1440p), higher frame rates (up to 120 Hz), higher color depths (up to 16-bit), and wider color gamuts (such as xvYCC). It also added support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio formats, as well as a new Type-C mini connector for portable devices.
- HDMI 1.4 (May 2009): The fifth version of HDMI added several new features, such as support for 4K resolution (up to 3840×2160 at 30 Hz), 3D video formats, audio return channel (ARC), Ethernet channel (HEC), content type identification, extended color spaces (such as sYCC601 and Adobe RGB), and a new Type-D micro connector for mobile devices.
HDMI 2
- HDMI 2.0 (September 2013): The sixth version of HDMI increased the bandwidth to 18 Gbps. This enabled higher resolutions (up to 4K at 60 Hz). Also, higher frame rates (up to 240 Hz) and higher color depths (up to 24-bit) were achieved. Wider color gamuts (such as BT.2020) were also achieved. Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams were obtained. Dual video streams for multiple users on one screen was made possible. Multi-stream audio for up to four users, and support for 21:9 aspect ratio was realized
- HDMI 2.1 (November 2017): The latest and most advanced version of HDMI increased the bandwidth to a whopping 48 Gbps. This enabled higher resolutions (up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz). Also, higher frame rates (up to 120 Hz for 8K or up to 240 Hz for lower resolutions) were obtained. Higher color depths (up to 48-bit) and wider color gamuts (such as Rec.2100) were reached. Dynamic HDR formats (such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+), enhanced audio return channel (eARC), variable refresh rate (VRR), quick media switching (QMS), quick frame transport (QFT), auto low latency mode (ALLM), display stream compression (DSC), and support for dynamic metadata.
How to Choose the Right HDMI Cable
With so many different features and specifications available in different HDMI versions,
how do you know which cable is suitable for your devices and needs? Here are some
tips to help you make the right choice:
- Check the HDMI version of your source and display devices. The HDMI version of your cable should match or exceed the HDMI version of your devices. For example, if you have a 4K TV and a 4K Blu-ray player, both supporting HDMI 2.0, you should
use an HDMI 2.0 cable or higher. If you use a lower version cable, such as HDMI 1.4, you may not be able to enjoy the full features and performance of your devices.
- Check the HDMI cable type and connector size. There are four types of HDMI cables: Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed. Each type has a different bandwidth and feature support, as shown in the table below:
| Cable Type | Bandwidth | Supported Resolutions | Supported Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 5 Gbps | Up to 1080p | DVD-Audio, PC RGB |
| High Speed | Up to 10.2 Gbps | Up to 4K at 30 Hz | 3D, ARC, HEC, extended color spaces |
| Premium High Speed | Up to 18 Gbps | Up to 4K at 60 Hz | HDR, dual video streams, multi-stream audio |
| Ultra High Speed | Up to 48 Gbps | Up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz | Dynamic HDR, eARC, VRR, QMS, QFT, ALLM, DSC |
There are also three sizes of HDMI connectors: standard (Type-A), mini (Type-C), and micro (Type-D).
The standard connector is the most common one used for TVs, monitors, and other large devices. The mini and micro connectors are used for smaller devices, such as cameras, tablets, and smartphones. You should choose the cable with the appropriate connector size for your devices.
- Check the HDMI cable length and quality. The length and quality of the HDMI cable can affect the signal strength and integrity. Generally speaking, the longer the cable, the more likely it is to experience signal degradation or interference.
To avoid this, you should use the shortest cable possible for your setup. Also, avoid coiling or bending the cable excessively. You should look for cables that have good shielding. Certification from reputable organizations, such as HDMI Licensing Administrator or Underwriters Laboratories is important.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the different HDMI versions. We understand how choosing the right HDMI cable for your needs can be important. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
