hdmi cable connected to a tv – AlexanDior/Shutterstock
Most modern smart TVs are feature-packed and promise sharper visuals and better sound, but they don't always live up to your expectations. And while you might think that your television is the problem, that's not always the case. Sometimes, issues stem from how you use the HDMI cable and ports or configure the settings. Even small mistakes can have a drastic impact on picture quality, audio output, and overall performance. Not properly utilizing the ports can even limit your TV's functionality. Yet people generally ignore these potential issues because of the myths surrounding HDMI cables and ports.
Maybe your smart TV isn't delivering the same performance that was advertised. Perhaps the audio-video clarity has gone downhill in the past few months. Regardless, it's worth checking whether common HDMI mistakes are ruining your viewing experience before you go ahead and upgrade to a newer model.
Read more: 5 Essential Roku TV Apps Everyone Should Be Using By Now
Using the wrong HDMI cable
hdmi cable on a white background – Prashant Chauhan/Getty Images
The most common mistake people make is using an incompatible cable, because until a few years ago, the cable didn't really matter. But that's no longer the case. Not all HDMI cables are the same anymore, nor do they deliver the same resolution, audio, and refresh rate. So, if your TV's audio stutters or it isn't delivering crystal-clear visuals, it's time to take a look at the cable.
Modern HDMI cables come with support for features like variable refresh rate (VRR), Audio Return Channel (ARC), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).ย Then, they offer better High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities, a wider range of colors, and additional audio streams, which are directly related to the audio and video quality on your TV, especially while gaming or watching movies.
HDMI cables are often referred to by versions such as 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2, though that's not…