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ZDNET key takeaways
- Not all HDMI ports support the same features.
- Use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Series X gaming and ARC/eARC for soundbars.
- Plugging into the wrong port works, but it may result in reduced performance.
Most newer TVs come with three or four HDMI ports, and on the surface, they all look identical.
They all have the same shape and work with the same HDMI cable, but not every port supports the same features. Choosing the wrong one can leave your PS5 stuck at 60Hz, your soundbar silent, or your PC unable to output at a high refresh rate.
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The good news is it’s easy to learn what each HDMI port does and how to match your devices to the right one.
HDMI port types explained
All HDMI ports can carry video and audio, but they support different bandwidth levels, which determine the devices you should use with them. If you happen to plug into the wrong HDMI port, nothing will break, but you will not get full performance or sound.
For example, an HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and ARC audio, making it good for streaming media players and cable boxes. Meanwhile, an HDMI 2.1 port supports 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which is great for next-generation consoles like the PS5. HDMI 2.1 can sometimes reach 4K at 240Hz with Display Stream Compression (DSC).
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Then there is usually an ARC / eARC port, or audio return channel. It looks like an HDMI port, but it can send audio back out to a soundbar or AV receiver. ARC supports standard Dolby Digital 5.1, while eARC supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
How to tell apart your HDMI ports
Your TV likely has labeled HDMI ports, so take a look at the back to see for yourself.
Usually, they’re called HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and HDMI 3, and then…