So many different pieces work together in order to create a stellar image on your TV screen. It’s not enough to have a high-end smart TVfrom a premier brand. You need source material of worthy quality and a means to maintain that level of quality when you transfer it to your screen. This means investing in stable, high-speed Wi-Fi along with certified HDMI 2.1 cables.
It’s also not enough to simply have these components; you need to make sure they are all optimized so that you can get the most of them. When it comes to HDMI cables, it’s vital to unlock their potential.
HDMI cables allow for immersive entertainment
Simple means to achieve detailed audio and video
High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) is a physical cable that transfers both audio and video from various devices to your smart TV. HDMI is an efficient and effective way to move data quickly, and is used for soundbars, gaming consoles, laptops, and physical media players.
There are several iterations of HDMI, with the first debuting over two decades ago. HDMI 2.1 is the current preferred means to transfer audio and video, featuring a bandwidth of 48Gbps and allowing 4K resolution at 120Hz. HDMI 2.1 is ideal for gaming as it features Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode; it’s also ideal for sound systems as it includes an Enhanced Audio Return Channel, preventing lag and sync issues.
A new version, HDMI 2.2, was recently announced and is available for eager, early adopters seeking increased bandwidth and faster speeds. However, most consumers will find this iteration unnecessary for now as there are few devices that require such a high bandwidth.
Most new smart TVs feature four HDMI ports as consumers tend to connect many devices to create a home entertainment system, although some recent models may still boast only three. Of those ports, only one or two may be HDMI 2.1; some may include HDMI 2.0, which has a lower bandwidth and speeds. Most new TVs also include one eARC HDMI 2.1 port specifically for audio.
Basic HDMI mode vs optimized HDMI mode
Two different means to enjoy video
It’s important to hook up the right cable to the right port; make sure any HDMI 2.1 cable goes into the appropriate slot in order to unlock its fullest potential. There is still more work to be done, however, in order to get to an enhanced HDMI mode.
Most TVs default to a Standard Mode as that is more accessible to most consumers; TVs feature factory settings that make them easier to turn on, set up, and start watching. The HDMI Standard settings limits bandwidth and makes sure most devices are compatible. Because there can be huge discrepancies in terms of available features between your TV and connected devices, a standard HDMI mode makes sure you can hook up a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation 3 without a hitch. However, both these consoles have very different ceilings when it comes to quality.
An enhanced HDMI option removes the sort of safety switch that comes with standard mode; it’s designed for high-quality devices that work with top HDR formats and higher refresh rates. It creates a richer, more colorful and detailed image on the screen. You want
How to access your HDMI features
Check your TV settings to optimize each port
Enhanced HDMI option can typically be found in your TV’s external output settings. Under HDMI, you should find a list of available ports. You can toggle the enhanced feature on or off for each individual port. So it’s important to know which device is connected to which port. Put your soundbar into the eARC port, a gaming console and/or 4K Blu-ray player into any other HDMI 2.1 port. If you have an HD Blu-ray player, DVD player or older gaming console, that can occupy any remainder ports.
Keep in mind that like so many other TV features, each brand has a slightly different name for it. Samsung is pe3rhaps the most confusing, referring to the feature as Input Signal Plus. LG calls it HDMI Deep Color, while TCL and Sony both use the word enhanced. Once you change these settings, you’ll need to restart your TV in order for them to go into effect.
HDMI features improve audio and control
Search through all your smart TV settings
There are a couple more HDMI-related features it’s worth investigating. Just as you can optimize your video quality, color, and refresh rate through Enhanced HDMI, you can also upgrade your audio quality. If you have a sound device hooked up to your eARC port, you still may have to enable the eARC feature manually on your smart TV. Some new models toggle this on by default, but some require you to search through your settings.
HDMI-CEC is another feature that focuses on convenience. Basically, when enabled, it allows you to control all your various devices that are connected by HDMI cables using any remote. That means you don’t have to switch remotes when you turn on your TV and activate a streaming device; you can simply use your TV’s remote for everything. Just keep in mind that sometimes there are more headaches than conveniences. Your TV remote may also turn on your gaming console if it’s the last thing you use before powering down your TV.
