HDMI cables are essential for enjoying input devices on your TV. These high-speed cables allow you to enjoy high-quality video and audio content from game consoles, set-top boxes, and other media players on your TV.
But it’s not simply a matter of choosing any old HDMI cable for your TV. There are actually all manner of different types of HDMI cables! So many, in fact, that it can be tough to tell them apart.
If you’re here, it’s likely because you’ve found yourself confused, trying to work out any discernible difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 cables. Are they actually any different? And is it worth upgrading from HDMI 2.0 to 2.1 cables? Don’t worry, the Reliant tech experts have all of the answers.
In this guide, we’re going to go through the key differences between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 cables. So you can decide which of the two is best for you!
What Is The Difference Between HDMI 2.0 And HDMI 2.1?
As the name suggests, HDMI 2.1 cables are an upgraded version of standard HDMI 2.0 cables. The key difference that sets HDMI 2.1 apart is its 48 Gbps bandwidth. Standard HDMI 2.0 cables have a bandwidth of only 18Gbps. The increase in bandwidth allows HDMI 2.1 cables to transmit far more detailed data about your content. This results in an improved all-around experience.
When using an HDMI 2.0 cable, much of the data from your input source needs to be compressed in order to fit within the 18Gbps bandwidth. This means that certain sacrifices have to be made. For instance, if you were to display content in 4K via an HDMI 2.0 cable, it wouldn’t be able to achieve a refresh rate over 60 Hz. On the other hand, if you were to use HDMI 2.0 to display content at over 60 HZ, then it would need to be capped at 1080p.
The key difference between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 cables is their total bandwidth. 2.0 cables are capped at 18 Gbps, while 2.1 cables can reach 48 Gbps.
HDMI 2.0 is also limited in terms of resolution. The top resolution that 2.0 cables can transmit is 4K.
HDMI 2.1 cables, on the other hand, can transmit 8K video signals up to around 120Hz! This means that, as 8K TVs become more popular, HDMI 2.1 cables will become more and more essential!
What Are The Benefits Of HDMI 2.1?
High Refresh Rates
As we highlighted above, the higher bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 cables allows you to view 4K and 8K content at higher refresh rates. This means your content will not only look more realistic, but it will also appear much smoother!
Variable Refresh Rates
HDMI 2.1 cables also allow you to take advantage of variable refresh rate technology. Variable refresh rate technology allows a TV to shift its refresh rate according to the content it’s displaying.
Variable refresh rates are particularly beneficial for gamers. If you were playing a game at 120 frames per second, then variable refresh rate technology would adjust the refresh rate to 120 Hz to match! If the frame rate ever fluctuates during gameplay, then the TV will adjust its refresh rate to match.
This technology helps to prevent ugly and distracting screen tearing from ruining immersion in your games!
Low Latency
HDMI 2.1 cables are also much speedier than 2.0 cables. This means that they can transmit data efficiently from your input source right to your TV within milliseconds.
If you want to enjoy low-latency gaming, then HDMI 2.1 cables are totally essential. The higher speed of these cables ensures there’s no input latency. Input latency is the time between pressing a button on your controller, and seeing the game respond on-screen. You want to ensure input latency is as low as possible, and HDMI 2.1 cables help you to do just that.
Auto Low Latency Mode
Auto low latency is a gaming feature found on many top TVs. Essentially, it allows your TV to recognise when an input signal is being sent from a game console. Upon detecting input from a console, auto low latency deactivates all post-processing effects on your TV. This ensures low latency and fast response times when gaming.
HDMI 2.1 cables allow for incredibly fast signals to travel back and forth between your console and TV. This allows your TV to detect any hooked up consoles as soon as you turn them on!
Should You Upgrade To A HDMI 2.1 Cable?
If you are an avid gamer, then upgrading to an HDMI 2.1 cable is absolutely essential. Top consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are now capable of displaying games at 4K resolutions and at frame rates up to 120 frames per second. HDMI 2.1 cables will allow you to keep up with the ever-changing world of gaming!
HDMI 2.1 cables feature a higher bandwidth and greater speed. This means that 2.1 cables can be used to display higher-resolution content at incredible frame rates. Fantastic for gaming!
HDMI 2.1 cables also help to significantly lower input latency, so your games will feel buttery smooth. Giving you a much greater sense of control.
If you plan to enjoy film or TV content, then an HDMI 2.1 cable may be slightly less essential. However, if you want to enjoy content at 8K, or you want to enjoy sport at high frame rates, then HDMI 2.1 is perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between HDMI 2.0 And HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 cables have a total bandwidth of around 48 Gbps. Compared to HDMI 2.0 Cables, which have an 18 Gbps total bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 cables are much speedier. This makes them perfect for low-latency gaming. So you can stay on top of your game at all times!
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