HDMI 1.4 vs 2.0 vs 2.1: Which one should you choose?

HDMI has completely transformed how we transmit digital video and audio from a source. Today all it takes to connect a monitor, laptop or even a TV or any other digital device to a display is an HDMI cable.

However, it was not always this easy, and before HDMI came along, users had to rely on composite video output. Once video became a serious business, companies delivered on improved video standards and how it is delivered.

One such standard of course, was HDMI, which was introduced in 2002 as the next-generation digital interface replacing DVI. The latter was good for digital audio but unable to transmit audio. HDMI made it possible to transmit both video and audio and has now become the default standard across devices.

However, like with any other interface, HDMI also has different standards, and here’s how you can choose between current HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0, and the older HDMI 1.4.

HDMI 2.1: The current standard

Even though HDMI 2.1 is the current standard or benchmark for HDMI connection, it was first introduced in 2017. It has a data transfer speed of 48Gbps and is the first HDMI standard to support 8K video at high frame rates. In comparison, the first release – HDMI 1.0 – had a maximum resolution of 1080p at a 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum bandwidth of 4.95Gbps.

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The increase in data bandwidth allows for features like wider HDR (High Dynamic Range) and uncompressed video. You can find HDMI 2.1 standard on gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and PCs with newer GPUs also support this standard. With peak capability of 8K60 and 4K144 or support for dynamic HDR, this is an expensive standard that delivers more colour depth than standard HDR and supports variable refresh rate (VRR).

HDMI 2.0: Trusted standard

With a data transfer speed of 18Gbps and support for both 4K and 1440p videos, HDMI 2.0 has quickly become the default standard. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to call it the common standard and is a common interface on 4K TVs, high-end laptops, and cameras. With HDMI 2.0, you get peak video capability including 1080p240, 1440p144, and 4K60.

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Since these video specs are the most common, HDMI 2.0 has cemented its place as the common HDMI standard. The standard also offers support for HDR (high dynamic range) for increased colour depth and contrast range compared to SDR (standard dynamic range).

It may be the common standard, but HDMI 2.0 does technically support 8K30 on some devices, which makes it not only ideal for common video resolution but also for some advanced output.

HDMI 1.4: Old but relevant

When HDMI 1.4 was introduced, its claim to fame was that it was the first to support 4K video. While it was limited to 4K30, HDMI 1.4 has a data transfer speed of 10.2Gbps. While no newer devices rely on this standard, you may still see a few older devices relying on this standard.

For example, if you have the original PS4 or Xbox One, you are looking at HDMI 1.4 connectivity. In terms of video specs support, HDMI 1.4 offers support for 1080p60 and 4K30 but some HDMI 1.4 devices can even support 1080p120.

HDMI 1.4 vs 2.0 vs 2.1: Which one should you choose

If you are thinking that HDMI ports and cables haven’t changed at all then you would be right. Even after two decades, they look the same in terms of appearance but their specs and standards have changed.

In other words, all HDMI cables are technically backward and forward-compatible but offer different data standards. When you connect a HDMI 2.1 cable to an HDMI 1.4 device, you will be limited to HDMI 1.4 video spec.

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If you have a device with HDM1 1.4, it is a no-brainer to switch to HDMI 2.0 but you don’t necessarily need to switch to the newer HDMI 2.1 standard.

Before choosing HDMI 2.1, you need to look at whether you will be able to take advantage of all the new features. If those new features don’t necessarily appeal to you, then HDMI 2.0 will be adequate.