HDMI 1.0 to 2.1: This is what you need to know about the connection and cable

For almost ten years now, HDMI has established itself as a universal connection for image and sound. The abbreviation stands for Hugh Ddefinition Multimate IInterface, i.e. for an audio and video connection that transmits high resolutions. HDMI connections can be found on televisions and monitors on the one hand, and on TV receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players, game consoles and notebooks on the other. In this way, picture and sound can be easily transmitted in the best possible quality with just a single cable. It’s not always that easy in practice, because there are different HDMI versions with different options – and low-performance cables.

HDMI versions at a glance

Blu-ray discs and UHD Blu-rays as well as many streaming players deliver high-resolution home cinema sound with Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. No special HDMI cable is required for this. And a new AV receiver is not necessarily due:

• Blu-ray players and game consoles always output stereo sound for TV sets and the proven home cinema sound formats Dolby Digital and DTS for previous AV receivers. The corresponding setting is made in the player menu.
• Some playback devices output the new sound formats converted via HDMI – in PCM format with up to eight channels. This format is also used by many older AV receivers with HDMI connections. However, the new surround sound processes DTS:X and Dolby Atmos cannot be transmitted in this way, they have to get from the player to the AV receiver or soundbar as a so-called bitstream without conversion.

If your home cinema boxes remain silent on the AV receiver, the receiver may not be using the HDMI sound itself, but is sending it to the TV set or leaving it unused. Then set the receiver so that it gets the picture and the sound from the HDMI input. You can find out how to do this from the operating instructions for the AV receiver. Also check that all players have their HDMI output set to Bitstream or Raw for audio so that audio isn’t just transmitted in stereo. Alternatively, PCM multichannel is permitted.

On request, televisions output the TV sound from one of their HDMI connections to AV receivers and soundbars. This HDMI connection is also marked on the TV set with the abbreviation ARC (Audio Return Channel). The right counterpart on the AV receiver or on the soundbar is the HDMI connection for the television, i.e. HDMI Out or TV Out. To ensure that the TV does not play the sound through its own speakers but lets it out via the HDMI connection, a corresponding setting in the TV’s sound menu is required. New televisions feature a higher bandwidth Audio Return Channel, abbreviated eARC. The can output high-resolution surround sound including Dolby Atmos. The corresponding sound formats do not arrive at the AV receiver? The extension in the TV menu is often deactivated at the factory. In such cases, turn on eARC in the TV menu under Connections or Sound.

Problems with picture and sound sometimes occur, especially with longer HDMI cables. The cause can be poor cable quality or insufficient bandwidth. Good cables are cheap, but the information about HDMI versions such as HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 is nonsense. Only the standardized bandwidth classes guarantee trouble-free operation:

• HDMI high speed securely transmits 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). That’s tight for 4K at 60Hz, but it can work.
• HDMI Premium 18 Gbps guaranteed, enough for 4K at 60 Hertz and HDR.
• HDMI Ultra High Speed ​​identifies cables with a guaranteed 48 Gbps. This is also sufficient for 4K with 120 Hertz and for 8K.

Strips with these designations guarantee that error-free image and sound transmission is possible over the cable length offered. If that doesn’t work, exchange the cable for another make. For even longer distances, divide the route into two strings of equal length. And connect an HDMI repeater in between: It boosts the signal so that 20 meters is no problem, at least for UHD images.