Having our TV’s ports on the back is good for skipping cables, but it works against us if we want to cram our TV’s assets into its connectors because there are people who buy HDMI cable. and fits where free connectors can and work. But in this case, you’re wasting the virtues of each HDMI. If you’re not clear on what to expect from HDMI on your TVTake a look at the back of your TV, see what it says on each connector, and read on to find out.

I have an entry-level TCL 55EP660, with two HDMIs, but it’s relatively common to find three or even four ports of this type. But first a short introduction: HDMI, High Definition Multimedia Interface (High Definition Multimedia Interface), a digital input and output port that allows high definition digital video inputand compressed and uncompressed multi-channel digital audio in a single cable. Since we will focus on televisions, we will talk about HDMI type A, which is a 19-pin connection.

HDMI 2.1 (or maybe 2.0)

The numbers appearing after HDMI denote its version. And that standard came in 2002 with version HDMI 1.0 and has evolved since then: HDMI 1.2, HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and the latest and greatest, HDMI 2.1. Today we will find in practice TVs with HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 for upper midrange.

Be careful because there are TVs with all HDMI 2.0 ports, others all have HDMI 2.1 and there are models where both versions of HDMI coexist. This last point is particularly important because of the differences between the two versions.

HDMI 2.0 offers 4K at 60Hz, support for up to four audio streams and dynamic HDR, while HDMI 2.1 reaches 48Gbps, allowing video to be sent at 60Hz. Up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz refresh rate.

The HDMI 2.1 standard includes other interesting features besides video and audio, such as automatic low latency mode (ALLM) or variable refresh rate (VRR) to minimize latency and tearing. So if you have an HDMI 2.1 connector and other connectors that don’t, use the first one. connect a state-of-the-art console or a powerful gaming PC.

HDMI ARC

TCL 55EP660 HDMI connectors

What you see in these lines is the photo of my TV’s HDMI. Note that one of them has “ARC” on it, its abbreviation Audio Return Channel (something like audio return channel). This function serves to extract your sound and send it to audio equipment such as a soundbaran A/V receiver or any other device.

In the past this was done with an optical digital connection via the EIAJ/TosLink connectors of both devices, making it more practical and thus demonstrating the scalability of HDMI. This means that HDMI is compatible with all the high-definition multi-channel audio formats we currently use, but with nuances: HDMI version 1.4 and 2.0’s ARC protocol can only carry PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS audio up to 5.1 channel such as lossy compression and more advanced and later digital audio formats Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

In practice, this means that even if we watch certain content on Netflix with Dolby Atmos, even if we connect the TV to a sound bar via this port, we will not be able to experience the spatial experience of that format. But this HDMI ARC, Stream high quality audio with these surround formats for an immersive audio experience and high fidelity for movies, series and video games, so it is practically suitable for stereo sound and compressed formats.

Then why are you using the HDMI ARC port? If you have a basic TV like mine with only HDMI ARC, this will be the port used to connect an audio system. Of course, in this case it is not worth buying a bar compatible with Dolby Atmos or DTS: X, because you will not benefit from it.

HDMI eARC

Another important feature of HDMI 2.1 version is, HDMI eARCabbreviation Enhanced Audio Return Channelsomething that can be translated as enhanced or enhanced ARC and comes to solve the limitations of the previous one.

your TV with HDMI eARC. any valid audio format high resolution multi-channel digital output to audio equipment such as soundbar or A/V receiver or any other solution. Yes, it’s also capable of handling the toughest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering lossless Hi-Res audio for a more immersive and rich experience.

Also, it doesn’t matter if the high-definition audio comes from an installed app (like Netflix), DVB-T HD content, a game console, or another source connected to the TV. The switch is precisely in the high transfer rate of HDMI 2.1. Of course, to take advantage of eARC All devices involved in duplication of contents have HDMI 2.1.

Important: Not all HDMI connectors on our TV and audio equipment are compatible with ARC or eARC connection. What happens is that it clearly states this with a label like HDMI 1 IN (ARC) or something similar.

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