No, it does not require a special HDMI cable, although it is recommended to use one that is certified for HDMI 2.1. With that being said, any HDMI 2.0 cable will still be able to support the features of HDMI 2.1, however with a certified cable, you will get the absolute maximum performance from it.
The main differences between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 are a higher bandwidth (allowing for higher transfer speeds) and eARC (allowing for audio return channels). A certified HDMI 2.1 cable can often handle multiple forms of HDR (enhanced dynamic range) and supports greater color depths as well as Dynamic HDR.
Without one, it is also possible for your bandwidth to be reduced, so it is definitely recommended to go for the certified version. The cost difference between the two versions is slight and therefore it is worth investing in the certified version.
Does HDMI 2.1 use a different cable?
No, HDMI 2.1 uses the same physical cable as the previous versions, such as HDMI 2.0a/b (18G) and HDMI 1.4 (10.2G). However, if you want to take advantage of the increased bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 at 8K resolutions, you’ll need an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable.
These cables are optimized for the higher data rates of HDMI 2.1 and are capable of up to 48Gbps of bandwidth. This will also allow for more flexibility with supported features such as Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
It is important to note that the cables must be certified by HDMI.org in order to display the 8K 60Hz support with HDR; it is possible that a non-certified cable may result in lower performance (4K 120Hz only).
Can I use a HDMI 2.0 cable work with 2.1 port?
Yes, you can use a HDMI 2.0 cable with a 2.1 port. The HDMI 2.0 cable is backwards compatible and will work with the 2.1 port as long as the source device has the correct output and the display device has the correct input.
The HDMI 2.1 port will still provide you with the same level of performance if you are using the cable with a device that is not HDMI 2.1 compliant, however, it may not be able to transmit all of the features of the HDMI 2.1 protocol, such as 8K resolution, 10-bit color, dynamic HDR, and so on.
If you are unsure, you can check the producer of your device to see what HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 compatible components they use and make sure to use a cable that is compatible with the device.
How do I choose a 2.1 HDMI cable?
Choosing the right HDMI cable for your audio/video setup is key to getting the best sound and visuals possible from your HDTV, projector and audio equipment. When choosing a 2.1 HDMI cable, you’ll first want to consider any current or future components that you might integrate into your setup.
If your current components only have Standard HDMI 1.4, then you can use a Standard HDMI cable as it is backwards compatible with all available HDMI protocols. If, however, you’re planning on, or already have incorporated, HDMI 2.1 components, then you’ll need to choose an actual HDMI 2.1 cable.
Some of the features to look for when choosing a 2.1 HDMI cable include higher bandwidth support (up to 48Gbps or higher), compatibility with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
You’ll also want to check to ensure that the HDMI cable has the features you need to maintain a consistent sound and video quality with all devices in your home network. HDMI cables are also offered in various lengths, so you’ll want to make sure that you select a cable with enough length to accommodate the distance between your devices and outlets.
When choosing a 2.1 HDMI cable, it is important to make sure that it is built to industry standards for high-performance HDTV and media applications. You should also verify the download speed of the cable (check the manufacturer’s website) before you make your purchase, as well as the length of the warranty – the longer the warranty, the less likely you’ll be stuck with a defective product.
Ultimately, though, the most important factor should be the quality of the construction and the bandwidth supported. Low-cost options may not have the same performance capabilities as more expensive models, so be sure to do your homework before making a purchase.
Are HDMI 2 and 2.1 cables the same?
No, HDMI 2 and 2.1 cables are not the same. HDMI 2 is the predecessor to HDMI 2.1 and refers to the HDMI 2.0b version of the specification, which was released in 2013. HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of HDMI and was released in November of 2017.
The main differences between the versions are the bandwidth increase and features. HDMI 2.0b is capable of transferring a maximum bandwidth of 18 gigabits per second. HDMI 2.1, on the other hand, is capable of a maximum bandwidth of 48 gigabits per second.
Additionally, HDMI 2.1 supports features such as enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).