HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface
The consumer standard for digital audio + video transport: 19 pins, three sizes (Type A/C/D), and a generation roadmap from HDMI 1.0 (2002) to HDMI 2.1 with 48 Gbit/s and 8K.
The HDMI connector (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) carries digital uncompressed video, multichannel audio and control signals (CEC) over a single cable. It was introduced in 2002 by a consortium led by Sony, Philips, Toshiba and others, and quickly replaced DVI in consumer electronics. Three physical sizes are in active use:
- Type A (standard): 19-pin, 13.9 × 4.45 mm - found on TVs, monitors, AVRs, PCs.
- Type C (mini): 19-pin, 10.4 × 2.4 mm - DSLR cameras, tablets.
- Type D (micro): 19-pin, 6.4 × 2.8 mm - action cams, smartphones (legacy).
Generation Comparison
| Version | Year | Bandwidth | Max video | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 2009 | 10.2 Gbit/s | 4K @ 30 Hz | ARC, 3D, Ethernet over HDMI |
| HDMI 2.0 | 2013 | 18 Gbit/s | 4K @ 60 Hz | HDR, 21:9, 32 audio channels |
| HDMI 2.1 | 2017 | 48 Gbit/s | 8K @ 60 / 4K @ 120 | eARC, VRR, ALLM, Dynamic HDR |
Cable Categories
| Cable category | Bandwidth | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard HDMI | 2.25 Gbit/s | 1080i, legacy |
| High Speed HDMI | 10.2 Gbit/s | 1080p / 4K @ 30 |
| Premium High Speed | 18 Gbit/s | 4K @ 60, HDR |
| Ultra High Speed | 48 Gbit/s | 8K @ 60, 4K @ 120, HDMI 2.1 |
Matching products
- HDMI cables (Standard / High Speed / Ultra High Speed)
- HDMI adapters (DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB-C)
- HDMI switches and splitters
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new cable for HDMI 2.1?
Yes - to use the full 48 Gbit/s of HDMI 2.1 (8K @ 60 Hz or 4K @ 120 Hz), you need an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable certified by HDMI Licensing Administrator. Older High Speed cables max out at 18 Gbit/s.
What is the difference between ARC and eARC?
ARC (Audio Return Channel, since HDMI 1.4) carries up to 5.1 compressed audio back from the TV to the AVR. eARC (HDMI 2.1) supports lossless 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and Dolby Atmos.
How long can an HDMI cable be?
Passive copper: 5 m at 4K @ 60 Hz, 3 m at 8K. Beyond that, use active cables, HDMI-over-Cat6/7 extenders or HDMI-over-fibre (up to 100 m).
Related connectors
- DisplayPort - the workstation alternative
- DVI - the digital predecessor
- VGA - the analog ancestor
- SCART - the European AV standard
- Video connector overview
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