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No: a new TV does not need an HDMI cable just to be set up. You need one if you want to connect a device—such as a game console, cable box, streaming player, or computer—to the TV over HDMI. A compatible soundbar may also use HDMI. Check your TV’s box contents and manual before buying a cable, because included items and ports vary by model.
When do you need an HDMI cable for a new TV?
You need an HDMI cable when the signal must travel from an external device to the TV through HDMI. Common examples include a game console, cable or satellite box, streaming device, Blu-ray player, or computer. Samsung Support says, “Most current video game systems use HDMI connections which provide the best picture and sound.”
A TV’s built-in setup is separate: connecting power, joining a Wi-Fi network, and completing initial setup do not inherently require an HDMI cable. If you only use the TV’s built-in functions, you may not need one at all.
Does a new TV come with an HDMI cable?
There is no universal answer. Samsung says included items depend on the TV model, and its setup guidance directs owners to the product’s included-parts list. Check the specific TV’s quick setup guide and the box inventory rather than assuming a cable is included—or that you must buy one.
#1 Best Overall
- Superior Display, Swift Connectivity: Elevate your viewing experience to unparalleled clarity with 8K@60Hz, and enjoy smoother visuals and reduced lag with support for 4K@120Hz and 4K@60Hz.
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- Lasts Longer, Performs Stronger: This cable is designed to withstand up to 1,000 bends throughout its lifespan, meaning fewer replacements and continuous peace of mind.
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- What You Get: HDMI Cable (6 ft, 8K), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to connect a device to the TV
- Find the ports. Locate an available HDMI input on the TV and the HDMI output on the device. Port labels and the number of ports vary by model.
- Connect the cable. Run an HDMI cable from the device’s HDMI output to the TV’s HDMI input.
- Turn on both devices. The TV may switch to the connected device automatically.
- Select the input if needed. Use the TV’s input or source menu to choose the HDMI port you used. The menu label can vary by TV.
For a computer, you may need an adapter if its available port is not HDMI. Check the computer and TV manuals to confirm the right connection.
Special cases: soundbars and older devices
Soundbar or other audio device
A compatible soundbar can connect through the TV’s HDMI ARC port. ARC is not supported by every HDMI port or every audio device, so check the port labels and both manuals before connecting. Some audio devices use a different connection method.
Rank #2
- 4K HDMI UHD Transmission, Stunning Audio & Visual for Home Theater & Gaming： Enhanced with gold-plated connectors for high-speed, interference-free signal transmission. Supports 4K*2K UHD resolution (3840×2160), delivering crystal-clear imagery and full HD stereo sound—perfect for immersive home theater movie nights, gaming marathons and big-screen TV viewing
- High-Speed Bandwidth, Instant Transmission for Real-Time Playback： Fully compliant with High-Speed HDMI cable 2.0 standard for max-speed data transfer. Blazing-fast transmission of audio, video and image files with zero buffering, ideal for 4K streaming, real-time gaming and seamless laptop-to-projector presentations. Plug-and-play design, no driver installation needed for effortless one-step connection
- HDMI 2.0 Standard Compliant, Universal Compatibility for All A/V Devices： Built to fully comply with official HDMI 2.0 standards after rigorous professional quality testing. Featuring broad backward compatibility with HDMI 1.4/1.3/1.2 generations, this cable effortlessly pairs with smart TVs, game consoles, Blu-ray players, projectors, laptops and set-top boxes. Enjoy stable plug-and-play connectivity across every piece of your home audio-visual gear.
- Premium Crafted Material, Ultra Durable for Daily Home Use & Frequent Use： Exclusive SR joint design at both ends to prevent joint cracking at the source. Rigorously lab-tested to withstand over 15,000 bends without performance loss, built to endure daily plug-and-unplug, messy entertainment area setups and regular home use—ensuring long-lasting durability against daily wear and tear hdmi cable
- 100% Component Inspected, Uncompromising Quality for Long-Term A/V Enjoyment： Every single component of the cable undergoes multiple rigorous lab tests for performance and sturdiness. Only flawlessly tested parts are selected for assembly, guaranteeing top-tier product performance and extended service life with strict quality control—reliable for years of home theater, gaming and everyday big-screen use hdmi
Older component-video equipment
If an older source has component video outputs and the TV lacks component inputs, you may need a component-to-HDMI adapter. This is a conditional workaround; confirm the source’s output and the TV’s available inputs before buying an adapter.
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Which HDMI cable should you choose?
Choose a cable based on the capabilities required by both connected devices—not simply because the TV is new. HDMI Licensing Administrator lists these cable categories and capability ceilings:
Rank #3
- 【Crystal-Clear Visuals: Experience Unmatched 8K Clarity】 Elevate your home entertainment with our 8K HDMI cable 15ft . Supporting 48Gbps High Speed, indulge in seamless transitions between 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz resolutions for crystal-clear visuals. Experience the vibrancy of Dynamic HDR, immersive 3D visuals, and HDCP2.2 & 2.3 compliance for an unparalleled viewing experience
- 【Gaming Excellence: Elevate Your Gaming with Next-Level Performance】 Our enhanced 8K long HDMI cable amplifies gaming experiences. Featuring an advanced audio return channel (eARC), enjoy superior high-definition audio compared to standard 4K cables. Bid farewell to picture freezes and tears with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, ensuring smoother gameplay. This 15 ft HDMI cable is your ultimate choice for exceptional gaming performance across all compatible devices
- 【Seamless Compatibility: Versatile Connections Across Devices】 Backward compatible from HDMI versions 2.1 to 1.1, our 8K HDMI 2.1 cable 15 ft seamlessly connects laptops, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, monitors, Series X/S, CX C9 B9, AMD, Nvidia RTX 3080/3090, and various HDMI output devices. Immerse yourself in the latest high-bitrate audio formats including DTS Master, DTS:X, Atoms, and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) across various setups, from 4K/8K UHD TVs to projectors and A/V Receivers
- 【Durable Performance: Sleek & Durable Copper Build for Longevity】 Crafted with advanced copper wire technology, our HDMI 15ft cable ensures greater bandwidth and durability. Experience minimal signal attenuation, superior interference resistance, and increased carrying capacity compared to traditional wires. It's the ideal choice for pre-built HDMI 2.1 cables, ensuring long-term performance without future cable replacement costs during home upgrades
- 【Lifetime Support & Precision: Quality Assurance and Bidirectional Transmission】 At Highwings, quality and customer support are top priorities. Enjoy lifetime support with our 8K long HDMI cable 15 ft. Our customer service team is available within 13 hours to assist with any cable-related issues. Remember, our cables support bidirectional transmission and are designed for optimal performance, ensuring the perfect picture on your chosen display device
| Cable category | Rated capability | Examples described by HDMI Licensing Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| High Speed HDMI | Up to 10.2Gbps | Examples include 4K at 30Hz. |
| Premium High Speed HDMI | Up to 18Gbps | Supports described for 4K at 60Hz and HDR. |
| Ultra High Speed HDMI | Up to 48Gbps | Configurations including 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz. |
| Ultra96 HDMI | Up to 96Gbps | For supported HDMI 2.2 applications. |
These are category capabilities, not guarantees that a particular TV or source supports those resolutions, refresh rates, or features. Check both devices’ specifications for the required signal mode, audio features, connector type, and cable length. HDMI Licensing Administrator advises looking for the official cable category name and certification label; its overview describes QR verification for relevant certified categories.
Do not confuse a cable category with an HDMI specification version. HDMI 2.2 is backward compatible with earlier HDMI specification versions, but replacing a cable alone cannot add capabilities that the TV or source does not support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IN THE BOX: HDMI cable (A Male to A Male) for connecting 2 HDMI-enabled devices; 3 feet long in Black
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and computers to TVs, displays, A/V receivers, and more
- SUPPORTS 4K VIDEO: Supports 4K video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48-bit/px color depth, as well as bandwidth up to 18Gbps, Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- EASY CONNECTION: Share an Internet connection among multiple devices (no need for a separate Ethernet cable)
- BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE: Works with earlier versions to allow for use with a wide range of HDMI-enabled devices
Rank #4
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for verification
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz)
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【HDMI 2.1-48Gbps Bandwidth】Unleash the full potential of your devices with lightning-fast data transfer rates, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your high-definition needs
- 【Next-Level Resolution Support】Dive into the future with support for mind-blowing resolutions, including 10K 8K@60Hz, 12-bit; 5K@120Hz/90Hz, 12-bit; 4K@144Hz/120Hz, 12-bit; and 2K@240Hz/165Hz
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