iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
HDMI ports can look alike but support different features. Match each device to the label on your TV: connect a soundbar or receiver to the HDMI port marked ARC or eARC, and use an input marked 4K 120Hz or VRR for a compatible high-refresh-rate console or PC. Other HDMI sources can use an available TV HDMI input. Port numbers and capabilities vary by model, so check the TV’s labels and manual rather than relying on a universal port map.
How to choose the right TV HDMI port
Start with the feature the device needs, not the port number. Check the labels next to the TV’s HDMI sockets and consult the manual for what each input supports. Some TVs reserve particular inputs for audio return or advanced video features; others combine those capabilities on one port.
- Audio return: Look for ARC or eARC when connecting a compatible soundbar or receiver.
- High-refresh-rate video: For a compatible device targeting 4K at 100 or 120Hz, look for an input identified for 4K 120Hz or VRR.
- Other HDMI sources: Connect the device’s HDMI OUT to an available TV HDMI IN that meets its requirements.
Do not assume that the ARC/eARC socket is a low-capability input. A Philips manual, for example, shows a port labeled for both ARC/eARC and 4K 120Hz. The labels and manual for your specific TV are decisive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Where to connect five common devices
1. Soundbar or home-theater receiver
Connect the TV’s HDMI port marked ARC or eARC to the matching ARC/eARC connection on a compatible soundbar or audio system. This connection lets the TV send audio to the external system over HDMI. If the port also carries a video label, follow the TV manual; audio return does not automatically rule out video features on that input.
#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.
- Quick and Seamless Video Transfer: With the latest HDMI technology, stream or transfer videos without interruptions, and witness the power of up to 48 Gbps in bandwidth, ensuring consistently clear content.
- 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.
- One Cable, Many Solutions: Whether you're connecting tablets, laptops, HDMI devices, projectors, or desktop screens, this cable effortlessly connects them all.
- What You Get: HDMI Cable (6 ft, 8K), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
2. 4K 120Hz console or gaming PC
If both the source and TV support 4K at 100 or 120Hz, use a TV input labeled 4K 120Hz or VRR when available. Sony’s guidance says to check the input labels and specifies an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for a device supporting 4K 100/120Hz. The TV, source, and game must each support the intended mode; changing ports alone cannot add it.
If you also need that TV input for ARC/eARC, check whether the model combines the features on one socket or offers another suitable input. Do not choose by port number without checking the model’s labels.
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
3. Streaming player
Connect the player’s HDMI output to an available TV HDMI input. Manufacturer guidance does not establish a universal port number for streaming devices, so use an input that is not needed for a model-specific feature.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
4. Blu-ray player
Run an HDMI cable from HDMI OUT on the player to an available HDMI IN on the TV. Choose an input that supports the video and audio formats you intend to use, as described in the TV and player manuals.
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
5. Cable or satellite box
Connect the box’s HDMI output to an available TV HDMI input. The box does not need an ARC/eARC port simply because that port has a special label; ARC/eARC is for sending TV audio to compatible external audio equipment.
Check the cable and setup before moving everything
For a source supporting 4K 100/120Hz, Sony recommends an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable; Philips’ example console-and-audio setup also specifies Ultra High Speed HDMI cabling. Replace a cable only if it is missing, damaged, or does not meet the requirements of the equipment and mode you want to use. Check connector type, length, and stated capability against the manuals.
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
- Read the labels beside the TV’s HDMI ports and find the matching port details in the manual.
- Identify whether the device needs ARC/eARC, 4K 120Hz, VRR, or only a standard HDMI connection.
- Connect the source’s HDMI OUT to the TV’s HDMI IN, except for a soundbar or receiver using the matching ARC/eARC connections.
- Use the cable specified for the supported mode, then select the corresponding HDMI input in the TV’s input menu.
- If a feature is unavailable, recheck the TV input’s supported format, the source’s output settings, the cable, and any format or signal options in the TV settings.
Why port numbers are not a reliable shortcut
TV manufacturers and models differ in which inputs support ARC/eARC, 4K 120Hz, or VRR. Even ports on the same set may not have identical capabilities. Sony directs users to the input labels for compatible 4K 120Hz and VRR devices; the Philips example shows that an audio-return port can also carry a high-refresh-rate video label. Use the exact port map and setup instructions for your TV, not advice that assumes a particular number always means the same thing.
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
Sources
- TCL support: HDMI devices and connections
- Sony Help Guide: Connecting a video game console supporting 4K 120Hz and VRR
- Sony support: HDMI ARC/eARC connection guidance
- Philips TV manual, dated 2024-01-26
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
