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Each HDMI input on a TV is a separate doorway for one connected device. To use several sources at once, plug each device into a free input, note its number, and pick that input on the TV when you want to watch it. Most setups need nothing more. The exceptions are the port labeled ARC/eARC, which sends TV sound back to a soundbar or receiver, and inputs marked for high refresh rate 4K, which need the right cable and a specific signal setting.
Why a TV has several HDMI inputs
A TV can only display one picture at a time, but it can receive signals from many devices. Game consoles, cable or satellite boxes, computers, streaming sticks, and UHD Blu-ray players each need their own connection. Every HDMI port gives the TV one more source it can switch to. Samsung and LG both describe the same basic routine for this in their support guides: connect, note the port number, and select the matching input (Samsung Support, connecting a cable box and other devices; LG Support, Easy TV Connect Guide).
Connecting a source device step by step
- Power off the device and the TV, or at least make sure the device is off before you plug in the cable.
- Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the device’s HDMI OUT port and the other end into an available HDMI IN port on the TV.
- Write down the number printed next to that port, such as HDMI 2 or HDMI 3, so you do not have to guess later.
- Turn on the device and the TV.
- Open the TV’s Source or Input menu, select the HDMI port you used, and confirm that the device’s picture appears. Menu names vary by brand and model.
- If the TV does not switch to the new device by itself, select the input manually each time you want to use it.
Repeat the steps for each device. Once you have labeled the ports, the Source menu becomes a simple list of which input leads to which device.
What the port labels on your TV mean
The text printed beside each HDMI input is the fastest way to see what a port is for. Labels differ by manufacturer, region, and model, so treat the table below as a guide to the common markings and confirm the exact meaning in your TV’s manual. Sony’s help guide, for example, marks specific inputs for 4K 100/120 Hz sources on some models (Sony Help Guide, Connecting terminal).
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- 4-in-1 HDMI️ Switch: Expand one HDMI output into four inputs, offering you the freedom to connect more devices and switch between them without hassle (This product does not support the HDMI CEC feature).
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| Port marking | What it is for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI IN (no extra label) | A general video source such as a console, cable box, or streaming device | Use it for everyday sources. Its maximum refresh rate and resolution are set by the TV model, not the port name alone. |
| ARC/eARC | Sends TV audio back to a soundbar or AV receiver over one HDMI cable | Connect it only to a device’s matching ARC/eARC output. Confirm that both devices support the audio mode you need. |
| Marked for 4K 120 Hz or 4K 100/120 Hz | Accepts high refresh rate 4K signals from a compatible source | Use it for the source that needs it, with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and set the input’s signal format if the TV requires it. Sony states that 4K 100 Hz support depends on country or region. |
Using the ARC/eARC port with a soundbar or receiver
The ARC/eARC port exists so that you can run TV audio to an external sound system without a second audio cable. Connect the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the ARC/eARC TV output on the soundbar or receiver. Official HDMI Licensing Administrator material describes eARC as the way TV audio, including sound from internal apps or connected sources, returns to an AV receiver or soundbar through a single HDMI cable (HDMI Licensing Administrator, eARC overview).
ARC and eARC are not identical
ARC and eARC share the same physical purpose, but eARC carries more audio. According to the same HDMI Licensing Administrator page, eARC supports formats including 192 kHz, 24-bit audio, uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 channels, and up to 32-channel uncompressed audio. Standard ARC is more limited. Check the audio device’s specification sheet as well as the TV’s, because the feature only works when both ends support it.
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Getting sound to switch to the soundbar
If the soundbar stays silent after you connect it, open the TV’s sound output settings and choose the external speaker or audio system. Samsung’s guide walks through connecting a soundbar to the ARC port in the same way (Samsung Support). Some models switch automatically once the audio device is recognized, while others need the setting changed by hand.
Setting up high refresh rate 4K inputs
Ports marked for 4K 120 Hz only deliver that performance when every part of the chain supports it. Sony’s guidance for a compatible 4K 100/120 Hz source is to use the TV input designated for that format, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and the input’s HDMI signal format setting as directed on screen (Sony Help Guide).
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- Compatible with Most Devices: UGREEN 4K HDMI splitter is compatible with a wide range of HDMI source devices, including Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, PS5/3/4/4 pro, Blu-ray players, Fire TV stick, Xbox 360, Xbox series x, Apple TV, DVD players, Roku, PC, laptop, HDTV, and projectors. (PACKAGE: 1*HDMI Switch, 1*Remote, 1*USB Power cable, 1*User Manual)
- Confirm in the TV’s manual that the input you plan to use is marked for the format your source outputs.
- Connect the source to that input with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- Open the TV’s input or external device settings for that port and change the HDMI signal format to the enhanced mode the menu describes. On Samsung models this is often labeled Input Signal Plus or UHD HDMI Color, but the name and availability are specific to the model.
- Turn on the source and set its output resolution and refresh rate to match what the TV supports.
Why a feature can be missing from one port
“HDMI 2.1” describes a set of optional features, not a guarantee that every port on a TV has all of them. HDMI Licensing Administrator states that manufacturers must identify which HDMI 2.1 features their products support (HDMI Licensing Administrator, What does it mean when gear is marketed as HDMI 2.1?). A TV may offer 4K 120 Hz on one input and only lower refresh rates on another, so check the model specifications rather than assuming.
Choosing the right cable
A cable does not add features to a TV or source, but a cable with too little bandwidth can block a feature that both devices already support. HDMI Licensing Administrator lists up to 48 Gbps for the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable category, which is the category to use for bandwidth-heavy features such as 4K 120 Hz (HDMI Licensing Administrator, HDMI 2.1b Specification). The organization’s certification program issues an official label for these cables, so look for that label on the packaging instead of relying on marketing terms (HDMI Licensing Administrator, Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Certification Labels).
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- Ultra-HD 8K@60Hz Resolution: Our 3 port HDMI switch is perfect for gamers, supporting the latest 8K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz/144Hz/120Hz, 4K@60Hz and 1080P@240Hz resolutions and below. It also supports HDMI 2.0/1.4, 3D Dynamic HDR 10+, Dolby Atmos, and HDCP 2.3. NOTE: To ensure the high refresh rate (8K@60Hz), the length of your HDMI 8K cables should be within 3m both input and output
- Higher Refresh Rate: Supporting a high refresh rate of 8K@60Hz and 40Gbps bandwidth, this HDMI splitter delivers fluid, high‑quality visuals for intense gaming and fast‑paced action movies. It also supports VRR, G‑Sync, and FreeSync, dynamically syncing your display’s refresh rate with your console to eliminate screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag – ensuring smoother, clearer gameplay and a low‑latency experience whether you’re on PC, PS5, or Xbox
- Plug & Play & Package: No external driver is required. Effortlessly switch between devices from the comfort of your couch or bed with the remote controller. You can also switch with one click via the button on the switch box to switch between three input sources. With 3 LED indicators, you can easily know which connected device is working. The product must be connected to the power source when used. PACKAGE: 1*8K HDMI switch, 1*USB-A to C Power Cable, 1* Remote control, 1* User manual
- Compatible with Multiple Devices: This HDMI switch 4k 120Hz works with most devices with a standard HDMI interface. Input: Compatible with Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, PS5/PS4/PS3, computer, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Blu-ray DVD player, Roku TV, Firestick, etc. Output: Compatible with HD-Ready or Full HD TVs, monitors, projectors, etc
When you have more devices than HDMI inputs
If every input is in use, an HDMI switch can add more sources to one port. The switch must handle the highest resolution and refresh rate you need, the HDR format you use, and any audio pass-through required by your sound system. Compare those specifications across the whole chain, from the source to the switch to the TV, before you buy. Sony’s guidance on input signal formats applies here as well, because a switch can only pass through what the TV’s input accepts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 💻【4-Input 1-Output HDMI Switch】This HDMI switcher can simultaneously connect up to 4 devices to 1 display, allowing for smooth switching between the 4 devices with a single push. It meets various usage needs and greatly enhances work efficiency.
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- 💻【High-Quality Audio Output】Not only image quality but also sound quality is crucial. This product supports high-quality compressed audio formats such as DTS5.1/7.1 and Dolby Digital (including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD), as well as uncompressed audio formats like LPCM5.1/7.1. This allows you to enjoy an immersive theater-like experience at home.
- 💻【Device Compatibility】To use our 8K switcher, the following conditions must be met: ①Both the input source device and the output device must support 8K bandwidth and 8K resolution. ②Cable Requirements: A certified HDMI 2.1 cable must be used for connection. Recommended Maximum Cable Lengths: 8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz: 2 meters (for both input and output)； 4K@60Hz: 5 meters (for both input and output) ③Input devices: computers, DVDs, cameras, PS3/4/5, Switch, Xbox, Fire TV Stick, etc. ④Output devices: displays, HDTVs, Apple TV, screens, VR, etc. Plug-and-play, extremely convenient.
- 💻【Supports VRR, ALLM, QFT】This product is compatible with the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, supporting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and QFT (Quick Frame Transport). VRR effectively prevents tearing and stuttering during gameplay, providing a smooth and seamless visual experience. ALLM automatically switches to low latency mode when detecting gameplay on the connected device, enhancing response time. Furthermore, QFT accelerates frame transmission speed, minimizing latency for gaming and video content that requires real-time response, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable viewing experience.
Troubleshooting common problems
- The device shows no picture on the selected input. Confirm the cable is in the correct HDMI OUT and HDMI IN ports, power-cycle the device, and then select the input again.
- The picture appears, but 4K 120 Hz is not available. Check that you are using the input marked for that format, an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and the input’s signal format setting.
- The soundbar is silent. Verify that the cable is in the ARC/eARC port on both devices, then set the TV’s sound output to the external audio system.
- Sound cuts out or switches unexpectedly on the soundbar. Check the audio formats on both devices. eARC and ARC support different formats, so a mismatch can reduce the audio quality or change the output.
- The TV does not list a port you expected. Some inputs are reserved for specific functions. Look at the label on the TV and its manual before assuming a port is broken.
A quick checklist before you connect
- Note the port number for each device and which input it uses.
- Find any ARC/eARC or 4K 100/120 Hz labels on the TV and confirm them in the manual.
- Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable with the official certification label for high refresh rate sources.
- Check the source, TV, cable, and any switch for the features you want, not only the HDMI version name.
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.
