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What does HDMI mean?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and is a digital, cross-manufacturer interface for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals. HDMI has been in use since 2002 and is today the standard connection for TVs, monitors, consoles, Blu-ray players, and computers.
Simultaneous transmission of video and audio
A key feature of HDMI is the simultaneous, fully digital transmission of video and audio signals over just one cable. This replaces several earlier separate connections (e.g., separate video and audio cables), reduces signal loss, and greatly simplifies cabling.
Image quality and maximum resolutions
HDMI transmits uncompressed digital video signals in high quality. Since HDMI 1.4, 4K resolutions (4096 × 2160 pixels) have been supported, originally from the digital cinema standard (DCI-4K). Later versions expanded this to higher frame rates as well as 8K and beyond resolutions. In addition to resolution, refresh rates, color depth, and HDR formats are also supported.
Audio features and multichannel sound
HDMI can transmit up to eight uncompressed audio channels (7.1 surround sound) simultaneously. Supported formats include stereo & multichannel PCM, Dolby Digital & DTS, and Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio.
Additional HDMI features: ARC & CEC
Modern HDMI cables offer far more than just video and audio transmission.
HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
CEC allows mutual control of HDMI devices. For example, turning on the TV can automatically activate the Blu-ray player or soundbar. The goal of CEC is simplified operation with just one remote control.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
ARC enables audio signals to be sent from the TV back to an AV receiver or soundbar over the same HDMI cable. This eliminates the need for an additional optical or coaxial audio cable.
This feature was introduced with HDMI 1.4 and is now standard on almost all TVs.
HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC is the advanced version of ARC and was introduced with HDMI 2.1. It offers significantly higher bandwidth and supports lossless, high-resolution audio formats. HDMI eARC supports Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, offers uncompressed multichannel sound, automatic lip-sync, and better audio quality than ARC. HDMI eARC is ideal for modern smart TVs, high-quality soundbars, and home theater systems.
→ These features are explained in detail in our blog: What HDMI cables can do: ARC and CEC explained
Support on HDMI topics?
The following guides help you with setup and troubleshooting: