Are you looking for HDMI 2.0 cables that are suitable for your television, game console, soundbar or projector? Then you naturally want to be sure that you choose a cable that is reliable, supports 4K at 60Hz and fits your installation. HDMI 2.0 cables are the right choice in many...
HDMI 2.0 Cables
Are you looking for HDMI 2.0 cables that are suitable for your television, game console, soundbar or projector? Then you naturally want to be sure that you choose a cable that is reliable, supports 4K at 60Hz and fits your installation. HDMI 2.0 cables are the right choice in many situations: they offer stable transmission, are widely compatible and support modern functions such as ARC and HDR. In this article we explain exactly what HDMI 2.0 entails, what you should pay attention to and when these cables are ideal.
What exactly does an HDMI 2.0 cable do?
HDMI 2.0 cables are designed to handle higher data rates than their predecessors. Where HDMI 1.4 was limited to 4K at 30Hz, HDMI 2.0 supports a resolution of up to 4K at 60Hz. This means that you get a razor-sharp image, even with fast movements such as in sports broadcasts or while gaming. In addition to this higher image quality, HDMI 2.0 also supports features such as HDR, which displays better colors and contrasts, and ARC, which allows you to send sound back from the TV to, for example, a soundbar via the same cable. This often makes an extra audio cable redundant.
Thanks to these properties, HDMI 2.0 cables are very suitable for modern devices. Think of media boxes such as those from Ziggo, Apple TV, game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, and of course televisions and projectors that support 4K resolution.
What is the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 or 2.1
Compared to HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 offers considerably more possibilities. The biggest gain is in the higher refresh rate at 4K resolution and a larger bandwidth, which also makes multiple audio and video streams possible at the same time. HDMI 1.4 is still perfectly adequate for Full HD use, but is no longer suitable for those who want to use 4K at a modern level.
HDMI 2.1 goes one step further. These cables support 8K, 4K@120Hz, eARC, and advanced gaming features like VRR. For many users, this isn’t necessary at the moment. If you have a 4K TV, or a console that runs 4K@60Hz, such as a PlayStation 4 or standard Xbox One, then HDMI 2.0 cables will be more than sufficient.
When is an HDMI 2.0 cable suitable?
In practice, HDMI 2.0 cables are ideal for most 4K TVs and peripherals. They are suitable for 4K streaming via media boxes, for connecting a game console or Blu-ray player, and for connecting a soundbar via a cable with ARC. HDMI 2.0 is also a safe and future-proof choice for presentations with a projector or using an Apple TV. As long as you are not working with 8K content or advanced gaming on the latest generation of consoles, you have everything you need with HDMI 2.0.
What to look for when choosing an HDMI 2.0 cable
A good HDMI cable can be recognized not only by the version, but also by the structure and finish. Pay attention to the length you need: the longer the cable, the greater the chance of signal loss. For short distances of up to three meters, a standard cable is sufficient. For longer distances - for example with fixed installations - you can opt for an active cable or even a fiber optic HDMI cable.
In addition, the quality of the connector is important. HDMI cables are available with straight or angled connectors. Angled connections are useful when your TV is hanging close to the wall. Furthermore, choose a well-shielded cable. This prevents external interference and ensures a stable image. Cables with braided sheathing or gold-plated contacts are extra durable, especially if you often disconnect and reconnect the cable.
Supports HDMI 2.0 additional features such as HDR or ARC
Yes, HDMI 2.0 supports several modern features. HDR (High Dynamic Range) enables better color reproduction, especially with films and series that are optimized for this. Think of richer contrasts and more detail in light or dark scenes. ARC (Audio Return Channel) ensures that you can send the sound from your TV back to your soundbar or AV receiver via the same HDMI cable. This means you no longer need a separate audio cable. 3D is also supported, as well as deeper color channels and multiple audio streams at the same time. This makes HDMI 2.0 cables an excellent choice for those who want to connect their home theater or gaming setup efficiently.
Can you connect multiple devices with one cable?
A single HDMI cable always connects one device to another. But if you want to connect multiple devices to one TV or projector, there are solutions such as HDMI switches or matrix systems. With these, you can use both a game console and a media box on the same HDMI port, for example, without having to change cables all the time. There are also splitters that allow you to display one source, such as a decoder, on multiple screens at the same time. This is useful for use in a meeting room or a larger living room with multiple viewing directions. Please note that all these systems are compatible with HDMI 2.0, so that you do not lose any functions.
How long can an HDMI 2.0 cable be without loss of quality?
The length of an HDMI cable plays a major role in signal quality. Up to about five meters, you can use a passive HDMI 2.0 cable without any worries. Above that, the risk of interference increases, especially with 4K at 60Hz. If you want to bridge larger distances, for example in a professional setup or a large living room, choose an active HDMI cable or a fiber-optic HDMI cable. These amplify the signal, so that you do not have any loss of image or sound even at ten meters or more. Think carefully about your installation before choosing a longer cable.
Frequently Asked Questions about HDMI 2.0 Cables
A frequently asked question is whether HDMI 2.0 also supports eARC. It doesn’t – eARC is part of HDMI 2.1. So if you want to use advanced audio applications via eARC, you’ll need an HDMI 2.1 cable. For regular ARC, however, HDMI 2.0 is more than sufficient.
Is an expensive HDMI cable always better? Not necessarily. The price does not say everything. More important is whether the cable is certified and meets the right specifications. A solid cable from a reliable supplier is not inferior to a much more expensive variant, as long as the finish and shielding are good.
Is HDMI 2.0 sufficient for PlayStation, Xbox or Apple TV? Yes, certainly for most applications. The PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Apple TV 4K work perfectly with an HDMI cable for 4K at 60Hz. Only if you are switching to a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, and you use 4K at 120Hz or eARC, then an HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended.
How to recognize a certified HDMI 2.0 cable? Look for quality marks and technical specifications on the packaging or product page. Look for indications such as “High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet” or check whether the manufacturer explicitly states that 4K at 60Hz is supported.