Using the wrong HDMI port can limit gaming and audio on your TV

Not all HDMI ports on a TV support the same features, and plugging a device into the wrong one can reduce performance or audio capabilities. The wrong port can leave a PS5 stuck at 60Hz, prevent a soundbar from receiving audio, or stop a PC from outputting a high refresh rate. All HDMI ports carry video and audio, but they differ in bandwidth and supported features.

HDMI 2.0 supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and ARC audio, while HDMI 2.1 supports 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM and eARC, and can sometimes reach 4K at 240Hz with Display Stream Compression. ARC sends TV audio to a sound system and supports Dolby Digital 5.1; eARC supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Plugging into the wrong port typically won’t break anything, but you won’t get full performance or sound. Check the labels next to the HDMI ports or your TV’s user manual to identify which ports are HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, ARC, or eARC. Typical guidance from the source: use the ARC/eARC port for soundbars or receivers (and for Apple TV 4K when routing TV audio to HomePods), use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X or high-refresh-rate gaming PCs, and any HDMI port will do for most streaming players and Blu-ray players.

Many TVs follow a common layout (for example, HDMI 1 for streaming, HDMI 2 for gaming, HDMI 3 for soundbar, HDMI 4 for a PC), and manufacturers vary in how many HDMI 2.1 ports they include.

Key Topics

Tech, Hdmi Ports, Earc, Arc, Soundbar