HDMI 2.0 ... Am i really doing it right?

AFB_MD · October 17, 2019

Ok so for years I've just assumed that all HDMI cables were pretty much the same. Now I know they aren't. So, for the first time in my life I'm actually wondering if I've been mismatching my components here.

So, I have my desktop PC (featuring a GTX 1080, which has an HDMI 2.0b port) connected via HDMI to my Samsun UN40KU6000 4K TV (to an HDMI 2.0 input) and for audio, I have a Samsung HT-J550K home theater connected via its HDMI 2.0 (according to samsung tech support, although i believe it's 1.4. However, i couldn't find a detail specifications list anywhere) for its ARC compatibility. And because i want to make sure I can really play videos and games at 4K 60 Hz with my PC and TV, I was looking for HDMI 2.0 or even 2.1 cables to replace the ones i have now (which are old and i got them for free

The thing is, I was reading here that if any of the devices in the chain is not HDMI 2.0 compatible, then no matter what are the specs of all the other devices and cables, it will be donwgraded to fit that one device's HDMI version.

Is this true? If it is, will the video quality really be downgraded to lower than 4K at 60 Hz if only the adio signal is being transmitted to my home theater, through my TV?

Oshino Shinobu · October 17, 2019

If you have devices in a chain, each one must support 2.0 in order for 2.0 specific features to work.

As for cables, there are essentially 3 types. Category 1, which caps out at 1080i. You'll rarely come across these. Category 2, which supports all current HDMI standards, including HDMI 2.0. Then there's 48G cables which will support the features of HDMI 2.1 that require the higher bandwidth of the standard.

It is possible to get cables that do not meet the specification/requirements for full category 2 compliance, which can cause things like 4K 60Hz not to work.

circeseye · October 17, 2019

if you want a sure thing..just get HDMI w Ethernet. guarantied 2.0

example
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008U7SL8I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and as for downgrading? it shouldnt....its getting source from the one cable..and all its doing is sending out audio in arc..you have a 6000 series...not much different from my 7000

but i will say this i couldnt stand the audio coming from arc. spdif from tv to receiver sounded better and for comp i used a second hdmi from comp to receiver (have to do dual monitor)