You may be using a wrong HDMI cable

Nowadays, most of the users enjoy a Smart TV with 4K resolution and the latest technology. However, when they are watching multimedia content the image seems blurry, distorted or even with bad quality. If you feel frustration because of this, you may be using a wrong HDMI cable that influences the image quality.

The image problems are not always related to the TV setting or the video source, but with the use of a wrong HDMI cable. The HDMI port is one of the most important components of present TVs. It’s the main port for video and audio interface to broadcast data without compressing it.

Avoid the wrong HDMI cable for your TV

In order to enjoy the best possible quality for your videos, it’s essential to match the HDMI cable with your TV specifications. A wrong HDMI connection may end up showing a lesser quality image. It all influences the user experience and you bought that 4K TV to fully enjoy your movies or series.

The High Definition Multimedia Interface is the current standard for digital data broadcasting. It allows sending video and audio with high quality using the same cable. HDMI was designed to replace analogical connections like VGA and to grant more resolution and sound quality without loses.

Unlike older connectors that required separate cables for audio and video, HDMI broadcasts both through the same connection. This reduces latency and improves synchronization. It’s compatible with HD, Full HD, 4K and even 8K resolution as well as surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The most popular aspect of HDMI is the capability to offer great image and sound quality with no interferences. However, the functionality depends on the standard version your TV set and the cable support.

That’s why using an older HDMI cable with a current Smart TV may end up giving a disappointing experience. Your movies, series, videogames and videos won’t be on the highest resolution, losing detail and sharpness.

They are not all the same. Avoid choosing the wrong HDMI cable

The most common mistake is thinking that any HDMI cable will work with any device. HDMI standard has evolved through the years and the different versions offer improvements in bandwidth, resolution and broadcast speed.

Each HDMI version has a resolution limit and an update rate that they can handle. For example, a Smart TV with Full HD resolution (1080p) requires at least a HDMI 1.3 or higher. But a 4K TV uses 1.4 or 2.0. For 8K TVs you only can use HDMI 2.1 or 2.2 because lesser HDMI cables won’t handle the bandwidth.

It’s very frequent to use a wrong HDMI cable 1.3 with 4K TVs. This originates a blurry image and several cuts and bad quality. The cable is not enough to transfer all the data and the final image and sound is poorer.

HDMI types

• HDMI 1.0 – 1.2 (2003-2005). Up to 720p and 1080i and basic audio.
• HDMI 1.3 (2006). It includes 1080p support, deeper color, high definition audio (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.
• HDMI 1.4 (2009). 4K 30 Hz compatible and it includes return audio channel (ARC).
• HDMI 2.0 (2013). 4K 60 Hz compatible and it improves dynamic range (HDR) and color depth.
• HDMI 2.1 (2017). Up to 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz resolution. Introduces VRR for videogames.
• HDMI 2.2 (2025). Specially designed for 4K 120 Hz resolution with a bandwidth of 96 Gbps.

The HDMI cable today is one of the essential accessories for enjoying multimedia experiences. If you choose the correct HDMI cable you will notice a great improvement in sharpness, color and fluidity of multimedia content in your TV.

And if you like videogames, a 2.1 HDMI with VRR can make the difference for your user experience as it reduces input lag and improves the refresh rate in compatible screens.

To sum up, if your Smart TV doesn’t look like it should because of it max resolution, you may be using a wrong HDMI cable. Try using the most recent one and enjoy the best quality available.