How to Tell What Kind of HDMI Port I Have

Are you asking – what kind of HDMI port do I have on my TV? Or, what type of HDMI port does my laptop have? 

You can tell the kind of HDMI port you have by checking your device’s manufacturer’s website, checking the instruction manual, checking your PC’s processor, or checking the features your device supports.

Before we get into it, please note that there is no physical difference between HDMI versions. For example, there’s no physical difference between 1.4 and 2.0/2.1. However, there are physical differences between HDMI types, e.g Type A, B, etc.

Let’s explain different ways to identify HDMI cables:

1. Check The Cable

The first step to checkingyour HDMI cable version is to check the cable itself. In many cases, the maximum resolution the cable supports is printed on it. Check to see if the cable supports 4K, 8K or 10K. 

If thee cable supports 4K, then it is either HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0. On the other hand, if the cable supports 8K or 10K, then it is HDMI 2.1.

Here are the typical features of the various HDMI standards:

HDMI 1.4: It’s an old HDMI version that doesn’t support HDR video.  However, it can support 4K up to 30 Hz which isn’t great.

HDMI 2.0: HDMI 2.0 is more advanced and supports 4K up to 60Hz. Its subsequent updates support HDR video.

HDMI 2.1: This version supports an 8K resolution at 60Hz. It also supports 4K at 120 Hz.

As an example, if your laptop or TV claims to support 4K resolution, then it is HDMI 2.1. 

Different kinds of HDMI are really determined by the feature the device support, not any physical characteristic. 

2. Check The Manufacturers Website

The easiest way to identify the kind of HDMI port you have is to check the manufacturer’s website. Find your specific product and check the specifications which typically indicate the HDMI port version.

3. Check The Laptop’s Processor/GPU

If it’s a laptop in question, check its processor to determine the HDMI port being used. You can do this because the integrated processor includes the GPU which determines the type of HDMI port used.

In general, if you have any Intel Core-based laptop up to the 9th gen, you’ll be limited to HDMI 1.4a. On the other hand, if the 10th gen supports HDMI 2.0b. If your laptop is AMD-based, then Ryzen APUs typically support HDMI 2.0b. 

Please note that this also applies to laptops with dedicated graphics cards because all output graphics are still handled by the integrated GPU.

4. Check The Instruction Manual

If you can find your device’s instruction manual, you can typically find the same information you would find on the manufacturer’s website.

5. Measure The Port

This only applies if by “kind of HDMI” you really mean HDMI type, like HDMI A, B, C, etc. For these, you can measure the port to determine the HDMI type because the different types are physically different. More on this in the What are the 5 HDMI Port Types? below.

How Can I Identify My HDMI-Port Type?

Firstly, if by HDMI type you mean it’s HDMI input or output, you can check out our article on what is the difference between HDMI inputs and outputs.

Here are the two significant ways you can successfully identify your HDMI port:

1. Physically Assess Your Devices

Physical assessment works best for individuals who know how the various types of HDMI ports look like. It’s often the most effective method.

There are five types of HDMI ports, and they are typically found on the back of TVs, AV receivers, computers and laptops, Blue-ray Players, and other devices.

These ports look like USB ports but are typically a bit taller and broader. Moreover, they are not perfectly rectangular. However, each of them has some attributes that set them apart.

We shall see more on these attributes in the next section on the types of HDMI ports.

2. Check the List of Your Display Adapters

Anyone with knowledge of how the ports look like can use the above method. So, unlike the first method, this second one is reserved for those who use computers. To tell what kind of HDMI port you have, you can do the following:

1: Right-click “My Computer.”

2: Click on “Properties.”

3: Click on ‘Device Manager.’

4: Go to “Display Adapters” and scroll down to see the type of HDMI port listed.

If it’s not listed, you have found yourself in one of the following scenarios:

1. Your device lacks an HDMI port. In this case, you can purchase an HDMI connector adaptor that features the correct type of port and use it to connect your modern audio-visual devices.
2. Your HDMI port has failed. It would help if you considered replacing it.

Due to the technicalities involved in using this second method, I recommend that you know the five types of HDMI ports and differentiate them from each other. This way, you’ll have plenty of options to use depending on the emerging need.

What are the 5 HDMI Port Types?

The knowledge of these ports will enable you to purchase cables that securely plug into your devices. So, it could save you a lot of money and time.  It also guarantees you the best listening and watching experience.

Here are the available HDMI ports and how to use them.

HDMI Type A

Type A is the standard and most commonly used HDMI port. If you want to connect a game console or Blu-ray to your television, this is the port to use.  It’s familiar to users of DVD players, recorders, AV equipment, and more.

This HDMI port is the most robust and comes with the popular 19-pin configuration. When space is not limiting your choice, it could be the most ideal. Its bandwidth can carry all UHD, 4K, SDTV, and EDTV modes.

HDMI Type B

This is a dual-link port that was intended to be faster and more efficient than single-link ports.

With the introduction of HDMI 1.3, it lost relevance.

HDMI Type C

Type C is a mini-port found on DSLR cameras and tablets.  It’s smaller than Type-A ports but retains the 19-in configuration.

You can connect the Mini-HDMI connector to a type-A connector.

HDMI Type D

The HDMI type D is a micro port that comes with portable devices like smartphones.  Since it’s pretty similar to the micro-USB port, it’s widely known as a micro-HDMI port.

It retains the 19 pins of the other ports. However, the alignment of the pins is different. 

HDMI Type E

These are the ports that are formulated for automotive HDMI cables. They come with a shell that prevents moisture and dirt from interfering with the transmission of signals.

FAQs

How can I Interface Type-A Connections with Micro-HDMI or Mini-HDMI?

As already mentioned in the last section, you can interface Type-A connections with these other connections.

It would help if you did the following to achieve that:

1. Choose the Right HDMI Cable

There are HDMI cables that enable this type of connection in the market.  They are designed to provide HDMI capability consistent with the requirements of the links’ ends.

These cables are handy since they save you from spending a lot of money.

2. Use HDMI Connector Adaptor

If the correct cables aren’t available, you’ll need an HDMI adaptor. So, if you plan to link the connectors, it’s best to have a set of HDMI adaptors on standby.

What HDMI Versions Do TVs Have?

TVs have varied HDMI versions. Modern ones have newer versions. Cables or devices that use the older HDMI version won’t use TV sets to their full potential. Let’s look at the different HDMI versions.

HDMI 1.4

It’s an old HDMI version that doesn’t support HDR video.  However, it can support 4K up to 30 Hz.

HDMI 2.0

HDMI 2.0 is more advanced and supports 4K up to 60Hz.

Its subsequent updates support HDR video.

HDMI 2.1

This version supports an 8K resolution at 60Hz. It also supports 4K at 120 Hz.

Which Are the Types of Cables that HDMI Ports Support?

Both old and new HDMI cables are compatible with various HDMI ports we’ve seen above on multiple devices.

Here are the cables that you can use with these ports:

Standard

Standard HDMI cables offer a maximum bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps. While they don’t provide 4K output, you can use them to support up to 1080p HD resolution.

High Speed

These HDMI cables are more efficient and support 4K UHD up to 60Hz.  They offer a maximum of 18 Gbps.

Ultra-High-Speed (UHS)

As the name suggests, these cables are the latest in the market. They offer a maximum of 48 Gbps bandwidth. These cables support 8K UHD for as much as 60Hz.

8K TVs are not common yet. Many people use this version to support their 4K UHD resolutions.

How To Identify HDMI 2.1 Cables

The easiest way to identify an HDMI 2.1-compatible cable is to check for the phrase “HDMI Ultra High Speed” on the box when buying the cable.

Remember, HDMI 2.1 is really a standard and so, there’s a different naming convention for cabling. In addition, keep in mind that there is no physical way to identify an HDMI 2.1 cable or port. 

You can also use various HDMI cable verification apps to identify HDMI versions. This way, you’ll know that what you are purchasing is valid. You can find HDMI verification apps for iPhone and Android.

In terms of 2.1 HDMI devices, in general, 4K PC’s and TV’s use HDMI 2.1 however they don’t support HDR unless you have an updated version. In addition, they likely won’t support VRR, 8K, Dynamic HDR or eARC.

Does My HDMI Port Version Matter?

Well, you could simply search the manufacturer’s website for the full specs of the unit. But since most lappies are only putting out 1080p, I’s guess that it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference which version you’re on.

It’s not easy to identify which version it is. However, unless you are projecting 4K and above display resolution or require ethernet connectivity.

The standard v1.2 cable should suffice for your needs depending on the length you need to run (usually anything above 50m would require you to get an active cable).

Why Determining The Kind of HDMI Port You Have Is Important

HDMI is a digital audio cable that’s extremely popular. The HDMI port makes for the most efficient standard interface for connecting modern audio-visual devices.

However, to get the best out of your computers and TV sets and connect compatible devices, you should be able to determine the kind of HDMI port you have.

This information will come in handy, especially when choosing a suitable HDMI cable.  Let’s explore how you can identify the port and get the best out of it.

How Do I Know If My HDMI Port Is 4K?

All the ports are labeled according to the specifications designed by the producer. The ports are distinctly labeled, hence, customers should be on the lookout for labels like “supports 4K”, “UHD”, and “10bit”.

The labels also show additional information like input refresh rate on 4K compatible HDMI ports.

What Is an HDMI 2.0 B?

The HDMI 2.0b system is a popular connection style, it goes beyond the typical HDR support. HDMI 2.0b is compatible with the hybrid log gamma (HLG) format. This feature allows HDMI 2.0b cables to be used for 4k streaming and broadcasts.

Is HDMI ARC Different From HDMI?

HDMI and HDMI ARC are the same for the most part. The only problem that could arise occurs on the end of the receiver.

The major difference between HDMI ARC and HDMI is compatibility. Any accompanying device has to be compatible with ARC, or the HDMI ARC system doesn’t work.

How Do I Know If My TV Is HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel) Capable?

HDMI ports that are compatible with ARC are typically labeled with the letters “ARC” printed on their connectors for easy identification.

How do I know if I have an ARC HDMI cable?

This can be easily determined, all you need to do is to look behind your television or receiver. If your HDMI port has ARC, it would bear markings or writing that shows compatibility. It is important to know that both devices must have ARC compatibility for it to work.

How to Tell If HDMI Cable Is 2.0

If you have a 2.0 HDMI cable, it means that the content is encoded in this higher level of resolution and refresh rate than what your TV or computer can handle.

The only method to tell whether an HDMI 2.0 cable is indeed a 2.0 connection is to attach it to your TV or computer and experiment with the display options.

The resolution should be 4K, the refresh rate should be 60 Hz, and the color should be fully RGB if this information shows that the cable is a 2.0 connection.

How to Check HDMI Version on Windows

The first way to check if your HDMI device is compatible with the Windows computer is to look at the manufacturer’s website.

If the website says that the device is not compatible, you might need to change some of the settings on your computer to be compatible.

For example, if your HDMI device doesn’t support 3D or 4K, you might need to set different resolutions and refresh rates to be compatible. The second way to check if your HDMI device is compatible is to connect your laptop to your display device (monitor or television). This will allow you to see the devices’ current video and audio quality.

How to Check the HDMI Version on a TV

If you have a television with an HDMI port, you can use that port to check the HDMI version. In most cases, TVs have at least one HDMI port.

However, if your TV does not have an HDMI port, you can still use the TV’s VGA port instead.

This is a simple process that you can do yourself. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the TV’s menu and select “Settings.”

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the screen and find “HDMI.”

Step 3: Change the setting to “auto” and press “OK.”

Step 4: Your TV should now show the HDMI version when connected to a compatible HDMI cable.

How to Check HDMI Version on a Monitor

If you have a monitor with an HDMI port, you can easily check the HDMI version. To do this, you’ll need to connect your monitor to an HDMI port on your computer. Once the connection is made, open the graphics card software on your computer and look for the HDMI logo.

If it’s not there, it means that the monitor is not compatible with the HDMI port on your device. You can find updated information about HDMI ports on some websites or in your computer’s manual.

HDMI 2.0 Specs

HDMI 2.0 is a brand-new standard for the digital audio and video industry that has the potential to revolutionize the way we consume media. With HDMI 2.0, you can now transfer high-definition (HD) video and audio content at up to 4K resolution, meaning that videos and pictures will look sharper and more life-like than ever before.

HDMI 2.0 allows for up to five times the bandwidth of previous HDMI cables, making it possible to connect more devices at once.

Additionally, HDMI 2.0 supports DisplayPort 1.2, a technology that allows for a connection between displays and a computer or printer. It also supports A/V jacks located on the front or back of devices such as televisions, digital cameras, sound systems, and other electronics.

HDMI 1.4 Specs

The HDMI 1.4 spec is a new specification for HDMI that was released in July 2009. It has several benefits over the older HDMI 1.3 spec, including:

It supports 4K video at 60 frames per second and Ultra HD resolutions (3840×2160) and HDR10 content.

• It also supports more Bezels on devices, making it easier to connect devices to your TV.
• It supports up to 50GB of storage, which is increased from the 30GB limit supported by HDMI 1.3. This means that you can store more information on your TV without worrying about space limitations.

How to Check HDMI Bandwidth

The bandwidth used by HDMI can be a critical factor in whether you’re able to play high-definition videos on your television or another display device. By understanding how much bandwidth your TV or other display device has available, you can determine if you need to upgrade to a more powerful HDMI device.

There are a few different ways to check HDMI bandwidth. One way is to use an HDMI analyzer. Another way is to use a computer or a software program that connects to an HDMI port on your TV.

The third way is to connect a cable box or satellite box to an HDMI port on your TV and watch your content. The fourth way is to connect an external monitor to an HDMI port on your TV and watch your content

Conclusion

Now you know the different types of HDMI ports that we have and how to identify them.  So, with the details on the different types of HDMI cables and the HDMI versions, you have all that it takes to purchase the cables that best suit the types of HDMI ports you have.

At the of the day, as long as you invest in a reasonably branded HDMI cable and you should have a worry-free experience with your device setup and display.