HDMI versions differ in their capabilities, such as resolution, frame rate, and bandwidth:
HDMI 1.0: The first version of HDMI, released in 2002, which provided basic digital audio/video capabilities
HDMI 1.2: Released in 2005, this version allowed for the digital transfer of SACD audio signals
HDMI 1.4: This version increased the resolution from 2560x1600 pixels to 4096x2160 pixels
HDMI 2.0: Released in 2013, this version supports 4K resolution at 60Hz
HDMI 2.0b: This 2016 update added support for the HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) HDR format
HDMI 2.1: This 2017 update introduced a large increase in bandwidth capability to support higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K at 60Hz
When choosing an HDMI cable, you can consider the features you need:
Standard HDMI cables: Can handle up to 1080i or 720p video
High Speed cables: Suitable for 1080p or 4K at 30 Hz
Premium High Speed cables: For features like 4K at 60 Hz or HDR
Ultra High Speed cables: For the latest capabilities of HDMI 2.1, such as 8K or 10K resolution