Your HDMI guide.
Standards, cables & connections.

Find out what your devices need, how HDMI connections work and which cable is right for your setup.

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Manhattan HDMI cable range with different connector types HDMI cables for any application
01 / HDMI basics

HDMI basics: how it works

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It sends picture and sound from a laptop, game console or player to a TV, monitor or projector. The devices and cable must support the picture quality you want.

Source Laptop, console or player
Connection Cable, adapter or switch
Display TV, monitor or projector

A faster cable cannot add features to an older device. For example, a TV that only accepts 4K at 60 Hz will not show 4K at 120 Hz just because you connect a newer cable.

What do Full HD, 4K and 120 Hz mean?

Full HD means Full High Definition (1080p). UHD means Ultra High Definition, as used for 4K and 8K. Start with the resolution and refresh rate supported by both your device and screen.

Full HD1920 × 1080
4K UHD3840 × 2160
8K UHD7680 × 4320
Resolution

How much detail the picture can show. 4K contains more pixels than Full HD, but your screen and source must both support it.

Refresh rate

Hz stands for hertz: how many times the picture updates each second. 120 Hz can make fast games look smoother than 60 Hz when your equipment supports it.

Cable bandwidth

The amount of picture data a cable can carry. Higher resolutions and refresh rates often need a faster-rated cable.

Other picture settings

Colour depth and colour detail also affect the data needed. Display Stream Compression (DSC) reduces the data sent for certain high-resolution modes. Check these settings only if your device mentions them.

Sound, picture and gaming: what do these features do?

These features depend mainly on the connected devices. A suitable HDMI cable carries the signal, but it cannot add a function that your TV, console or soundbar does not support.

TV / display
Sound back to the soundbar
ARC / eARC
Soundbar / receiver

ARC and eARC: TV sound through HDMI

Audio Return Channel (ARC) lets your TV send sound to a soundbar or home cinema receiver through an HDMI cable. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) can also carry higher-quality surround sound. Connect the ports marked ARC or eARC on both devices and enable their audio-return settings.

HDR: more detail in light and dark scenes

High Dynamic Range (HDR) can show more detail in both bright and dark scenes. Your video, player and TV must support the same HDR format. Dynamic HDR can adjust the picture settings from one scene to the next.

Gaming: smoother play and less delay

  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Helps keep gameplay smooth when a game's frame rate changes.
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Can switch your TV into Game Mode automatically.
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Can reduce the delay between your device and the screen.

These features only work when the connected devices support them.

CEC: control devices with one remote

Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) lets compatible HDMI devices share simple commands. For example, your TV remote may turn on a player or adjust soundbar volume. Look for HDMI-CEC in the device settings; manufacturers sometimes use different names.

02 / Cables & standards

Choose the right HDMI cable

HDMI

Cable categories tell you how much video data a cable can carry. The speed is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps): higher numbers allow more data. HDMI versions describe possible device features, not promises about every device.

Interactive HDMI cable finder

Match cables to your setup

Choose your connection, video format, minimum length and cable type. Select from left to right to see compatible products.

Choose your connection to start.

Explore all HDMI cables

HDMI cable speed categories

Compare the four speed ratings below to see which cable categories suit everyday viewing, 4K gaming and newer high-bandwidth equipment.

10.2 Gbps

High Speed HDMI

A good fit for Full HD and many 4K at 30 Hz setups.

18 Gbps

Premium High Speed

A common choice for TVs and monitors running 4K at 60 Hz.

48 Gbps

Ultra High Speed

For compatible gaming and high-resolution setups, including 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz.

96 Gbps

Ultra96 HDMI

For newer equipment that needs more than 48 Gbps. Not necessary for most existing 4K setups.

Older Standard HDMI cables were designed for 720p and 1080i. For higher resolutions, check the cable rating and both devices.

HDMI versions at a glance

These are milestones in the HDMI standard, not cable names. You do not need the newest version unless your devices use its features.

HDMI 1.0

Up to 4.95 Gbps

Introduced digital picture and sound through one cable.

HDMI 1.1

Up to 4.95 Gbps

Added support for DVD-Audio.

HDMI 1.2

Up to 4.95 Gbps

Added Direct Stream Digital (DSD), an audio format used by Super Audio CDs.

HDMI 1.3

Up to 10.2 Gbps

Made room for richer colours and advanced audio formats.

HDMI 1.4

Up to 10.2 Gbps

Introduced features such as 4K at 30 Hz, 3D and ARC.

HDMI 2.0

Up to 18 Gbps

Added enough bandwidth for common 4K at 60 Hz formats.

HDMI 2.1

Up to 48 Gbps

Added support for higher-refresh 4K, 8K and more gaming features.

HDMI 2.2

Up to 96 Gbps

Offers more bandwidth for demanding new displays and applications.

Good to know: A version number does not mean every feature is present. Compare the actual specifications of your source, TV and any equipment between them. Ultra96-labelled devices can support maximum rates of 64, 80 or 96 Gbps.

HDMI feature overview

Compare HDMI cable categories and their typical feature capabilities. On smaller screens, scroll sideways to view the full comparison.

Feature support depends on the full setup, including the source device, display, intermediate equipment and signal format. A cable alone does not guarantee that a specific feature will work.

Feature / capability Standard HDMI Standard HDMI High Speed HDMI High Speed HDMI High Speed HDMI with Ethernet High Speed HDMI with Ethernet Premium High Speed HDMI Premium High Speed HDMI Ultra High Speed HDMI Ultra High Speed HDMI
sRGB ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
DVD-Audio support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Super Audio CD (DSD) support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Deep Colour ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Automatic audio/video lip-sync ✓ ✓ ✓
Dolby TrueHD ✓ ✓ ✓
Bitstream audio support ✓ ✓ ✓
Updated CEC commands ✓ ✓ ✓
3D over HDMI ✓ ✓ ✓
HDMI Ethernet Channel ✓ ✓ ✓
Audio Return Channel (ARC) ✓ ✓ ✓
4K resolution supported ✓ ✓ ✓
4K at 50/60 Hz (3840 x 2160p, 60 Hz) ✓ ✓
4K 3D support ✓ ✓
32-channel audio support ✓ ✓
1536 kHz audio support ✓ ✓
1080p 3D high-frame-rate support ✓ ✓
21:9 CinemaScope support ✓ ✓
Multi-stream audio and video support ✓ ✓
18 Gbps ✓ ✓
High Dynamic Range (HDR) ✓ ✓
Colour space ✓
ITU-R BT.2020 ✓
Dynamic synchronisation of multi-stream audio & video ✓
Dynamic HDR (HDR Dynamic Metadata) ✓
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) ✓
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ✓
Quick Media Switching (QMS) ✓
Quick Frame Transport (QFT) ✓
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ✓
Display Stream Compression (DSC) ✓
48 Gbps ✓
4K resolution at 120 Hz ✓
8K resolution at 60 Hz ✓
8K 3D support ✓

Cable examples from our range

Ultra High Speed
PART NO. 355933

Ultra High Speed

48 Gbps · supported 4K at 120 Hz / 8K at 60 Hz

View product
Premium High Speed
PART NO. 355346

Premium High Speed

18 Gbps · supported 4K at 60 Hz

View product
03 / Adapters & USB-C

Connect your device to HDMI

First check which video connection your device has. USB Type-C (USB-C) and DisplayPort are different connectors and need suitable HDMI adapters .

A smartphone sharing its screen with an HDMI TV using a USB-C to HDMI cable USB-C source → HDMI display
Shown with cable 151764. Requires USB-C video output (DisplayPort Alternate Mode); up to 4K at 30 Hz.

Can your USB-C port send video?

Not every USB-C port can send video. For this cable to work, your device needs DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) — a function that lets the USB-C port carry a picture to a screen.

USB-C device HDMI adapter HDMI display
  • Check your exact device: look for DP Alt Mode or video-out support in the device specifications.
  • Match the video format: the adapter cable must support the resolution and refresh rate you want.

Compatible docking stations can add HDMI, USB and charging.

How to recognize video-capable USB-C ports

Guide to USB-C port markings: SuperSpeed USB and charging symbols do not confirm video support; DisplayPort Alt Mode and Thunderbolt 3/4 indicate video output capability. Green check marks indicate supported video output, while orange question marks mean that the markings alone do not confirm support.
Port markings vary between manufacturers. A USB-C port without a video symbol may still support video output. Check the specifications for your exact device if you are unsure. Select the image to view it larger.

DisplayPort: active or passive?

A passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter works only when your computer supports dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++). An active adapter converts the DisplayPort signal itself and can work with sources without DP++, provided its other specifications match.

Check the direction: this example goes from a DP++ computer to an HDMI screen, not the other way around. It supports up to Full HD at 60 Hz.

1080p Passive DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
PART NO. 151634

Passive DisplayPort to HDMI

Requires DP++ output · up to 1080p at 60 Hz

View product
HDMI plugs and other conversions
Type A · Standard HDMI Type C · Mini HDMI Type D · Micro HDMI
  • DVI / VGA: Digital Visual Interface (DVI) can carry a compatible digital picture through an HDMI adapter, usually without sound. Video Graphics Array (VGA) is an older analogue connection and needs an active converter.
  • USB-A displays: USB Type-A (USB-A) is the familiar rectangular USB connection. Connecting a screen this way usually needs a USB graphics adapter and may require a driver.
04 / Splitters & switches

Choose what appears on each screen

Want the same picture on several TVs, or different devices on different screens? Choose the right type of HDMI distribution device.

The pictured eight-output splitter can show the same video on up to eight screens, for example at a reception desk or event.

If you are using screens with different resolutions, look for a splitter with suitable downscaling. Check the supported video format on the exact product.

Complete your screen setup with our TV mounts and monitor mounts . Leave enough HDMI cable slack for tilt, swivel or height adjustment.

Manhattan 4K at 60 Hz eight-port HDMI splitter showing eight displays

1. Splitter

Same picture on every screen
Example: one media player shows the same video on three TVs.

2. Switch

Choose one device for one screen
Example: select a console, laptop or TV box for your TV.

3. Matrix

Choose a device for each screen
Example: a laptop on TV 1 and a media player on TV 2, independently.

4. Multiviewer

See several pictures on one screen
Example: four devices appear together in four windows on one TV.

Routing examples from our range

1080p two-port HDMI splitter
PART NO. 207652

1080p 2-port HDMI splitter

One source on two displays · up to 1080p · USB powered

View product
1080p HDMI over IP extender splitter kit
PART NO. 207959

HDMI over IP extender splitter kit

Full HD · sends video over Cat6 or a compatible data network (IP = Internet Protocol) · extra receivers can serve more screens

View product
Why do screens sometimes show different results?
  • Extended Display Identification Data (EDID): is the list of picture settings a screen tells your computer or player it can display. With different screens, the source may choose a setting they all support.
  • High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP): is copy protection used by some streaming services. If one device in the connection cannot handle it, the video may stay black.
05 / Distance & wireless

A longer cable run or a wireless connection?

For a long, permanent connection, a wired extender may be the better choice. For meetings and occasional screen sharing, a wireless kit can keep the room tidy.

Wired HDMI extension

A matched transmitter and receiver can carry the picture between rooms over a Category 6 (Cat6) network cable. Check the extender's maximum distance before installing it.

Need a Cat6 cable for your setup? Explore Intellinet network patch cables for Cat6 and Category 6A (Cat6a) options. Check your extender's cable requirements and maximum distance before choosing.
  • Match the run: check the model's cable category, maximum length and supported video format.
  • Connect both ends: source to transmitter; receiver to display. Follow the power requirements.
Compact HDMI extender kit
PART NO. 207539

Compact HDMI extender kit

Up to 60 m over one Cat6 cable · 1080p at 60 Hz

View product

Wireless HDMI presentation

Share a presentation on a TV or projector without running a long HDMI cable across the room.

Wireless HDMI presentation in a conference room using two USB-C transmitters
  • Simple setup: No app, driver or existing Wi-Fi network is needed. Connect the receiver to your display and start sharing.
  • Check your USB-C port: Your laptop, tablet or phone must support video output via DisplayPort Alt Mode. Not every USB-C port does.
  • Share from two devices: Two USB-C transmitters are included, so presenters can switch which device appears on the screen.
  • Picture quality and distance: Up to Full HD (1080p at 60 Hz) and 30 m wireless range in suitable conditions. Walls and interference can reduce the range.
Wireless presentation kit
PART NO. 154598

Wireless presentation kit

1080p system · two USB-C transmitters

View product
A Cat cable does not always mean a network connection. Most transmitter-and-receiver kits need a direct Cat cable between them. Use a network switch only if the HDMI extender explicitly supports HDMI over IP (network transmission).
Other options for longer cable runs

Active optical HDMI cables are worth considering for longer distances. Follow the marked Source and Display ends and the product's bend limits. If you use a soundbar, also check ARC/eARC support.

HDMI repeaters can help extend a conventional HDMI connection. Check the supported distance and power requirements for the exact model.

Wireless kit: connection overview

Connection overview of compatible USB-C source devices and an HDMI display receiver

How the wireless connection works

The upper illustration shows the device sending the picture. The lower illustration shows the receiver connected to the screen.

  • USB-C transmitter: plugs into a compatible USB-C video output.
  • Wireless link: sends picture and sound at up to 1080p.
  • HDMI receiver: plugs into the display. Its USB-A lead supplies extra power when needed.

This kit needs no additional app or driver on supported devices. See the USB-C explanation above to check whether your source supports video output.

06 / Help & FAQs

HDMI help and FAQs

Not sure what to buy, or having trouble with a connection? Start with the questions below. For fault-finding, test the source directly on the display with a short, suitably rated HDMI cable before adding other devices.

Choosing the right setup

Which HDMI cable do I need for 4K at 60 Hz or 120 Hz?
For most 4K at 60 Hz connections, a Premium High Speed cable is a suitable choice. For supported 4K at 120 Hz gaming setups, look for a certified Ultra High Speed cable. Your TV and source must also support the chosen mode. Use the cable finder to narrow down the options.
Does a more expensive HDMI cable improve picture quality?
Not when a suitable cable is already carrying the picture correctly. Choose a cable with the required rating, length and connectors rather than paying more for a higher number alone.
Can I use a long HDMI cable?
Yes, but the maximum reliable length depends on the cable and video format. Check the product's tested specifications. For longer runs, consider an active optical cable or an HDMI extender.
What does “with Ethernet” mean on an HDMI cable?
It refers to the optional HDMI Ethernet Channel. It does not automatically give your TV an internet connection: both connected devices must support that function.
Can a splitter show different pictures on two screens?
A normal HDMI splitter shows the same picture on each screen. For independent pictures, you need separate video outputs or another suitable device. See the splitter, switch and matrix examples.
What should I check before buying a USB-C-to-HDMI cable?
Check that your particular device supports video output through USB-C, and that the cable supports your display's resolution. See the USB-C compatibility explanation.
What are Mini HDMI and Micro HDMI connectors?
They are smaller HDMI plugs, often found on cameras and compact devices. Check the size of both sockets before buying. The connector shape alone does not determine which video formats your device supports.
Can I connect a soundbar through HDMI?
Yes, if your TV and soundbar have compatible ARC or eARC ports. Use those marked ports and enable the sound-output setting on the TV. The sound and gaming explanation shows the connection.

Troubleshooting

My screen says “No signal”. What can I do?
Check: Is the correct HDMI input selected? Are the cable and any adapter fully connected and powered?
Try: Connect the source directly to the screen and set it to 1080p at 60 Hz. Add any adapter or switch back one at a time.
4K at 60 Hz works, but 120 Hz does not.
Check: Do the source, TV input and every adapter or switch support 4K at 120 Hz? Is the cable suitably rated?
Try: Use the TV's correct high-bandwidth input and test directly with a certified Ultra High Speed cable.
The picture flickers or keeps disappearing.
Check: Loose connectors, cable damage or an HDMI run that is too long for the chosen format.
Try: Reseat both ends and test with a shorter rated cable. If that works, check your original cable and any intermediate device.
I have a picture but no sound.
Check: Is HDMI selected as the audio output on the source? Is the TV or receiver muted?
Try: Try plain stereo sound (PCM, Pulse-Code Modulation) to rule out unsupported surround-sound formats. If using a soundbar, also check its ARC/eARC connection and settings.
The desktop works, but streaming video stays black.
Check: The streaming service may require HDCP copy protection across the whole connection.
Try: Test the streaming device directly with the TV, then reconnect the switch, splitter or extender. All devices in the path must support the required HDCP version.
Both monitors show the same picture instead of extending my desktop.
Check: Are you using a splitter, which duplicates one video signal, or separate display outputs?
Try: Select “Extend” in your computer's display settings and use two suitable video outputs or a compatible multi-display docking station.
My soundbar isn't receiving sound through ARC or eARC.
Check: Are both cables connected to the ports marked ARC/eARC? Is the TV's audio output set to HDMI ARC/eARC?
Try: Enable the appropriate HDMI control and audio-return settings, restart both devices and test a basic audio format.
My USB-C-to-HDMI cable works with one device but not another.
Check: Does the other device support video output through USB-C (DP Alt Mode)?
Try: Connect the cable directly, test a basic 1080p output and check the device's video-output specifications.