HDMI Cable Version

HDMI 1.0

This HDMI cabling version was introduced in December 2002 and has the capacity for the connection of a digital video signal with a two-channel audio signal via the single cable.

HDMI 1.1

As previously mentioned, each successive type of HDMI cabling offers the same capabilities as the preceding version. However, new functions are added each time. Introduced in May 2004, the HDMI 1.1 cable offers the capacity for the transfer of Dolby Digital, DTS, and DVD surround signals, in addition to up to 7.1 channels of PCM audio.

HDMI 1.2

This cabling version was introduced in August 2005 and offers the capacity for the transfer of SACD audio signals in a digital format from the compatible player to a receiver.

HDMI 1.3

Introduced in June 2006, this cabling variety enables the projection of deep colour and enhanced support for the xvYCC colour space. HDMI 1.3 allows for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio output. It offers support for increased bandwidth and transfer speed, expanded screen resolution, and lip-syncing. This cabling version also features a mini-connector, suitable for a variety of compact digital devices.

HDMI 1.4

This cabling variety came to market in 2009. It offers support for the HDMI Ethernet and Audio return channels with enhanced digital connectivity and the effective transfer of audio. HDMI 1.4 also enables compatibility with 3D Blu-ray Disc standard and video projection in 4K resolution.

HDMI 2.0

Also referred to as HDMI UHD, this cabling variety was released in September 2013.

HDMI 2.0a

This cabling version was released in April 2015. It added support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video with static metadata.

HDMI 2.0b

Introduced in March 2016, this cabling variety initially supported the same HDR10 standard as HDMI 2.0a. However, in December 2016, support was added for HDR video transport with extended static metadata.

Key features of HDMI 2.0:

• Enhanced bandwidth capacity of 18.0 Gbit/s
• Support for the Rec.2020 colour space
• Up to 32 audio channels
• Dual video streams for multiple users on the same screen

HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.1 arrived in 2017. This updated HDMI cabling provides support for higher resolutions and refresh rates such as 4K 120Hz and 8K 120Hz.

Other types of support provided by HDMI 2.1 include:

• Enhanced colour: projection of wide colour gamut at 10, 12, and 16 bits
• Expanded HDR: support for HDR versions subsequent to Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma
• Audio: enhanced support for object-based audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Gaming: enhanced support for the variable refresh rate and improved rendering of 3D graphics for more fluid and detailed gameplay
• Cabling: increased bandwidth capacity of up to 48 Gbps

HDMI Cable Version Comparison