Does it matter which HDMI port you use on your TV? Short answer: Yes

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Not all HDMI ports support the same features.
• Use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Series X gaming and ARC/eARC for soundbars.
• Plugging into the wrong port works, but it may result in reduced performance.

Most newer TVs come with three or four HDMI ports, and on the surface, they all look identical. 

They all have the same shape and work with the same HDMI cable, but not every port supports the same features. Choosing the wrong one can leave your PS5 stuck at 60Hz, your soundbar silent, or your PC unable to output at a high refresh rate. 

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The good news is it's easy to learn what each HDMI port does and how to match your devices to the right one.

HDMI port types explained

All HDMI ports can carry video and audio, but they support different bandwidth levels, which determine the devices you should use with them. If you happen to plug into the wrong HDMI port, nothing will break, but you will not get full performance or sound.

For example, an HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and ARC audio, making it good for streaming media players and cable boxes. Meanwhile, an HDMI 2.1 port supports 4K at 120Hz (or 8K at 60Hz), VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which is great for next-generation consoles like the PS5. HDMI 2.1 can sometimes reach 4K at 240Hz with Display Stream Compression (DSC).

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Then there is usually an ARC / eARC port, or audio return channel. It looks like an HDMI port, but it can send audio back out to a soundbar or AV receiver. ARC supports standard Dolby Digital 5.1, while eARC supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

How to tell apart your HDMI ports

Your TV likely has labeled HDMI ports, so take a look at the back to see for yourself. 

Usually, they're called HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and HDMI 3, and then you'll see ARC or eARC. Some manufacturers print descriptions under the labels. You might see an HDMI 2.1 port described as 4K120, VRR, Game, or Enhanced, or it might even say the exact resolution and frame rate it supports. If there's no description for an HDMI port, assume it's standard HDMI 2.0 — except the one showing ARC.

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My advice is to see if there are descriptions next to the ports. You can also refer to your TV's user manual for more information. Almost all TVs released in the last two decades have HDMI ports and ARC support, while HDMI 2.1 and eARC have become more common since 2017. 

Which HDMI port should I use?

OK, so let's say you have a device you need to plug into your TV, whether it's a soundbar, a PC, a Blu-ray player, or something else. Look at the back of your TV to locate its HDMI ports, and then determine whether they're HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, and which one supports ARC or eARC. Again, see if there are descriptions next to the ports or refer to your TV's user manual.

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Once you know what your TV supports, it's time to pair each device with the right port. Use the guide below.

Is there a typical port layout I can follow?

Yes. Most TVs have three or four HDMI ports, with a typical layout that you can follow, but it's still a good idea to check your ports to ensure compatibility.

For example, older Samsung models typically have only one HDMI 2.1 port (often labeled as HDMI 3 or 4), whereas newer models include more. 

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On LG TVs, especially newer OLED models, you'll typically find multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony usually reserves HDMI 3 and 4 for HDMI 2.1. TCL limits HDMI 2.1 to mid- to high-tier models, as do Panasonic and Hisense (the U7 and U8 have two HDMI 2.1 ports). Vizio also limits HDMI 2.1 ports to high-end models, such as the P-Series and OLED sets.

Philips gives its newer OLEDs two to four HDMI 2.1 ports. As for Sharp, most of its ports are standard HDMI. 

• HDMI 1: Streaming stick or Blu-ray
• HDMI 2 (usually HDMI 2.1): Gaming console
• HDMI 3 (usually HDMI 2.1 or ARC/eARC): Soundbar
• HDMI 4 (usually HDMI 2.1): Secondary device or PC

If your TV has only one HDMI 2.1 port, make that the one for your primary gaming device.