How To Tell If HDMI Cable Is 4k: Know in Details

Do you know that you can’t tell the difference between a normal HDMI cable and a 4K one just by looking at the bare cord? That is right. All HDMI cable looks the same. So, how to tell if HDMI cable is 4K?

Doing some performance test or reading the labels on the packaging, one can be assured that an HDMI cable is capable of carrying 4K data packets.

Now, that leads to some more questions about these high-speed HDMI cables. In this article, I have answered all of them. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Does Every HDMI Cable Support 4K Ultra HD?

Not at all. In 2002 HDMI cable version 1.0 was invented, which does not support 4k Ultra HD. After that, version 1.3 was invented, which can deliver 4K videos depending on the cable quality. Version 1.4 is 4k supported but not guaranteed. In 2013 version 2.0 was released, known for high-speed HDMI cable-supported 4k ultra HD with a guarantee.

So, it is necessary to know which cable you should use for your TV before switching to a 4k ultra HD supported TV. Nowadays, most cable supports 4k. And an ultra high speed HDMI can do even more.

How To Tell If HDMI Cable Is 4k?

Some earlier cables can’t transmit HDR (High Dynamic Range) data. So, you have to be careful about that. If you use that backdated cable, then 4k content won’t be passed on your TV screen or A/V receiver. So, it is very important to know how to tell if the HDMI cable is 4k.

There are some issues you should know about 4k supported cables before purchase. There are two types of cables; one is an ethernet cable, and another is a non-ethernet cable.

High-speed HDMI cables also come in ethernet and non-ethernet versions. Some tech enthusiasts wonder, when were HDMI cables invented or when was HDMI invented?

The first 4k supported categorized cable was invented in December 2002, which was the standard HDMI cable version of 1.1. This version added ethernet activity, audio return channel (HDMI ARC), and 3D capabilities. HDMI license is provided by the HDMI licensing administration.

Version 2.1 is the latest version of this cable with amazing HDMI cable speed. Also, the latest ones are expensive HDMI cables supporting beyond 4K video or 4K content.

The main difference from version 1.4 is its bandwidth and capability to present a wider variety of colors. The HDMI specification of this version qualified to have a bandwidth of 18 Gigabits per second, delivering 4k resolution at 60 fps (Frames Per Second).

Most of the 4k videos run with a refresh rate of 24 to 30 Hz but nowadays, the 60 fps frame rate is very popular. Even YouTube started hosting 4k videos at a 60 fps frame rate. 60 fps is usually used by a gamer who is playing video games in 4k resolution.

The Premium HDMI cable purchased after 2009 is 4k supported, but there are some quality issues. Some organizations produce low-quality products to sell at a high price, like standard 4k supported cables.

You should not have any confusion about if HDMI cables or HDMI port support 4k or not. Because every 4k supported cable is labelled with the “HDMI High Speed” logo. Sometimes the cable itself does not carry this logo. If you want to be 100% sure, you have to purchase a new cable with explicit HDMI High-Speed support.

When To Reuse An HDMI Cable You Already Own?

If you already own a cable, the first step you should do is check if it is labeled “High Speed,” “Premium High Speed HDMI,” or “Ultra High Speed” HDMI connector or not.

If you couldn’t find any label or logo on the cord, you should find any kind of manufacturer number which can tell you if it is 4k supported or not. If that doesn’t work, there is another method-plug in your cable into the TV or A/V receiver.

If you get stable video quality without any interruption, then you are good to go with your existing cable. But I recommend you to go with the first method; plugin and checking would be a disturbance depending on your supported HDMI device.

When To Buy A New HDMI Cable For Your 4K TV?

If you have purchased a new 4k HDR supported tv and don’t have an active HDMI cable, you need to buy a new cable. To buy a new cable, you should be careful about low-quality cables.

Some cable manufacturers provide fake/low-quality cables to make more profit, which will not deliver good video quality. So, to buy a new HDMI cable for your 4k TV, a trusted shop would be recommended.

I have seen some people are curious about sky HDMI cables; whether they are different. An eligible sky HDMI cable 4K is a high speed HDMI cord having the standards of version 2.0 or higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a good HDMI cable tester?

MS-TestPro HDMI module is very popular for checking an active cable for HDMI signal. High speed cable with an HDMI connection can be tested easily.

Can HDMI 2 support add Atmos to 4k?

Yes, HDMI version 2.0 support add Atmos to 4k. And the statement is true for an optical HDMI cable.

Do you need a sky HDMI cable to work a 4K tv with the skybox?

Yes, to work a 4K tv with the skybox, a sky HDMI cable is needed.

What is the best place to buy HDMI cable for 4k TV?

I think Amazon is the best place because they are providing their own manufactured cable, “AmazonBasics.”

How long can HDMI cable be run?

Without using a repeater, a high speed HDMI cable can run up to 50 feet.

Conclusion

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and those are the procedure on how to recognize an HDMI cable supports 4k or not. Without a High-Speed HDMI cable, your 4k UHD TV or media player won’t deliver smooth picture quality. To utilize its advantage, we must check if the cable is 4k supported or not.

There are several ways How To Tell If HDMI Cable Is 4k. Some eminent ways have been described above, which can help you to comprehend genuine cable. I hope you have found what you are searching for.

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