HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most common cable for carrying both picture and sound from a source (PC, laptop, TV box, console) to a display in a single connection. It's the reason a TV can get both image and audio from one cable.
What the version means
HDMI comes in versions, and the higher one supports more:
- HDMI 1.4 — fine for 1080p.
- HDMI 2.0 — supports 4K at 60 Hz, the sweet spot for most TVs.
- HDMI 2.1 — the newest; supports 4K at 120 Hz and 8K, for high-end gaming and displays.
HDMI vs DisplayPort
- HDMI — universal, carries audio, standard for TVs and consoles.
- DisplayPort (DP) — common on PCs, the go-to for high refresh-rate monitors and multi-monitor setups.
Do you need a specific one?
For connecting a PC or laptop to a TV, a good HDMI 2.0 cable is enough for 4K. If you're running a high-refresh gaming monitor, check it supports the resolution and refresh you want — a cheap old HDMI cable is a common reason a "4K 120 Hz" monitor won't reach its top spec.
One cable, two jobs (picture + sound). If your picture works but there's no audio, it's often a source setting or a cable that doesn't carry audio.