HDMI 1.4 Vs 2.0: What is The Major Difference

November 08, 2021 4 min read 1 Comment

HDMI 1.4 Vs 2.0 which is better, sustaining continuous image, video, and audio results. With the introduction of HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 and now 2.1, the tech industry seems fighting hard to provide you with a human-eye experience on screens.

This transition is so swifts that sometimes, the new trend emerges before time, leaving you to use adapters to stay relevant with technology. To let you walk with HDMI technology, we have done research to help you compare HDMI 1.4 and 2.0. And some quick and easy methods to connect USB-c port with HDMI (without compromising video, audio quality). This will help you decide which chord and device you should get in 2022 to catch the trend.

HDMI 1.4 Vs 2.0: Getting to know of Standardized Units and Terms

HDMI 1.4 VS 2.0: GETTING TO KNOW OF STANDARDIZED UNITS AND TERMS

Picture source: unsplash

It’s crucial to explain a few basic units which will familiarize you with HDMI 1.4 as well as 2.0 in the simplest way.

1. Resolution

The number of pixels (dots) that make up the image on your television is known as resolution. The greater the number of dots in the picture displayed on the screen, the higher will be its quality.

2. Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of your display refers to how many times it can draw a new image each second. Its unit of measurement is (Hz). If your display has a refresh rate of 144Hz, for example, the image is refreshed 144 times per second.

The tangible difference is that 4k@60Hz would support sources with a frame rate of up to 60 FPS, such as video games, or a 60fps 4k broadcast, such as sports or racing. The unmentioned difference is that 4k@30Hz requires HDMI 1.4, which means no HDR.

Don’t scratch your head, the science of Frame Rate is simplified below.

3. Frames Per Second (FPS)

Measure the total number of images you are seeing each second. For example, 24 FPS means you are seeing 24 images in a second, giving an illusion of motion.

4. Full High Definition FHD

It’s commonly known as 1080p (4K TVs are killing 1080p FHD).

5. Bandwidth

The Maximum number of data transfers over a digital medium.

HDMI 1.4 Vs 2.0: Which supports 4K Without Disturbing Quality?

Massive updates were made in HDMI 1.4. With a bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps, it set the stage for 4 K video delivery. When it comes to HDMI 2.0, it too can transmit 4k videos. Its ability to transfer data (essentially video audio) at the rate of 18 Gbps provides 4k video at 50 and 60 FPS.

This establishes 2 facts. Firstly, while HDMI 1.4 supports 4k video, it deteriorates quality. Secondly, HDMI 2.0 besides supporting 4 k video boosts its sharpness and clarity.

Just as important as the higher frame rates Ultra HD 4K, which HDMI 2.0 enables, the extra bandwidth also means HDMI is able to transport 4K video at 10-bit and 12-bit color depths. With HDMI 1.4 it was limited to 8-bit.

HDMI 1.4 Vs HDMI 2.0: Figuring Out the Deep Color HDMI (8-bit and 12- bit)

When it comes to giving life to images or videos, enhanced FPS, Bandwidth, and resolutions are not enough. Coupled with these elements you need Color Depth. It adds oxygen to your display, compelling you to live, not just watch the video.

Before we describe the color depth of HDMI 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, take a look at the following picture.

Picture source: Photo.stackexchange

This picture is a rough estimate of how color depth plays with the display quality.

Let’s learn how it works.

So, what is the difference between 8-bit,10-bit, and12-bit? It denotes how much information goes into each pixel’s color. If you've ever looked into buying a screen of any kind, you may have learned about 8-bit color, which yields a color palette of 16.7 million colors. Similarly, 12-bit processes 68.7 billion color palette.

Color depth also brings forth another notable factor related to the display quality and length of the chord. Or do larger-length cables distort pixels and cause troubling sound/audio?

Does High-Quality HDMI Cable Impact Quality?

There is a myth that a $100 cable provides improved quality than $10. It’s unbelievable and needs correction. So long as a cable is manufactured following specifications, it will give good results. But that doesn’t mean you hurry for inexpensive cables. You must sort out first-class and trusted companies that enforce rigid quality checks.

However, it is noticed the increase in length decreases data transmission quality. You should not opt for an HDMI cable more than 20m in length. A cord of this length easily manages signal transmission.

The problem arises when you use a poor-quality medium for signal transmission. Hence you should avoid unnecessary cable interruptions and use one single cable to actually receive HD resolution.

Here is the ultimate solution.

CAN YOU CONNECT YOUR USB-C LAPTOP, PC, TABLET, OR MOBILE WITH AN HDMI PORT?

To connect Pc, laptop to Tv, Plug HDMI cable into the port on the device. But what if your device (laptop) doesn’t have an HDMI port --supports USB-C or thunderbolt. It’s still possible to connect.

You simply need an adapter-- all set to play video, watch movies, or use the extended display on multimedia.

There is another hack available to connect the USB-C port with HDMI. Instead of getting an additional adapter in your messy cable pouch, use USB C to HDMI cable. Tap on the link.

This one single cable works best for the majority of the latest devices. Not only that, it’s made with double braided rigid material. Uni’s Cable transfer and supports 4K (4000 pixels) with a speed of 60 Hz. Compatible with HDMI-equipped TVs/Monitors/Projectors for both video and audio transfer. Get an inexpensive, yet fully frictionless chord. Available in various lengths of 3, 6,10, and 15 ft.