HDMI 2.0 Max Refresh Rate & Resolution [Max 240Hz]

As you undoubtedly already know, many HDMI cable models have different bandwidth capacities. Some HDMI cables only accept the older standard cables, while others support the newer 2.0 and even 2.1 cables with VR integration.

If you're reading this, you may want to know what that means for your setup. Keep reading to learn everything you need about HDMI 2.0's maximum refresh rate and resolution!

However, let's learn a little about HDMI technology and its revolution before starting.

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HDMI 2.0 Max Refresh Rate & Resolution

A hardware standard called High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 2.0 was created to satisfy the higher bandwidth requirements of 4K Ultra HD screens. 4K displays require more sound and visual data to be transmitted over the HDMI line since they appear to have a higher resolution than earlier technology.

Let's now look at the main specifications of HDMI 2.0:

You can get up to 18 Gbps of bandwidth with HDMI 2.0.
Using 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling, HDMI 2.0 provides 4K video transmission at 60 Hz.
It simultaneously transmits four video streams, giving users a rich audio experience.
Up to 32 audio channels are available for a rich and compelling audio experience.
1536 kHz high-quality audio samples are supported.
Dual video feeds can be received simultaneously by multiple users on the same monitor.
Multi-stream audio can be delivered to multiple users at once. A single control point may be used to manage consumer gadgets.
It is compatible with the wide-angle 21:9 theatrical aspect ratio.

So that's all there is to know about HDMI 2.0's technical specifications.

Here is a quick comparison between HDMI 2.0 and the other HDMI cable versions.

The Different Versions of HDMI

HDMI is more than just a collection of connections, ports, and wires. Similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards, it is a set of guidelines that controls how different consumer audio and video electronic devices are connected.

To guarantee uniform connection, device manufacturers are expected to follow certain standards developed by a group of brands.

The HDMI system must be upgraded regularly to stay up with modern computers, video game consoles, TVs, monitors, and media playback devices, which frequently advance swiftly in reaction to technology advancements & changes in user behavior. These upgrades, disseminated as HDMI standard revisions, can be recognized by an alphanumeric sequence of changes.

There are five different HDMI port standards, ranging from version 1.0 to version 2.1, the most recent version. The quality and resolution of the available video streams vary between them.

The various HDMI iterations are as follows;

HDMI 1.0
HDMI 1.1/1.2
HDMI 1.3/1.4
HDMI 2.0/HDMI 2.0a
HDMI 2.1

Can HDMI Support 144 Hz?

Yes, of course! A 144Hz HDMI cable will deliver the same quality and bandwidth, whether attached to an HDMI 1.3, 1.4, 2.0, or 2.1 HDMI port.

Comparison between Different HDMI Versions and Their Refresh Rate

HDMI Versions	Max Refresh Rate & Higher Resolution Support	Max Bandwidth	HDR Support	Audio Channels	Launch Year
HDMI 1.0	1080p@60Hz	4.95 Gb/s	No	8 channels	2002
HDMI 1.1/1.2	1440p@30Hz	4.95 Gb/s	No	DSD/SACD, DVD-Audio	2005
HDMI 1.3/1.4	1920×1080@120Hz, 4K@30Hz	10.2 Gb/s	No	DTS-HD, ARC, Dolby TrueHD	2009
HDMI 2.0	1920×1080@240Hz, 2560×1440@120Hz, 4K@60 Hz	18 Gb/s	Yes	32 Audio Channels, HE-AAC, DRA	2013
HDMI 2.1	8K@60 Hz, 4K@120 Hz, 2560×1440@240Hz,	48 Gb/s	Yes, Dynamic HDR	eARC	2017

Therefore, HDMI 2.0 is perfect and generally accepted for everyday jobs, but HDMI 2.1 is best for more sophisticated use cases.

What Information Should I Have Before I Buy an HDMI 2.0 Cable?

When purchasing a new HDMI 2.0 cable in the face of the abundance of fake and subpar cables available, be careful to keep the following information in mind:

Ensure the Maximum Frame Rate & Premium Certification

Ensure the cable you choose is always Premium Certified, capable of handling 4K/60 Hz, or has an 18Gbps speed rating if you want to obtain the best output. Additionally, it would be advantageous if it came with a solid warranty, which many Amazon sellers do.

Re-evaluate the cable version.

Versions do indeed matter. If you want to watch HDR content, your TV and 4K Blu-ray player need HDMI 2.0, despite what your service provider may tell you. So, resist peer pressure and get version 2.0 of the HDMI cable you need.

Focus on the cable length.

You should be okay if the pipe is "large" enough. Because a short cable will prevent you from establishing the connection, assume your primary device is 20 feet from your output device. You will need to purchase a cable with a 20-foot length in such a situation.

These are considerations you need to make when purchasing a new HDMI 2.0 cable.

When Is HDMI 2.1 Appropriate?

You only need the most recent HDMI 2.1 if your device supports 8K or if you want HDMI with 4K at rates faster than 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 is a high-speed HDMI. For consoles, this is accurate. However, using the similarly commonly available DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 on a PC will yield mediocre performance.

Therefore, you shouldn't panic about using HDMI 2.1 and immediately buy it. The best course of action is to get in touch with the company that makes your display to find out if it is compatible with HDMI 2.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is 240 Hz Supportable on HDMI 2.0?

Yes, HDMI 2.0 supports 1080p resolution at up to 240 Hz; additionally, it supports 60 Hz for 4K resolution and 144 Hz for 1440p resolution. However, if you require a higher refresh rate in 4K, you must utilize HDMI 2.1 connections, which offer refresh rates of up to 120 Hz in 4K and 60 Hz in 8K resolution.

Q. HDMI 2.1 and 2.0: Are They the Same?

They are not the same. Uncompressed video resolutions up to 10K or 8K can be provided via HDMI 2.1, but HDMI 2.0 can only support 4K. Images will be sharper and more detailed when you use an HDMI 2.1 connection, but only if your television, video player, and media player are all capable of higher resolutions.

Q. Is PS5 compatible with HDMI 2.0?

Yes, PS5 would work with HDMI 2.0. If your TV supports it, you won't have any trouble playing PS5 games in superb quality and at 60 or 120 frames per second because modern Full HD (1080p) TVs and displays often have an HDMI 2.0 connector. To achieve a better audio-video output, getting an HDMI 2.1 connection would be good if your TV supports it.

Final Thoughts

The majority of modern TVs and monitors include HDMI 2.0 ports. Therefore, it is true that HDMI 2.0 has undergone a more significant modification than its predecessors.

You may effortlessly enjoy external monitors with up to 4K resolution via HDMI 2.0. The maximum frame rate for HDMI 2.0 is 60Hz for 4K videos, giving you a fantastic media experience for daily enjoyment.

But you can use the high-speed HDMI 2.1 connection to play 8K videos with a higher frame rate and color depth. However, confirm that your device supports the most recent HDMI 2.1.