Cables and connections
HDMI 2.1
The HDMI specification with 48 Gbps of bandwidth, enabling 4K at 120 Hz, 8K, VRR, ALLM, and eARC over a single cable.
HDMI 2.1 raised link bandwidth from the 18 Gbps of HDMI 2.0 to 48 Gbps. The extra bandwidth carries 4K at 120 frames per second with full chroma and 10 or 12-bit color, and 8K at 60 Hz with compression.
The features that matter at home ride on that base: VRR for tear-free gaming, ALLM for automatic game mode, and eARC for lossless audio return. A receiver or display lacking the full spec on its inputs bottlenecks a modern console.
Ports are marketed by feature, not version, so check for '4K/120' or '40 Gbps' and above on the specific inputs. Cables must be certified Ultra High Speed to guarantee 48 Gbps; a High Speed cable tops out at 18 Gbps and can produce a black screen or sparkles.