Are you in the market for a new TV, but unsure how many HDMI inputs you need? You’re not alone! With the rise of connected devices and streaming services, the humble HDMI port has become a crucial feature in modern TVs. But how many is enough? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of HDMI inputs, exploring what they are, why they’re important, and how many you really need on your TV.
Oversaturation: The Rise of HDMI-Connected Devices
In the past, TVs had a limited number of connectivity options, such as composite, component, and S-Video. However, with the advent of high-definition (HD) technology, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) became the new standard. Today, it’s not uncommon to find devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices all vying for a spot on your TV’s limited HDMI real estate.
The average American household has around 7.4 connected devices, according to a 2020 survey by the Consumer Technology Association. This number is expected to increase as more people adopt smart home devices, streaming services, and online gaming platforms. With so many devices competing for attention, it’s essential to have a TV that can accommodate them all.
HDMI Versions: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the number of HDMI inputs you need, let’s quickly discuss the different HDMI versions. There are currently four main versions of HDMI:
- HDMI 1.4: Released in 2009, this version supports up to 4K resolution at 30Hz.
- HDMI 2.0: Released in 2013, this version supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.
- HDMI 2.1: Released in 2017, this version supports up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, as well as enhanced audio return channel (eARC) and variable refresh rate (VRR) features.
- HDMI 2.1a: Released in 2020, this version adds new features like source-based tone mapping and improved eARC capabilities.
For most users, HDMI 2.0 or higher is sufficient, as it can handle 4K resolution at 60Hz, which is the current standard for most streaming services and gaming consoles.
How Many HDMI Inputs Do You Really Need?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of HDMI, let’s get to the meat of the matter: how many HDMI inputs do you really need on your TV? The answer depends on several factors, including:
Your Device Collection
Take stock of the devices you plan to connect to your TV. Do you have a:
- Blu-ray player or DVD player?
- Gaming console like a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?
- Soundbar or home theater system?
- Cable or satellite box?
- Streaming devices like Chromecast, Apple TV, or Roku?
- PC or laptop for gaming or streaming?
If you have a modest collection of devices, 2-3 HDMI inputs might be sufficient. However, if you have a larger collection or plan to add more devices in the future, 4 or more HDMI inputs are recommended.
Future-Proofing
Think about the devices you might purchase in the future. Will you be upgrading to a new gaming console or soundbar? Do you plan to add more streaming devices or a new Blu-ray player? Having extra HDMI inputs can future-proof your TV and save you the hassle of having to swap devices in and out.
TV Size and Type
The size and type of your TV also play a role in determining how many HDMI inputs you need. Larger TVs, like 75-inch or bigger, often have more HDMI inputs to accommodate more devices. OLED or QLED TVs, which are designed for gaming and entertainment, might have more HDMI inputs than budget-friendly options.
Small TVs (32-40 inches): 2-3 HDMI inputs
These TVs are ideal for small rooms or apartments, and 2-3 HDMI inputs are usually sufficient.
Medium TVs (40-60 inches): 3-4 HDMI inputs
These TVs are perfect for most living rooms, and 3-4 HDMI inputs provide ample connectivity options.
Large TVs (60-80 inches): 4-5 HDMI inputs
These TVs are designed for larger rooms or families, and 4-5 HDMI inputs ensure you can connect multiple devices without sacrificing performance.
Additional Features to Consider
When shopping for a TV, it’s essential to consider additional features that can enhance your viewing experience. Some TVs come with:
HDMI 2.1 Features
As mentioned earlier, HDMI 2.1 offers enhanced features like eARC, VRR, and higher resolutions. If you’re a gamer or plan to use your TV for 8K content, look for a TV with HDMI 2.1 support.
ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC
ARC allows your TV to send audio signals back to your soundbar or receiver, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable. eARC is an enhanced version of ARC, offering higher-quality audio and support for more devices.
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
HDMI-CEC allows your devices to control each other using a single remote. For example, you can use your TV remote to control your Blu-ray player or soundbar.
Conclusion
Determining how many HDMI inputs you need on your TV depends on your device collection, future plans, and TV size and type. While 2-3 HDMI inputs might be sufficient for some users, others may require 4 or more to accommodate their devices. Remember to consider additional features like HDMI 2.1 support, ARC, and HDMI-CEC to ensure the best viewing experience.
Before making a purchase, take stock of your devices, consider your future needs, and research different TV models to find the perfect fit for your entertainment setup.
| TV Size | HDMI Inputs | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Small (32-40 inches) | 2-3 | Small rooms, apartments |
| Medium (40-60 inches) | 3-4 | Most living rooms |
| Large (60-80 inches) | 4-5 | Larger rooms, families |
How Many HDMI Inputs Do I Need on My TV?
The number of HDMI inputs you need on your TV depends on the number of devices you plan to connect. If you have a few devices such as a Blu-ray player, gaming console, and soundbar, two or three HDMI inputs should be sufficient. However, if you have a home theater system with multiple devices, you may need more HDMI inputs.
It’s also important to consider the type of devices you plan to connect. If you have devices that require specific HDMI ports, such as an HDMI 2.1 port for a 4K gaming console, you’ll need to ensure your TV has enough ports that meet those requirements. In general, it’s a good idea to have at least one or two extra HDMI inputs for future devices you may want to add to your setup.
What Are the Different Types of HDMI Inputs?
There are several types of HDMI inputs, each with its own specifications and capabilities. The most common types are HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1. HDMI 1.4 supports up to 4K resolution at 30Hz, while HDMI 2.0 supports up to 4K at 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 is the latest version and supports up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, as well as higher refresh rates and other advanced features.
In addition to the different versions, there are also specialized HDMI inputs such as ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). These inputs allow for the transmission of audio signals from the TV to a soundbar or receiver, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable. Some TVs also have HDMI inputs with specific features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) or auto low latency mode (ALLM), which are designed to improve gaming performance.
What Is HDMI ARC and How Does It Work?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature that allows a TV to send audio signals to a soundbar or receiver over an HDMI connection. This eliminates the need for a separate audio cable and simplifies the setup process. HDMI ARC is commonly used to connect a soundbar to a TV, allowing the soundbar to receive audio signals from the TV and play them back through its speakers.
HDMI ARC is typically available on HDMI inputs labeled as “ARC” or “HDMI ARC”. To use HDMI ARC, you need to connect your soundbar to the ARC-enabled HDMI input on your TV, and then set the TV’s audio output to “ARC”. This will allow the TV to send audio signals to the soundbar over the HDMI connection. Note that not all devices support HDMI ARC, so be sure to check your device’s specifications before setting it up.
Do I Need All My Devices Connected to the TV at the Same Time?
Not necessarily. You can connect and disconnect devices as needed, depending on how you plan to use them. For example, if you only use your gaming console on the weekends, you can disconnect it during the week and connect your Blu-ray player instead. However, if you have a lot of devices that you need to use simultaneously, such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, and soundbar, you’ll need to ensure your TV has enough HDMI inputs to support all of them at the same time.
It’s also worth considering the convenience factor. If you have to constantly connect and disconnect devices, it can become tedious and frustrating. Having enough HDMI inputs on your TV can simplify your setup and make it easier to use your devices.
Can I Use an HDMI Splitter to Add More HDMI Inputs?
Yes, you can use an HDMI splitter to add more HDMI inputs to your TV. An HDMI splitter is a device that takes one HDMI input and splits it into multiple outputs, allowing you to connect more devices to your TV. However, there are some limitations to consider. For example, HDMI splitters can reduce the video quality of the signal, and they may not support all the advanced features of HDMI 2.1, such as variable refresh rate (VRR) or auto low latency mode (ALLM).
Additionally, some devices may not work properly when connected through an HDMI splitter. For example, some gaming consoles may not support HDMI splitters, or may have issues with lag or latency. It’s also important to note that HDMI splitters can be expensive, and may not be worth the cost if you only need to add one or two more devices to your setup.
Can I Use an HDMI Switch Instead of an HDMI Splitter?
Yes, you can use an HDMI switch instead of an HDMI splitter. An HDMI switch is a device that allows you to switch between multiple HDMI inputs and send the signal to one HDMI output. This allows you to connect multiple devices to your TV and switch between them easily, without having to disconnect and reconnect devices.
HDMI switches are often preferred over HDMI splitters because they don’t reduce the video quality of the signal. They also tend to be more affordable than HDMI splitters, and are easier to use. However, HDMI switches may not have as many outputs as HDMI splitters, and may not support all the advanced features of HDMI 2.1.
How Do I Know If My TV Has Enough HDMI Inputs?
To determine if your TV has enough HDMI inputs, make a list of all the devices you plan to connect to your TV, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and streaming devices. Then, count the number of HDMI inputs on your TV. If the number of devices you need to connect is greater than the number of HDMI inputs on your TV, you may need to consider using an HDMI splitter or switch, or purchasing a new TV with more HDMI inputs.
It’s also important to consider the type of HDMI inputs on your TV. If you have devices that require specific HDMI ports, such as an HDMI 2.1 port for a 4K gaming console, you’ll need to ensure your TV has enough ports that meet those requirements. By counting the number of devices you need to connect and considering the type of HDMI inputs on your TV, you can determine if your TV has enough HDMI inputs for your needs.