The short and simple answer to the question “can I plug HDMI 2.1 cable into a 1.4 port?” is an absolute yes! The key idea here is to use newer-gen cables on older-gen slots.
So essentially, the HDMI interface and cable standard are backward compatible. The bar isn’t, however, forward-compatible.
If you have a superior high-speed (HDMI 2.0) or an ultra-high-speed (HDMI 2.1) cable, you can easily use it on an HDMI 1.4 or older port.
In the following text, I will discuss different HDMI versions and cable types to clarify why the HDMI interface is backward compatible.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HDMI Ports and Their Versions
HDMI is an ever-involving interface. As TVs and monitors evolve and offer higher resolutions and refresh rates, the HDMI interface must also cater to higher specifications.
HDMI, or any other video interface, is like a pipeline that sends data from the source, such as a PC, or gaming console, to the display device, such as monitors and TVs.
The higher the resolution and refresh rate of the display device, the more data needs to be sent through the pipeline.
The newer the version of the HDMI interface, the more influential the pipeline’s diameter and hence the more data it can carry.
The amount of data that is carried is represented in Gigabits per second (Gbit/s, Gbps), and the amount of data that needs to be taken over the HDMI interface (which includes the ports and the cable) depends upon three key aspects:
- Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Color Bit Depth represents the number of colors a screen can show.
The latest HDMI interface is HDMI 2.1. This can carry 48 Gbit/s of audio/video data from the source device to the display device.
Compare this to the first version of the HDMI interface, i.e., HDMI 1.0, released back in 2002, which had a bandwidth of 4.95 Gbit/s.
The following table explains the max resolution and refresh rate that the different versions are capable of.
| HDMI Version | Max Resolution | Max Refresh Rate | Max Bandwidth (Gbit/s) | Effective Bandwidth (Gbit/s) | HDR? | Audio Technology Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.0 | 1080p | 1080p @ 60 Hz | 4.95 | 3.96 | No | – 8 Audio Channels |
| HDMI 1.1/1.2 | 1440p | 1440p @ 30 Hz | 4.95 | 3.96 | No | – 8 Audio Channels -Super Audio CDs |
| HDMI 1.3/1.4 | 4096 x 2160 (4K) | 120 Hz @ FHD Resolution 30 Hz @ 4k Resolution 24 Hz @ 4k Resolution | 10.2 | 8.16 | No | – 8 Audio Channels – ARC – Dolby TrueHD – DTS-HD |
| HDMI 2.0 | 4096 x 2160 (4K) | 60 Hz @ 4K Resolution | 18 | 14.40 | Yes | – 32 audio channels, – Dynamic Resolution Adaptation (DRA) – High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding (HE-AAC) |
| HDMI 2.1 | Upto 10240 x 4320 (10K) | Upto 120Hz @ 10K | 48 | 42.67 | Yes | – 32 audio channels – eARC |
It should be noted that the most widespread HDMI interface version is 1.4 since many users still use a full HD (1920×1080) with a 60Hz refresh rate at most.
HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 are quickly gaining pace as 4K TVs and monitors become more common.
HDMI 1.3 and older ports are more or less obsolete.
HDMI Cables and Their Versions
This brings us to the next point, which is cables.
The standard HDMI cable designed for the HDMI 1.4 port, i.e., FHD@60Hz, isn’t sufficient to cater to the ever-increasing data rate.
Hence, you have different cables, as the following table shows:
| HDMI Standard Certification | Max Data Rate Supported | Specs Supported | Best Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4.95 Gb/s | 720 or 1080P @ 60Hz | <1.4 |
| High Speed | 10.2 Gb/s | FHD @ 60Hz QHD @ 60Hz 4K @ 30Hz | 1.4 |
| Premium High Speed | 18 Gb/s | 4k @ 60Hz | 2.0 |
| Ultra High Speed | 48 Gb/s | 4K @ 60Hz 8K @ 120Hz 10K @ 120hz | 2.1 |
Also Read: Are All HDMI Cables 4K?
The names of these cables are commonly connected with the HDMI specs they are compatible with. Hence:
- Standard HDMI = HDMI 1.4 cable
- High Speed = HDMI 1.4 cable
- Premium High Speed = HDMI 2.0 cable
- Ultra High Speed = HDMI 2.1 cable
So Can I Plug HDMI 2.1 Cable Into a 1.4 Slot?
This brings us to our original question, can you plug a new HDMI 2.1 cable into a 1.4 port? It should be abundantly clear from the discussion above that you can.
Let’s use the analogy of a water pipeline. The data carried over the HDMI cable is analogous to water in a channel, and the HDMI cable’s max bandwidth is equal to the diameter of the pipe itself.
While a pipeline with a larger diameter would easily be able to carry a small volume of water, it would leak or get damaged if a force higher than its capacity is passed through it.
Similarly, an HDMI 1.4 port can transmit a maximum of only 10.2 Gbit/s of data. This is far lower than the 48 Gbit/s bandwidth that an HDMI 2.1 cable can carry.
Hence, you should have no issues using this cable with an HDMI 1.4 port on your laptop or monitor.
Also Read: Is HDMI Backwards Compatible?
HDMI is Backwards Compatible BUT NOT Forward Compatible
So the key concept to understand here is that the HDMI interface and cable versions are backward compatible.
Hence, you can:
- Use an HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High-Speed Cable) with a 1.4 port
- Use an HDMI 2.1 cable (Ultra High-Speed Cable) with a 2.0 port
- Use an HDMI 2.0 cable (Premium High-Speed Cable) with a 1.4 port
However, the reverse is not valid. HDMI is NOT entirely forward-compatible. You cannot use an HDMI 1.4 cable with a monitor or a TV with HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 specs.
For instance, you cannot use an HDMI 1.4 cable and expect your monitor or TV to work at 4K@120Hz refresh rate or beyond. HDMI 1.4 ports or cables are only 4K@30 Hz.
Either your TV or monitor will not work or perform at a reduced performance.
As a rule of thumb, all components in the HDMI interface MUST match. The output port version at the source side (PC, gaming console, set-top box), the input port version (monitor, TV, projector), and the HDMI cable version must all match ideally.
Ultimately, it all depends upon your settings or the data generated. If you have an 8K monitor requiring an HDMI 2.1 port for its full potential, BUT you set it to run at 4K@60Hz, then even HDMI 2.0 cable would suffice.
Also Read: Does PS5 Come with HDMI 2.1 Cable?
Final Words
The answer to the question “can I plug HDMI 2.1 cable into a 1.4 port?” is a yes.
While the comprehensive answer is in the details, suffice it to know that newer and more advanced cables can work with older gen ports.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can you use an HDMI 2.1 cable with an HDMI 1.4 port?
Yes, you can physically connect an HDMI 2.1 cable to an HDMI 1.4 port, but it will only provide the capabilities of the HDMI 1.4 standard. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the higher bandwidth and features offered by HDMI 2.1.
2. Will an HDMI 2.1 cable work with an HDMI 1.4 port, but with limited functionality?
Yes, an HDMI 2.1 cable will work with an HDMI 1.4 port, but it will only provide the features and capabilities of the HDMI 1.4 standard. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the higher bandwidth and features offered by HDMI 2.1.
3. Is it recommended to use an HDMI 2.1 cable with an HDMI 1.4 port?
It is not recommended to use an HDMI 2.1 cable with an HDMI 1.4 port, as it will not provide any benefits over using an HDMI 1.4 cable. Additionally, the higher bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 cable may cause compatibility issues or interference with other devices.
4. What are some common issues you may encounter when using an HDMI 2.1 cable with an HDMI 1.4 port?
Some common issues you may encounter when using an HDMI 2.1 cable with an HDMI 1.4 port include reduced bandwidth and functionality, compatibility issues, interference with other devices, and potential damage to the cable or port due to the higher bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 cable.
