HDMI port in TVs- Types, Versions, Uses and Buying Guide

The HDMI port on your TV carries high-definition video and sound through a single cable, connecting devices like set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and soundbars. The version matters most: HDMI 2.1 supports 4K at 120Hz, while older HDMI 2.0 tops out at 4K at 60Hz.

• HDMI 2.1 handles 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz — best for next-generation gaming consoles
• HDMI 2.0 handles 4K at 60Hz — fine for regular streaming and everyday viewing
• HDMI eARC on one port sends high-quality audio to a soundbar or home theatre
• Most TVs carry three to four HDMI ports; check how many support 2.1
• One cable replaces separate video and audio connections

The HDMI port is how you connect a set-top box, gaming console, or soundbar to your TV using a single cable for both picture and sound. If you want 4K at 120Hz for gaming, you need HDMI 2.1; for regular streaming, HDMI 2.0 at 4K at 60Hz is enough. Check the version before you buy.

Once you know which HDMI version you need, you can bring home the right TV without spending your savings all at once. Visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, and Bhopal. Choose your preferred TV model and use Bajaj Finance's financing options — the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card and the Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan of up to Rs. 5 lakh — to make your purchase. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget, enjoy zero down payment on select models, and take it home without any upfront payment. 

Check your loan eligibility online in minutes, so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

An HDMI port is the connection on your television that carries video and sound through one cable, and there are three common versions: HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 2.1. The version decides the picture quality your TV can receive. This HDMI connection in a TV is what links your set-top box, gaming console, or soundbar to the screen.

HDMI ports on a TV are used to connect external devices — such as gaming consoles, soundbars, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, laptops, and streaming sticks — using a single cable that carries both video and audio together. One cable replaces the older setup of separate wires for picture and sound.

Most TVs have three to four HDMI ports, so you can keep several devices plugged in at once and simply switch between them. The HDMI connection in a TV also supports high-end formats: 4K video, and, over an eARC port, Dolby Atmos audio sent to a soundbar.

Here is what people most commonly plug into their HDMI ports:

• Gaming console (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) — needs HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz
• Soundbar or home theatre — use the HDMI eARC port for the best audio
• Set-top box or DTH box — for cable and satellite channels
• Laptop or computer — turns the TV into a large monitor
• Streaming stick (Fire TV Stick, Google TV) — adds apps to any TV

HDMI ports offer an all in one solution for connecting multiple devices, ensuring you get the most out of your 55-inch LED TV. By understanding their features and functions, you can select a television that best suits your entertainment needs.

TVs have multiple HDMI ports so you can connect several devices at once — such as a gaming console, a soundbar, and a streaming stick — without unplugging and swapping cables each time. Each device gets its own port, and you switch between them using the TV remote.

For a full home entertainment setup, look for a TV with at least three HDMI ports so your console, sound system, and streaming device all stay connected together.

HDMI ports do more than carry a picture — each feature below decides how good your video, audio, and gaming actually look and sound on the TV. The version of the port sets these limits, so a TV with HDMI 2.1 unlocks specs that HDMI 2.0 simply cannot reach. Check which features your ports support before you connect a console or soundbar.

For most people, HDMI 2.0 is enough for 4K streaming, but if you own a next-generation gaming console like a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 is the one to look for. HDMI 1.4 is now outdated and struggles with smooth 4K. The table below shows exactly what each version can handle, so you can match the port to how you actually use your LED TV.

What does refresh rate mean? Refresh rate is how many times per second the picture updates, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher number means smoother motion — 120Hz shows fast-moving games and sports far more clearly than 30Hz, where quick movement can look blurry or jumpy.

HDMI TVs support different refresh rates because each HDMI version has a different maximum data bandwidth — and higher refresh rates need more bandwidth to carry. HDMI 1.4 at 10.2 Gbps manages only 4K at 30Hz, HDMI 2.0 at 18 Gbps reaches 4K at 60Hz, and HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbps handles 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz. More data per second means the screen can update more times per second.

So the HDMI version on your TV sets the ceiling for how smooth fast-moving content can look — check it before buying if gaming matters to you.

Pro tip- Bandwidth is also why the cable matters, not just the port. A TV with an HDMI 2.1 port still won't hit 4K at 120Hz if you connect it with an older HDMI 2.0 cable — the cable caps the bandwidth. For anything above 4K at 60Hz, use an "Ultra High Speed" HDMI cable, which is rated for the full 48 Gbps.

Yes, a TV with HDMI ports is clearly better than one relying on older composite or component connections, because HDMI carries up to 4K video and high-quality audio through a single cable, while composite tops out at 576i standard definition and older connections need separate audio wires.

One thing to keep in mind- If you still use an older device like a VHS player or an early DVD player, it may only have composite output. In that case, you'll need an HDMI adapter or converter to connect it to a modern TV.

The lowest-priced 4K TVs with an HDMI 2.1 port start at around Rs. 34,999, while premium OLED models with four HDMI 2.1 ports go up to about Rs. 1,40,000. If you own a gaming console, look for a model that clearly lists HDMI 2.1 support, not just "HDMI." The table below shows current prices for popular 55-inch 4K models sold in India, along with their HDMI details.

Disclaimer: The features, availability, and pricing of each model are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website or visit any of the Bajaj Finance partner stores.

You can also explore the latest offers on a wide range of electronics and home appliances, making sure you get the best deal on every purchase.

For the lowest input lag, the LG C5 OLED (55-inch) is the standout choice — independent testing measures it at around 1.1 milliseconds in Game Mode at 120Hz, faster than many gaming monitors. The LG C4 and C5 line reaches roughly 1.1 ms input lag in Game Mode at 120 Hz, with four HDMI 2.1 ports covering every current console and a gaming PC at once. Lower input lag means less delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. 

Who it suits: A serious console or PC gamer — someone who owns a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, plays fast shooters or racing games, and wants multiple devices connected at once without swapping cables.

An OLED TV with HDMI 2.1 ports gives you near-infinite contrast with true blacks (each pixel lights itself, unlike LED panels that reach only a few thousand to one), 4K at 120Hz gaming, eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos audio, and Variable Refresh Rate for tear-free gameplay — all in a single display. It combines the best picture technology with the fastest connection standard.

One trade-off- An OLED TV with these features, like the LG evo AI C5 55-inch at Rs. 1,40,490, costs roughly three times a mid-range 4K QLED such as the Hisense E7Q at Rs. 34,999 — so it suits buyers who want top picture and gaming performance.

Bajaj Finance offers two ways to convert your smart TV purchase into affordable monthly payments. Both options are available at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India.

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value TV purchase in a single transaction.

How one buyer financed a 4K gaming TV- An example

Arjun, a 29-year-old software professional in Bengaluru, is upgrading to a TV that can run his PlayStation 5 at 4K and 120Hz. He chooses the Sony Bravia 2 II 55-inch 4K TV (K-55S25M2) at Rs. 64,290 and picks a 12-month Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan at Croma, Bengaluru — the loan suits a single high-value purchase like this one. His monthly EMI works out to approximately Rs. 5,358 over 12 months.

Upgrading to a new TV is simple and affordable with Bajaj Finance's in-store financing options. The entire process usually takes just 10–15 minutes. Follow these steps:

• Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Explore the range of TV models available on Bajaj Mall. Compare brands, features, and prices before heading to the store.
• Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, Reliance Digital, or other authorised retailers.
• Check the TV in person: Visit the store and explore available models. Check the screen size, resolution, and — for gaming — how many ports support HDMI 2.1, so the TV suits how you'll use it.
• Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
• Complete payment and take your TV home: Once approved, your purchase is processed immediately and you can schedule delivery or installation at your convenience.