If you recently bought a mid-range or premium 4K TV, you might be surprised to learn your HDMI ports offer far more than just displaying content. Modern TVs have hidden features that enhance gaming, sports, and movie viewing experiences. But many of these features remain unnoticed, buried in the settings or requiring the right options to be activated. This means you could be missing out on improved image quality and sound that you paid for.
Don’t forget about HDMI cables. If you’re not getting the best performance, it could be due to old cables. Upgrading to a cable marked “Premium High Speed” for standard 4K or “Ultra High Speed” for more advanced features can make a difference.
These HDMI features aren’t just limited to TVs. They can also enhance the experience on computers, game consoles, and streaming devices. HDMI ports on PCs can provide higher refresh rates and surround sound as long as all connected devices support the same features.
Unlock Hidden Performance Modes
Most modern TVs have an option to enhance HDMI performance. When you connect devices like game consoles or Blu-ray players, you’ll want to make sure your settings are optimized. Many brands, like Sony and LG, have specific formats you can enable to allow higher-quality signals from your devices. These settings might be off by default to maintain compatibility with older devices, but turning them on can unlock full HDMI capabilities.
Automatic Game Mode
For gamers, there’s a feature called Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) introduced in HDMI 2.1. With this mode, your TV automatically switches to a low-latency setting when a compatible gaming console like a PlayStation or Xbox is connected. This minimizes input lag, making controls feel quicker and more responsive. If your TV doesn’t automatically switch modes, look for options like “Game Optimizer” in the settings.
Smoother Sports and Game Viewing
Newer HDMI ports can also handle higher refresh rates and dynamic frame syncing, which can significantly improve your viewing experience. Features like 4K at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) help eliminate blurriness in fast-moving scenes. These enhancements can make watching sports more enjoyable and gaming more fluid and responsive. If you want to take advantage of these technologies, make sure you use your TV’s HDMI 2.1 ports.
Cinema-Quality Sound
HDMI isn’t just for video; it can also deliver high-quality audio through a feature called eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). This allows your TV to send premium sound to a soundbar or AV receiver with just one cable. Unlike older versions, eARC supports full-quality formats like Dolby TrueHD, enhancing your audio experience. Ensure your sound devices are plugged into the correct eARC port to maximize sound quality.
All in all, getting the most out of your HDMI ports can transform your TV watching experience. Whether you’re gaming, watching sports, or enjoying a movie, these tips can help ensure you’re leveraging the full power of your modern TV.
