# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Display Cables

HDMI 1.0 vs. HDMI 2.1

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
HDMI 1.0
HDMI 2.1
HDMI 1.0 →

HDMI 1.0, released December 9, 2002 by a group of seven consumer electronics companies, was the original single-cable digital audio/video connector. It carried up to 4.95 Gbps over TMDS signaling -- enough for 1080p at 60Hz -- replacing separate analog video and digital audio cables with one connector.

View full HDMI 1.0 spec sheet →
HDMI 2.1 →

HDMI 2.1 increases total bandwidth to 48 Gbps via Fixed Rate Link (FRL). It mandates Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable certification and supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC.

View full HDMI 2.1 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
HDMI 1.0
HDMI 2.1
Max Resolution @ Refresh Rate
1920x1080 or 1920x1200 @ 60Hz 8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz (10K with DSC)
Release Date
December 9, 2002 —
Max Bandwidth (raw / video)
4.95 / 3.96 Gbps —
Max Audio
8-channel LPCM, 192kHz/24-bit —
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
— 48 Gbps (FRL 4 lanes)
Pin Count
— 19 Pins (Type A)
Display Stream Compression (DSC)
— DSC 1.2a Supported
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
— HDMI Forum VRR & Quick Media Switching (QMS)
Max Audio Channels
— 32 Channels (eARC up to 192kHz / 24-bit uncompressed)
Max Recommended Cable Length
— 3 Meters (Passive Ultra High Speed) / 100m+ (Active Optical AOC)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.0 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.2 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. DisplayPort 1.4 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. DisplayPort 2.1 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. DVI → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. HDMI 1.3 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. HDMI 1.4 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. HDMI 2.0 → Compare HDMI 1.0 vs. VGA →