Science & Technology

Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

OK. How many HDMI ports are necessary on a modern television ?

I'm in the market for a new updated television and i wondered how many HDMI ports i'm supposed to look for.
Not normally a Techy so all this stuff is added aggro when trying to whittle down what's available compared to what actually need.

Any advice welcome 😉

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

NerdySoph · 26-30, F Best Comment

Depends, if you're going to hook up an audio system or sound bar to the tv, then the type of HDMI port the tv has, would be more important than how many it has.

To be on the safe side and for future proofing for when you hook up devices to the ports, ensure the ports are HDMI 2.1 with eArc capability. Usually at least 1 of the hdmi ports would have eARC support, but not all.

On how many you would need, that is entirely dependant on how many devices you're going to hook up.

View 7 more replies »

NerdySoph · 26-30, F

@Ontheroad Aww does that mean i'm off your cutie pie list? 🥺

Ontheroad · M

@NerdySoph Nope, you are still in the top five on my cutie pie/annoying list... just not quite as annoying. 😁

NerdySoph · 26-30, F

@Ontheroad thank you *makes tiny noises* 🥺

Zaphod42 · 46-50, M

The 50” Visio I got ten years ago had 4, whereas the new 50” Samsung I just replaced it with only has 2, and my GF’s 84” Samsung only has 3.

View 4 more replies »

NativePortlander1970 ·

@Zaphod42 How could you afford the cartridges on that system? 😶

Zaphod42 · 46-50, M

@NativePortlander1970 I couldn’t. I did a lot of trading with friends, and a lot of begging around birthdays and Christmas 😂

NativePortlander1970 ·

@Zaphod42 I'm just surprised Atari survived E.T.

SW-User

You might need one for a Digital/Cable box, one for a DVD player, one for a games console, etc. It depends on what you intend to connect to the TV. For my setup I would usually look for 3 or 4. Some people might only need 1 or 2.

Colormegone · 70-79, M

[image deleted]There are splitters available. Disadvantage is you have to physically switch each time you want to use your add on.

NerdyPotato · M

That depends on how many devices you want to connect to it through HDMI. One port per device is enough.

GuyWithOpinions · 31-35, M

Well you need a digital audio jack for surround sound. You need an hdmi for a gaming system or satellite or tv box. To hook up a computer to your tv you need an hdmi as well.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@GuyWithOpinions The ONLY reason i [i]want[/i] one is because i want to try and make use of a Firestick i was given.

I don't game.
I don't stream.
I don't download.
I have no interest in 'soundbars' or 'linking to a stereo system'

See, much of what younger people think of as 'essential' when it comes to phones or computers or modern tv's or streaming services holds no interest for us old-uns 😀

And the ONLY reason I'M interested is because if i can't link my trusted and reliable cd/dvd player/recorder i have to use a modern day equivalent.....hence the Firestick

GuyWithOpinions · 31-35, M

@Picklebobble2 im no pro at technology but im at the level of trying to set up a vr to run on my computer.

PhoenixPhail · M

You need only as many as you're planning on inserting. So, how many HDMI output devices do you have and are planning to get?

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@PhoenixPhail At the moment i only want to make use of a Firestick i was given earlier in the year as it has family history links on it apparently.
I was just wondering if i could 'future proof' it in case something else may come along later that i [i]could[/i] use.

LordShadowfire · M

In addition to the information others have provided, I would suggest it all depends on what you're using it for. If you're just plugging it in to the cable box, you don't need as many, but if you also plan to hook up a video game system, you might find yourself running out of ports. Best bet is to have at least 3.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@LordShadowfire Think i've narrowed it down to a choice of two.
The one i have my eye on has 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports which i figure should be pretty much all i need.

NativePortlander1970 ·

Depends on how many devices you wish to hook up.

Add a comment...