When purchasing a new TV it’s important to know what’s included in the box to avoid disappointment when an accessory you require doesn’t come with your purchase. A common accessory most new TV owners are going to need is an HDMI cable, this brings us to the question do TVs come with HDMI cables?
No, TVs don’t come with HDMI cables, the cable is typically included with the source you will plug into your TV. This includes Streaming sticks, Gaming Consoles, Cable box, satellite receivers, computers, and so on.
Let’s take a look at what you actually get in the box when you purchase a new TV as well as how to find the right HDMI cable for your device. Let’s dive in!
Do TVs Come With HDMI Cables?
When unboxing your brand new TV you will receive a power cable, remote, battery, TV Base, & screws, however, no HDMI cables, unfortunately.
TVs don’t typically come with HDMI cables, the reason being is HDMI cables are usually included with a power source such as a Roku device, Gaming Consoles, Cable box, satellite receivers, and so on.
However, if you are going to be purchasing an HDMI cable there are a few things you will need to know before purchasing your cable. let’s go down the list!
How To Choose the Right HDMI Cable For Your Device:
Before picking out any HDMI cable you will need to consider the following:
- Connector Type
- Resolutions of your video source and display
- Distance between devices
Connector Type
One of the most important features to look for in an HDMI cable is the connector type. You will need to find a cable that matches your required cable size depending on the source you will be connecting to.
There are three different types of HDMI connectors. These are standard, micro & mini. All provide similar functionality, the only difference is the size.
- Standard HDMI connectors: These are the most common types of HDMI connectors typically found on TVs, computer monitors, gaming consoles, & streaming sticks.
- Mini HDMI connectors: These connectors are commonly found on devices like camcorders, DSLR cameras, laptops, and a few tablets
- Micro HDMI connectors: This type of connector is commonly found on notebook laptops, action cameras, some smartphones, tablets.
Resolutions of your video source and display
| Type | Name | Resolution |
| Category 1 | Standard | 1080i at 60 Hz 720p at 60 Hz |
| Category 2 | High Speed | 1080p at 60 Hz 4K at 30 Hz |
| Category 2 | 4K HDMI Cable | 4K at 60 Hz |
| Category 3 | 8K HDMI Cable | 4K at 120 Hz 8k at 60 Hz |
The next factor you will need to consider is resolution. The HDMI cable you require is dependant on the resolution of your display as well as the resolution your source will output. Take a look at the chart above to find which type of HDMI cable you require for your device.
Distance between devices
Next, you will need to consider the length of the cable you require, since HDMI cables come in varying lengths, you will need to determine the length that would best suit your needs. Longer cables have extra power as they are thicker than the shorter cables, this plays a factor on how much data can be transfer back and forth from your source.
A Quick Recap:
- Select a cable with the right connector for your source & display
- Look for a cable that supports your device’s resolution output
- Ensure the cable length is ideal for your setup
What about HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 is a newly released HDMI version that supports 8k resolution video at 60 frames per second, as well as 4k at 12 frames per second. The faster refresh rate offers an ideal solution for gamers and home cinema, enthusiasts.
Related Questions:
1. Do i need a new cable for my new TV?
If you already have an existing cable that meets the requirements of your brand-new TV, then you won’t need a new HDMI unless it doesn’t meet your requirements in terms of length resolution or connector type.
2. Can I use a 4K HDMI cable on a non 4K TV
Yes, since HDMI cables are backward compatible you will be able to use a 4k HDMI cable even if your TV does not support 4k.
3. How Long do HDMI cables last?
HDMI cables last for a long time especially if they are from a well-known brand. However, cheaper quality HDMI cables are susceptible to malfunctioning early.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, although TVs don’t come with HDMI cables your source device will most likely come with one. If you do decide to purchase an HDMI cable then make sure you select a cable that is compatible with your source & display. This includes having the right connector for your setup, having the correct resolution output, as well as having the right length for your setup.
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