What type of HDMI do I need for Apple TV?

Answered by John Hunt

To get the best viewing experience on your Apple TV 4K, it’s important to use the right HDMI cable and have a compatible TV. Let me share my personal experience with setting up my Apple TV 4K and choosing the right HDMI cable.

First, make sure you have a power source nearby for your Apple TV. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and connect the other end to the back of your Apple TV.

Next, you’ll need an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your TV. The type of HDMI cable you need depends on the capabilities of your TV. For 4K HDR content, you’ll need an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. This cable supports the higher bandwidth required for 4K resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) content.

I personally had an older HDMI cable lying around, but it turned out to be HDMI 1.4, which doesn’t support 4K or HDR. So, I had to purchase a new HDMI 2.0 cable to fully enjoy the capabilities of my Apple TV 4K.

Once you have the right HDMI cable, it’s time to connect your Apple TV to your TV. Find an available HDMI port on your TV and plug one end of the cable into the HDMI port on your Apple TV. Then, plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding HDMI port on your TV.

Now that your Apple TV is connected to your TV, it’s time to turn on both devices. Grab your TV remote and press the power button to turn it on. Using the input or source button on your TV remote, select the HDMI input that your Apple TV is connected to. This will display the Apple TV interface on your TV screen.

If you have a compatible TV, you may also want to enable the necessary settings to fully support 4K and HDR content. Consult your TV’s user manual or access the settings menu on your TV to enable features like HDMI Enhanced Mode or HDMI Deep Color Output. These settings may vary depending on the brand and model of your TV.

With everything set up correctly, you should now be able to enjoy movies and TV shows in 4K HDR on your Apple TV 4K. The combination of the right HDMI cable and a compatible TV will ensure you get the best picture quality and color accuracy.

I hope this detailed explanation helps you understand the type of HDMI cable you need for your Apple TV. Enjoy your 4K HDR viewing experience!