Is HDMI 2.1 Necessary?
Some new TVs can handle this higher frame rate. Almost no older TVs can, even those called “120Hz.” The TV will need HDMI 2.1 to let the console run in all this high frame-rate glory. Your current HDMI cables probably won’t be able to handle 4K120.
Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 4K?
Current HDMI 2.0 resolution and refresh rate capabilities cap out at 4K/60 fps or 8K/30 fps, while 2.1 can carry all the way up to 10K/120 fps. So if you have a 4K TV, you don’t need an Ultra High Speed Cable for image purposes, but if you want access to the HDMI 2.1 features included with your device, you will . . .
Can you use a HDMI 2.1 cable on 2.0 port?
Like HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4, cables will be backward compatible to a point, so HDMI 2.1 devices will work just fine with HDMI 2.0 cables for showing 4K60 content.
Do I really need HDMI 2.1 for ps5?
It is important to note that while the new consoles use HDMI 2.1 as the connection, it doesn’t mean your TV also needs to support HDMI 2.1. Only brand new modern TVs and monitors are being shipped with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, and they are expensive and somewhat rare to find.
Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 120fps?
You don’t need an HDMI 2.1 connection for 120hz gaming, and many PC players have been able to experience 120fps for some time with an HDMI 2.0 connection. An HDMI 2.1 connection essentially allows for 120fps at 4K, or 8K at 60fps, while an HDMI 2.0 connection can allow for 120fps, but at either 1080p or 1440p.
Does HDMI 2.1 Make a Difference?
The HDMI 2.1 standard is faster than HDMI 2.0, the current connection used by modern home entertainment devices. It nearly triples the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0, defining a maximum speed of 48Gbps, compared with 18GBps. For 4K TVs, that means an HDMI 2.1 connection can handle 4K video at up to 120 frames per second.
Does HDMI 2.1 work on any TV?
Yes. You will be able to connect any HDMI-enabled device supporting any older version of the HDMI standard, and it will work just fine on a new HDMI 2.1-enabled TV or display. Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are backward-compatible too.

David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.