How Many HDMI Ports Do TVs Have? (Easy Beginner’s Guide)

When shopping for a new TV, one of the key specifications to consider is the number of HDMI ports available. 

Most modern TVs come with at least two HDMI ports, while some high-end models may have four or more.

The number of HDMI ports can vary depending on the brand and model of the TV, so it’s important to check the specifications before making a purchase.

Let’s dive in.

It’s worth considering the types of HDMI ports available, as some may support higher resolutions and refresh rates than others.

How many HDMI ports do popular Smart TVs have?

Most Smart TVs come with at least two HDMI ports, and some high-end models can have up to four or more.

Here are some examples of popular Smart TVs and the number of HDMI ports they typically have:

Samsung:

Samsung Smart TVs usually come with at least two HDMI ports, but some models can have up to four.

 

For example

• Our Samsung 65” TV from 2022 has two HDMI ports
• The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV has four HDMI ports.

LG:

LG Smart TVs also usually come with at least two HDMI ports, but some models can have up to four.

For example, the LG OLED C1 Series TV has four HDMI ports.

TCL:

TCL Smart TVs usually come with at least three HDMI ports, but some models have four.

For example, the TCL 6-Series Roku TV has four HDMI ports.

Sony:

Sony Smart TVs usually come with at least two HDMI ports, but some models can have up to four.

The Sony X950H LED TV has four HDMI ports.

These smart TVs have Multiple HDMI ports

Older TVs only have one or two HDMI ports, but most modern smart TVs have multiple HDMI ports to accommodate the growing number of devices people use.

Note: You can only use one HDMI port at the time, but you can have devices connected to all ports and switch between them without having to unplug existing devices.

Here are a few examples of smart TVs that have more HDMI ports:

• Samsung QN90A Neo QLED: This TV comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is great for gamers who want to take advantage of the latest gaming technology.
• LG OLED C1: This TV also has four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a great choice for gamers as well as those who have multiple devices to connect.
• Sony X90J: With four HDMI 2.0 ports, this TV is a good choice for those who have a mix of older and newer devices to connect.

It’s worth noting that not all HDMI ports are created equal. Some HDMI cables are faster than others.

Some TVs only have one or two ports that support the latest HDMI 2.1 standard, while others may have multiple ports that only support older HDMI standards.

If you’re a gamer or plan to use your TV for high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K or 8K content, it’s important to make sure the TV you choose has enough HDMI 2.1 ports to accommodate your needs.

Some Smart TVs have only ONE HDMI port

Some manufacturers have started producing smart TVs with only one HDMI port. While this may seem like a cost-saving measure, it can be inconvenient for users who have multiple devices they want to connect to their TV.

One reason for this trend is that many people are using streaming services instead of cable or satellite TV.

Companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video offer a wide variety of content that can be accessed through a smart TV app. This means that users don’t need to connect an external device like a cable box or Blu-ray player to their TV.

Another reason for the trend is that some smart TVs have built-in features like screen mirroring or Bluetooth connectivity.

These features allow users to connect their phone or tablet to their TV without using an HDMI cable.

However, for users who still want to connect external devices to their TV, having only one HDMI port can be frustrating. They may have to constantly switch cables or invest in a separate HDMI switcher.

It’s important to note that not all smart TVs have only one HDMI port. Many manufacturers still include multiple ports on their TVs, and some even offer models with four or more HDMI ports. It’s important to research and compare different models before making a purchase to ensure that the TV meets your needs.

Benefits of having multiple HDMI ports on a TV

Having multiple HDMI ports on a TV can provide several benefits to users. Here are some of the advantages of having multiple HDMI ports on a TV:

• Connect multiple devices: With multiple HDMI ports, users can connect multiple devices to their TV simultaneously. This allows them to switch between different devices, such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players, without having to constantly unplug and replug cables.
• No need for an HDMI switcher: If a user has several devices that require HDMI inputs, they can avoid the need for an HDMI switcher by having multiple HDMI ports on their TV. This can save them money and reduce clutter in their entertainment setup.
• Better audio and video quality: HDMI is capable of transmitting high-quality audio and video signals. With multiple HDMI ports, users can enjoy the best audio and video quality from all their devices.
• Easy setup: Having multiple HDMI ports on a TV can make the setup process easier. Users can simply plug in their devices and switch between them using the TV’s remote control.
• Future-proofing: As technology advances, new devices with HDMI outputs will become available. Having multiple HDMI ports on a TV can future-proof the entertainment setup, allowing users to easily connect new devices without having to replace their TV.

In conclusion, having multiple HDMI ports on a TV can provide several benefits to users. It allows them to connect multiple devices, enjoy better audio and video quality, and future-proof their entertainment setup.

What can you do if your TV only has one HDMI port?

If your TV only has one HDMI port, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to connect multiple HDMI devices, such as a gaming console, streaming device, or Blu-ray player.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem:

#1 Use an HDMI switch

An HDMI switch is a device that allows you to connect multiple HDMI devices to a single HDMI port on your TV. The switch typically has multiple HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.

You can connect your devices to the inputs and then switch between them using a remote control or a button on the switch itself. Some HDMI switches even support automatic switching, which means they will automatically switch to the active input.

#2 Use an HDMI splitter

An HDMI splitter is a device that allows you to split a single HDMI signal into multiple outputs. This can be useful if you want to connect one HDMI device to multiple TVs or monitors. However, it is important to note that an HDMI splitter will not allow you to connect multiple HDMI devices to a single HDMI port on your TV.

If you try to connect an HDMI splitter to your TV’s only HDMI port, you will still only be able to use one device at a time.

#3 Use alternative ports

If your TV has other ports, such as VGA or DVI, you may be able to use an adapter to connect your HDMI devices.

For example, you can use a VGA to HDMI adapter to connect a gaming console or streaming device to your TV’s VGA port. However, it is important to note that using an adapter may affect the quality of the video and audio signal.

#4 Upgrade your TV

If none of the above solutions work for you, it may be time to consider upgrading your TV. Most modern TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, so you can connect all of your devices without the need for an HDMI switch or splitter.

Plus, upgrading your TV may also give you access to new features and technologies, such as 4K resolution or HDR.

In conclusion, if your TV only has one HDMI port, there are several solutions available to help you connect multiple HDMI devices. Whether you choose to use an HDMI switch, splitter, adapter, or upgrade your TV, it is important to choose a solution that meets your specific needs and budget.

Other Types of Ports and Connections on Modern TVs

In addition to HDMI ports, modern TVs come equipped with a variety of other ports and connections. Here are some of the most common ones:

USB Ports

USB ports on TVs allow users to connect external devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, and digital cameras. This makes it easy to view photos and videos on a larger screen without having to transfer them to a computer first.

Some TVs also allow users to record TV programs directly onto a USB device.

Ethernet Port

An Ethernet port on a TV allows it to connect to the internet via a wired connection.

This is useful for streaming video content or accessing online services such as Netflix or Hulu. Some TVs also allow users to connect to their home network and access media stored on other devices.

Optical Audio

Optical audio ports on TVs allow users to connect external audio devices such as soundbars or home theater systems.

This provides a higher quality audio experience than the built-in speakers on most TVs.

Antenna Cables

You also still have the possibility to add antenna cables to most new TVs.

Component and Composite Video

While HDMI is the most common video connection on modern TVs, some older devices still use component or composite video connections.

These connections are typically used for older gaming consoles or VCRs.

Overall, modern TVs come equipped with a variety of ports and connections to meet the needs of different users. Whether you’re streaming video content, connecting external devices, or just watching TV, there’s a port or connection available to make it easy.