Does picking the right HDMI port on your TV matter? Short answer: More than you think

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Not all HDMI ports support the same features.
• Use HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Series X gaming and ARC/eARC for soundbars.
• Plugging into the wrong port works, but it may result in reduced performance.

Most newer TVs come with three or four HDMI ports, and on the surface, they all look identical. 

They all have the same shape and work with the same HDMI cable, but not every port supports the same features. Choosing the wrong one can leave your PS5 stuck at 60Hz, your soundbar silent, or your PC unable to output at a high refresh rate. 

Also: 8 HDMI tricks I use to get the best performance from my TV - and most are free

The good news is it's easy to learn what each HDMI port does and how ...