Don't make these HDMI mistakes: 8 ways to get the best performance from your TV (most are free)

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Quick HDMI tweaks can noticeably improve picture and sound quality.
• Your TV's settings and cables play a bigger role than you probably realize.
• A few checks can prevent HDMI problems and boost performance.

Connecting your devices to a TV with HDMI is easy enough. Plug your cable in, and you're good to go, right? Not so fast, my friend.

Also: How to clear your TV cache (and put a stop to slow performance)

In reality, getting the best performance out of your TV takes a bit of effort. Over the years, I've picked up some handy HDMI tricks that make a real difference in picture and sound quality. Here's what I do and why it matters.

1. Choose the right HDMI port