Most modern TV setups need fewer cables than the store shelf suggests. HDMI handles both picture and sound for almost everything, while optical, coax, RCA, and converters are only needed for specific older or antenna setups.
This guide applies to flat-panel TVs connected to streaming devices, game consoles, cable boxes, Blu-ray players, soundbars, receivers, and antennas.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you are setting up a new TV, adding a device, or deciding whether you need HDMI, optical, coax, ARC, eARC, RCA, or a special 8K cable.
For most devices, HDMI is enough
- Streaming boxes and sticks use HDMI for video and audio.
- Modern game consoles use HDMI.
- Cable and satellite boxes use HDMI.
- Blu-ray players use HDMI.
- Most modern soundbars use HDMI ARC or eARC.
For 4K at 60Hz, a cable labeled High Speed HDMI or Premium High Speed HDMI is usually enough. You do not need an expensive cable just because the TV is 4K.
For PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PCs, 4K at 120Hz, VRR, or 8K, choose Ultra High Speed HDMI. That is the HDMI 2.1 cable category built for higher bandwidth.
For normal lengths up to about 15 to 25 feet, a decent certified cable is usually fine. Longer runs may need active HDMI or fiber-optic HDMI.
For soundbars, antennas, and older devices
- Use HDMI ARC or eARC from the TV to a compatible soundbar when possible.
- Use optical TOSLINK for audio-only connection to a soundbar or receiver without HDMI ARC.
- Use coaxial cable from an antenna to the TV’s ANT, RF, or Cable input.
- Use component cables for some older DVD players and consoles if the TV still has those inputs.
- Use composite RCA yellow, red, and white cables for older devices if supported.
Many new TVs no longer include legacy RCA or component inputs. If your older device needs them, use a composite-to-HDMI or component-to-HDMI converter box.
ARC, eARC, and Atmos notes
HDMI ARC sends TV audio back to a soundbar through the same HDMI cable. eARC is the newer, higher-bandwidth version and is better for advanced formats such as Dolby Atmos from compatible sources.
Both the TV and soundbar must support the same feature. Plugging eARC gear into an ARC-only setup may still produce sound, but not every advanced format will pass through.
What not to overbuy
There is no separate gaming-only or streaming-only HDMI cable. Once a cable meets the speed rating your setup requires, spending more does not improve picture quality. It may buy a sturdier jacket or connectors, but not better pixels.
HDMI cables are still a common failure point. If a device suddenly loses picture or shows No Signal, testing another cable is one of the fastest checks.
Sources
- HDMI.org – HDMI cable types and specifications explained (2025)
- Samsung Support – Which cables do I need to connect devices to my TV (2025)
- RTINGS.com – HDMI cable buying guide (2025)