In this guide
Yes, HDMI 2.0 supports HDR, but only from version 2.0a onward. HDMI 2.0a adds HDR10 (static metadata) and HDMI 2.0b adds HLG. The base HDMI 2.0 spec has no HDR metadata support at all.
- Your source, display, and cable are HDMI 2.0a or 2.0b certified
- Cable supports 18 Gbps bandwidth for 4K@60Hz with 10/12-bit color
- HDR10 or HLG is enabled in device settings and content is HDR-encoded
- Both devices are HDCP 2.2 compliant for protected HDR streams
- You are using base HDMI 2.0 — it lacks HDR metadata support
- Your cable cannot handle 18 Gbps or is not properly certified
- You need dynamic HDR10+ or Dolby Vision — those require HDMI 2.1
What Changed Between HDMI 2.0, 2.0a, and 2.0b?
The original HDMI 2.0 spec introduced 18 Gbps bandwidth and 4K@60Hz support but said nothing about HDR. It took two revisions to add it.
- HDMI 2.0 — 4K@60Hz, no HDR metadata
- HDMI 2.0a — adds HDR10 (static metadata, 10-bit color)
- HDMI 2.0b — adds HLG, used in broadcast HDR content
Most devices sold after 2016 include at least 2.0a. Check your TV or monitor spec sheet if you are unsure which sub-version you have.
Which HDR Formats Work on HDMI 2.0?
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDR10 over HDMI 2.0a/b | Yes | 2.0a cable + devices | Most common HDR format |
| HLG over HDMI 2.0b | Yes | 2.0b cable + devices | Used in broadcast TV |
| HDR10+ over HDMI 2.0 | No | HDMI 2.1 | Dynamic metadata not supported |
| Dolby Vision over HDMI 2.0 | No | HDMI 2.1 | Requires higher bandwidth spec |
Does the Cable Itself Matter?
Yes. The cable must support 18 Gbps to carry 4K HDR without signal loss or dropout. Look for a cable labeled High Speed HDMI or Premium Certified High Speed HDMI. Cheap, uncertified cables often cannot sustain the full 18 Gbps needed for HDR content at 4K resolution.
If you are connecting devices using a USB-C port instead of a standard HDMI port, check out whether USB-C can connect to HDMI to make sure your adapter also supports HDR passthrough.
The HDMI Forum specification overview is the authoritative reference for understanding version differences and certified feature sets.
Common Reasons HDR Is Not Showing Up
- HDR is not enabled in your TV or console display settings
- The streaming service or disc is not HDR-encoded
- Your cable is rated below 18 Gbps
- One device in the chain does not support HDCP 2.2, blocking the protected stream
- You have a base HDMI 2.0 port, not 2.0a or 2.0b
If your USB-C to HDMI setup is not triggering HDR at all, the USB-C to HDMI not working guide covers adapter-related causes that apply here too.
Bottom line: HDMI 2.0 does support HDR, but only from version 2.0a onward and only for HDR10 and HLG. If you need Dolby Vision or HDR10+, you will need HDMI 2.1 hardware. Make sure your cable, source, and display are all 2.0a or later and HDCP 2.2 compliant — that combination covers the vast majority of HDR content available today.