A new version of HDMI is coming, and there are some big changes -- including support for resolutions up to 10K as well as a new cable. Here's the skinny on fatter AV bandwidth
When the HDMI 2.0 specification is not yet fully available, the HDMI Association has released a new generation of standards: HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.1 is the latest update to the HDMI specification with advanced features of the HDMI ecosystem. It supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K/60HZ and 4K/120HZ, high dynamic range HDR, and increased bandwidth with the new 48G HDMI cable. HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with earlier versions.
HDMI 2.1 features include:
Higher video resolutions support a range of higher resolutions and faster refresh rates, including 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz immersive viewing and smooth fast motion details.
High dynamic range HDR ensures that each moment of the video displays depth, detail, brightness, contrast and a wider color gamut at its ideal value, on a scene-by-sce or even frame-by-frame basis.
The 48G HDMI line supports up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support, including 8K video and HDR. The HDMI cable is backward compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI specification and can be used with existing HDMI devices.
eARC supports state-of-the-art audio formats such as object-based audio and supports advanced audio signal control features, including automatic device detection.
The game mode VRR has a variable refresh rate that allows the 3D graphics processor to display images at the moment of rendering a smoother and better detailed game, and to reduce or eliminate lag, stuttering and frame tearing.
HDMI 2.1 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: What is the relationship between HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0b and 1.4b specifications?
A: The HDMI 2.1 specification replaces 2.0b and 2.1 to continue to reference and rely on the HDMI 1.4b specification.
Q: Is the HDMI 2.1 specification backward compatible with previous versions of the specification?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you license the HDMI 2.1 specification?
A: In order to license the HDMI 2.1 specification, you must first become an HDMI Adopter and then sign the HDMI Adopter Protocol Addendum licensed under the HDMI HDMI Specification.
Q: Can non-HDMI adopters only use the HDMI 2.1 specification?
A: Companies wishing to use the HDMI 2.1 specification must become HDMI adopters and sign the HDMI 2 Adopter appendix. They will be able to use the HDMI 1.4b and HDMI 2.1 specifications.
Functional FAQ
High video resolution
Q: Does 8K @ 60 or 4K @ 120 require a new HDMI cable or HDMI cable connector?
A: A new HDMI cable is required, and HDMI 2.0b does not define a new HDMI cable or a new connector. Current high speed HDMI lines (Class 2 HDMI lines) are capable of carrying increased bandwidth.
Q: What resolutions and refresh rates are supported?
A: 4K50 / 60
4K100 / 120
5K50 / 60
5K100 / 120
8K50 / 60
8K100 / 120
10K50 / 60
10K100 / 120
Q: What color space is supported?
A: The HDMI 2.1 specification supports the latest color spaces, including BT.2020, with 10, 12 and 16 bits per color component.
48G HDMI cable
Q: Do I need to use this HDMI cable for the HDMI 2.1 specification?
A: The HDMI cable is the best way to ensure high bandwidth related functionality, including enhanced video and audio performance, and takes into account new EMI features. Compared to the 32Gbps bandwidth of Displayport 1.4, HDMI 2.1 is beyond the reach.
Q: Can the existing HDMI high-speed HDMI cable also provide HDMI 2.1 functionality?
A: Although the existing HDMI high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet can provide some new features, the new HDMI cable is the best way to connect HDMI 2.1 devices to ensure the transmission of all functions.
Q: What connector is used for this HDMI cable?
A: Compatible with A, C, and D HDMI connectors.
Q: Does the HDMI cable have an Ethernet channel?
A: Yes, it supports HDMI Ethernet channels.
Q: Can the new HDMI cable use an existing HDMI device?
A: The HDMI cable is backward compatible and can be used with existing HDMI devices to deliver traditional HDMI functions.
High dynamic range HDR
Q: Does this dynamic HDR require a new 48G HDMI cable?
A: No, but it is necessary to enable 8K video with HDR.
Q: Does the specification support various HDR solutions?
A: Yes, it supports a variety of static and dynamic HDR solutions on the market.
Q: Can this be upgraded via firmware?
A: Manufacturers will implement in various ways.
EARC
Q: Can I use any HDMI cable?
A: This applies to HDMI high-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet and new 48GHDMI cable.
Q: Can this be upgraded via firmware?
A: Depends on the manufacturer's implementation
Game mode VRR
Q: Does this require a new HDMI cable?
A: No
Q: Can this be used with 8K @ 60 or 4K @ 120Hz?
A: Yes, if these features are implemented with higher video resolutions. This will require a new 48GHDMI cable
Q: Is this mainly used for game consoles or can computers be used?
A: It can be used for both.
Q: This will cause more gaming PCs to connect to the HDMI display, whether it is a monitor or a TV?
A: The purpose of this feature is to enable HDMI technology to be used in these applications. Given that HDMI connectivity already has a strong presence in this area, we expect HDMI technology to continue to grow in games.
We'll start to see TVs with HDMI 2.1 in 2019, with more in 2020 and beyond. However, not all TVs that claim HDMI 2.1-compatibility are actually capable of everything we've discussed. HDMI Licensing, the organization in charge of the HDMI specification, is allowing companies to claim 2.1 compatibility even if they don't support every aspect. So a TV that can't accept 8K/60, but has eARC and Variable Refresh Rate, still can claim it's 2.1... as long as the company specifies what aspects of 2.1 it can support. This is bound to lead to confusion, as it will no longer be possible just to check what version of the connection a product has, but also what features of 2.1 the product may or may not support. Ideally these aspects will be easy to spot, but given how many features and tech specs every TV already has, this unquestionably makes things just that little bit more difficult.
If you are buying an 8K TV, don't expect the manufacturer to add any HDMI 2.1 features the TV lacks when new. It's possible that a firmware update might give your TV those capabilities if it doesn't out of the box, but then, it might not. TV manufacturers are very hit-or-miss when it comes to adding features to older televisions. Sometimes it's not physically possible, other times it's not economically possible.
HDMI 2.1 is like a brand new 10-lane highway in the middle of the countryside. There's not much reason for it right now, but it offers an easy way to expand in the future. If you're not considering an 8K TV then it's a 10-lane highway in the countryside of a different state or country. Cool, but not something that will impact your immediate future.
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Post time: Mar-09-2019