It’s a bit down the line, but the HDMI Forum’s details for the HDMI 2.1 spec, which were released today, look pretty nifty.
The big takeaways include higher resolution, Dynamic HDR and the additions of support for high frame rate 4K and 8K video. HDMI 2.1 will work with 8K video at refresh rates up to 60 Hz, along with 4K video up to 120 Hz.
The new spec could enable higher frame rates for gamers as well as higher resolution video from high-end cameras as well as the ability to display at maximum quality.
HDMI 2.1 also marks the arrival of the backwards-compatible 48G Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, which will support uncompressed HDMI 2.1 features.
Other cool perks in the specs include enhanced refresh rates, variable refresh rates, quick media switching, and quick frame transport for smoother gaming and VR.
The breakdown goes as follows:
– Higher video resolutions support a range of high resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K
– 60Hz and 4K 120Hz for immersive viewing and smooth fast-action detail. Resolutions up to 10K are also supported for commercial AV, and industrial and specialty usages.
– Dynamic HDR support ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast and wider color gamuts — on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis.
– The Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable supports the 48G bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support. The cable also features very low EMI emission and is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI Specification and can be used with existing HDMI devices.
– eARC simplifies connectivity, provides greater ease of use, and supports the most advanced audio formats and highest audio quality. It ensures full compatibility between audio devices and upcoming HDMI 2.1 products.
– Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag – free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity.
– Enhanced refresh rate features ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video. They include:
– Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) reduces or eliminates lag, stutter and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
– Quick Media Switching (QMS) for movies and video eliminates the delay that can result in blank screens before content is displayed.
– Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive virtual reality
Today’s announcement is a follow-up to the preview of HDMI 2.1 that the Forum announced earlier this year. During that time, it was also announced that the VESA-backed DisplayPort technology would receive an upgrade in the form of DisplayPort High Bit Rate 3 (HBR3).
The HDMI Forum noted that compliance testing will be published between Q1 and Q3 of 2018, HDMI adopters being notified of availability after testing is complete.
Users can expect to see HDMI 2.1-enabled displays at least a few years down the road.
Via 9to5Mac and HDMI Forum