With 4K TVs and gaming just starting to gain a foothold, the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Founders are already looking to the future. The newly released HDMI Specification 2.1 not only supports better refresh rates at 4K resolutions but also supports up to 10K resolutions as well.
In addition to a higher resolution, Dynamic HDR is also supported which allows for HDR rendering to change on a per frame basis, as well as higher bandwidth of 48Gbps over the new Ultra Speed HDMI Cable. Yes, you’ll need new HDMI cables which also feature low electro-magnetic interference to reduce nearby wireless interference. Refresh rates of up to 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps are supported with this new specification as well.
Full resolution and frame rates include:
- 4K50/60
- 4K100/120
- 5K50/60
- 5K100/120
- 8K50/60
- 8K100/120
- 10K50/60
- 10K100/120
The HDMI Founders outline some feature highlights of the new specification as well:
- Higher video resolutions support a range of high resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz 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.
- 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.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity.
With 4K finally gaining traction, it will be a while before we start seeing 8K TVs and projectors in our houses, although it’s nice to see the group thinking ahead. Have you embraced 4K yet? Are you read for 8K? What do you think of the new HDMI Specification 2.1? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_2_1/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: HDMI.ORG[/button]Last Updated on January 12, 2019.
