HDMI 2.1 – A Quick Refresher

Introduction

HDMI 2.1 is now being included in new receivers, displays and TV’s . So let’s see what this HDMI development provides us with:

Image Credit: HDMI.ORG. HDMI 2.1 Supported Signal Formats and Bit rates

We see that the HDMI 2.1 native bit rate caps out at 48Gbps. After that it is all compressed using Display Steam Compression (DSC). However, 48Gbps is sufficient to support uncompressed (native) 8K. Pity that there is nothing even over the horizon to support this resolution. Even when (if) 8K costs become mainstream for production, it would provide a resolution that is beyond many humans eyesight and in my opinion, a waste of time and money, no matter what all the phycologists and manufacturers researchers tell you. A news show is still a news show. How many programs can you think of that will give you more REAL enjoyment from being in a higher resolution than 4K? It is quite amazing just how quickly humans become accustomed to watching an ‘improved’ image after which it is just taken for granted. Forgive me, but I always thought it was content that was KING, NOT resolution.

Image Credit HDMI.ORG. Unrealistic & Over Simplified Image Resolution Improvements

Image Credit HDMI.ORG. The Increasing HDMI Functionality

The above table shows the added features that can now be found in HDMI 2.1.

HDMI 2.1 Specification Overview

HDMI® Specification 2.1 is the most recent update of the HDMI specification and supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, and resolutions up to 10K. Dynamic HDR formats are also supported, and bandwidth capability is increased up to 48Gbps. Version 2.1 is also backward compatible with all earlier versions of the HDMI specification.

Supporting the 48Gbps bandwidth is a new Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable. The cable ensures that all ultra high-bandwidth dependent features are delivered including uncompressed 8K video with HDR. It features exceptionally low EMI (electro-magnetic interference) which reduces interference with nearby wireless devices. The cable is backwards compatible and can be used with the existing installed base of HDMI devices.

Image Credit: HDMI.ORG. The New Ultra High Speed Certification Label

It will be interesting to see just how long these 48Gbps certified passive copper versions can be, and how soon you have to transition to a fiber optic/active cable.

HDMI Specification 2.1 highlights include:

• 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 usage.
• 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. More Info…
• 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. More Info…
• Enhanced gaming and media 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. More Info…
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. More Info…
  • Quick Media Switching (QMS) for movies and video eliminates the delay that can result in blank screens before content is displayed. More Info…
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive virtual reality. More Info…

My 2 cents

So if you want 8K then, yes, you will need HDMI 2.1 along with all new HDMI cables, new AV receivers, new TV’s and new projectors. (Some receiver & TV manufacturers will be providing an upgrade to their HDMI boards to support HDMI 2.1. connectivity, but not video processing.)

With less than 50% of the American population (as of 2019) with a 4K TV, little to no chance of 8K physical media and only a handful of broadcast and sports facilities that can support native 4K, what the hell is this all about? I will tell you. It is big business needing to squeeze even more of those now highly taxed dollars out of your hands. Think about what you are getting yourself into before you take that next leap to make others wealthy and bring many of you few tangible benefits.

Obviously 4K TV sales will increase as their cost falls to that of an HDTV and the same will happen to 8K TV’s. So whether or not there is much native programming why wouldn’t you buy the ‘better’ or latest product for about the same price? However, what are you getting for your money? In most cases very little. The programming content quality doesn’t improve, its just a ‘prettier’ picture (maybe). If that is what you want, go to an art gallery or just look around you and see the real thing.

How’s about some good quality programming? Thank you Netflix for leading the way.

For further details on HDMI 2.1 look here at HDMI.ORG

Check out this Extron Link to calculate HDMI link bit rate – use the Advanced tab its more flexible.

See here for my other HDMI related posts.