Now referred to as HDMI 2.1b following minor updates, the spec’s arrival introduced new capabilities, beginning with increased video resolutions and refresh charges. It helps 4K video at 120 Hz (increased with sure PC graphics playing cards), 8K video at 60 Hz, and even 10K video. HDMI 2.1b’s speedy refresh charges principally come into play with gaming, the place it facilitates different superior options like VRR (variable refresh charge) for extra fluid gameplay in addition to ALLM (auto low-latency mode) and QFT (fast body transport) for diminished latency. The spec additionally helps all high-bitrate audio codecs, together with DTS Grasp Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos.
Different notable options introduced with HDMI 2.1 embrace HDMI eARC for lossless hi-res audio transmission between eARC-supported units, and dynamic HDR assist, which permits for HDR content material to be optimized for video scene-by-scene and even frame-by-frame.
{Photograph}: Silkland
Earlier than you are concerned an excessive amount of about which port you’re utilizing, there are some vital caveats to notice. Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR delivered dynamic HDR to appropriate TVs over HDMI 2.0 years earlier than HDMI 2.1, as a result of how its dynamic metadata is embedded within the video, and its rival, HDR10+, can do the identical. Equally, HDMI eARC is on the market over HDMI 2.0, as proven in newer TVs from manufacturers like TCL and Hisense, offering two HDMI 2.1 inputs and a separate HDMI eARC port.
HDMI 2.1 is backward-compatible with older HDMI variations, however not all options will probably be supported. You might also have to improve your HDMI cables for the upper bandwidth required, swapping out high-definition cables for ultra-high-definition cables like this one.
What’s New in HDMI 2.2?
With assist for 8K and even 10K video (which basically would not exist for customers) and all main hi-res audio codecs, HDMI 2.1b has your house theater lined for the foreseeable future. Meaning you don’t have to fret about upgrading your TV or audio units for HDMI 2.2 anytime quickly.
As an alternative, the HDMI Discussion board is pitching the brand new spec for business functions and superior client tech like augmented actuality (AR) and digital actuality (VR) units. HDMI 2.2 as soon as once more upgrades the bandwidth transmission charge, this time doubling it from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps to enhance “demanding data-intensive, immersive and digital functions …” in line with the Discussion board.
