The HDMI forum has announced a new HDMI standard, dubbed 2.1. The new protocol will have some interesting features including higher display resolutions, among them 4K 120Hz, 8K 60hz, Dynamic HDR. Signal bandwidth has been increased significantly to 48 Gbit/s.
While HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible, it will require a new cable, called 48G cable, as the signal bandwidth does need better cabling. HDMI Specification 2.1 Feature Highlights Include:
- Higher Video Resolutions support a range of higher resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K60Hz and 4K120Hz for immersive viewing and smooth fast-action detail.
- Dynamic HDR 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.
- 48G cables enable up to 48Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support including 8K video with HDR. The cable is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI Specification and can be used with existing HDMI devices.
- eARC supports the most advanced audio formats such as object-based audio, and enables advanced audio signal control capabilities including device auto-detect.
- Game Mode VRR features variable refresh rate, which enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing.
The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.0 Adopters and they will be notified when it is released early in Q2 2017.
EARC I find to be interesting as it can carry proper high resolutions and advanced multi-channel audio through a simple ARC (return audio channel) connection to say a soundbar or receiver (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). So one cable can rule them all.
Theres also support for a new game model called Game Mode VRR, this allows a dynamic refresh-rate to prevent stuttering and tearing (that sure does sound familiar eh?).
Below a FAQ you can sink your teeth in.
Q: What is the testing policy for HDMI 2.1 products?
A: An Adopter's first product in a designated product category that implements any function of the HDMI 2.1 Specification needs to be submitted to an ATC for testing and pass all applicable and available HDMI compliance tests before shipment. An Adopter's subsequent product in a designated product category that implements any additional function of the HDMI 2.1 Specification should be submitted to an ATC for testing and pass all applicable and available HDMI compliance tests before shipment.
Q: What are the testing requirements for HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: Compliance testing will continue to be an essential aspect to the success of the HDMI Specifications. When the HDMI 2.1 Specification is released, it will be accompanied by a new Compliance Testing Specification (CTS 2.1). All 1.4b products will continue to be tested to CTS 1.4b. Refer to the HDMI.org website for testing requirements.
Q: When will the HDMI 2.1 Compliance Test Specification be available?
A: The HDMI 2.1 Compliance Test Specification (CTS) will be published in Q2-Q3 2017.
Q: When will ATCs start to provide 2.1 testing services?
A: Each individual ATC will decide on when to offer HDMI 2.1 testing services. Please contact your local ATC for more information.
Q: What is the relationship of HDMI Specification 2.1 to HDMI 2.0b and 1.4b Specifications?
A: HDMI 2.1 Specification supersedes 2.0b and 2.1 continues to make reference to, and rely upon, HDMI 1.4b Specification.
Q: Is HDMI 2.1 Specification backwards compatible with previous versions of the specification?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you license HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: In order to license the HDMI 2.1 Specification, you must first become an HDMI Adopter and then sign an addendum to the HDMI Adopter Agreement which provides a license to the HDMI 2.0 Specification.
Q: Can non-HDMI Adopters license only the HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: Companies wishing to use the HDMI 2.1 specification must become an HDMI Adopter and also sign the HDMI 2 Adopter Addendum. They will have access to HDMI 1.4b and HDMI 2.1 Specifications.
Q: If I am a current HDMI 1.4b Adopter, do I have to license HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: No, Adopters have the option to only license 1.x.
Q: Do HDMI 2.0 Adopters automatically get access to HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: Yes it is licensed under the Version 2 addendum.
Q: Will current Adopters be required to pay an additional Annual Fee if they choose to adopt the HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: No.
Q: Will there be any new royalty and/or increase in current royalties for products that implement HDMI 2.1 Specification features?
A: No there is no additional royalty for implementing the HDMI 2.1 Specification.
Q: Where can I download the HDMI 2.1 Specification?
A: HDMI 2.1 Specification can be downloaded from the Adopter Extranet.
Feature FAQS
High Video Resolutions
Q: Will 8K@60 or 4K@120 require a new cable or cable connector?
A: Yes a new cable is required
Q: What are the support resolutions and frame rates?
A:
- 4K50/60
- 4K100/120
- 5K50/60
- 5K100/120
- 8K50/60
- 8K100/120
- 10K50/60
- 10K100/120
Q: What colorimetry is supported?
A: HDMI 2.1 Specification supports the latest color spaces including BT.2020 with 10, 12, and 16 bits per color component.
48G Cable
Q: Is this cable required for delivering HDMI 2.1 Specification features?
A: The cable is the best way to ensure the high-bandwidth dependent features are delivered including the enhanced video and audio performance, and accounting for the new EMI characteristics
Q: Will existing HDMI High Speed cables deliver the HDMI 2.1 features also?
A: While existing HDMI High Speed Cables with Ethernet can deliver some of the new features, the new cable is the best way to connect HDMI 2.1 enabled devices to ensure delivery of all the features.
Q: What connectors does this cable use?
A: It is compatible with HDMI connectors Types A, C and D.
Q: Does the cable have an Ethernet channel?
A: Yes it supports the HDMI Ethernet Channel.
Q: Can this new cable work with existing HDMI devices?
A: The cable is backwards compatible and can be used with existing HDMI devices for the delivery of legacy HDMI features.
Dynamic HDR
Q: Does this Dynamic HDR require the new 48G Cable?
A: No, but it will be necessary to enable 8K video with HDR
Q: Does the specification support the various HDR solutions?
A: Yes it supports various static and dynamic HDR solutions in the market
Q: Is this accessible via a firmware upgrade?
A: Manufacturers will be implementing this in various ways
eARC
Q: Will this work with any HDMI cable?
A: This works with HDMI High Speed Cables with Ethernet and the new 48G cable
Q: Is this available through a firmware upgrade?
A: Depends on manufacturer implementation
Game Mode VRR
Q: Does this require the new HDMI cable?
A: No
Q: Will this work with 8K@60 or 4K@120Hz?
A: Yes if those features are implemented along with Higher Video Resolution. That will require the new 48G cable
Q: Is this primarily for consoles or will PCs utilize this also?
A: It can be used for both.
Q: Will this result in more gaming PCs connecting to HDMI displays, either monitors or TVs?
A: The intent of the 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 that use of HDMI technology in gaming will continue to grow.
