HDMI 2.1 specification released, comes with support for 8K displays, Dynamic HDR formats and more

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The HDMI 2.1 Specification got released yesterday and it comes with support for 8K displays, Dynamic HDR formats and more. Another good thing is that HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible with earlier versions of the specification but Ultra High Speed cable is required to support 8K@60 or 4K@120 display resolutions. The Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is the first cable defined by the HDMI Forum and it will support high resolution video modes, eARC, VRR and other new features.

Feature highlights:

  • 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.

Learn more about this spec here.

More about the topics: 4K displays, 8K displays, Dynamic HDR formats, HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.1 specifications

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