HDMI 2.1: What it is and why your next TV should have it

Previously, our recommendation was to make your TV purchase with confidence as HDMI 2.1 seemed distant. However, if you’re set on buying a flagship TV, we strongly advise considering one with HDMI 2.1 inputs. Several excellent options, such as Samsung’s QN90A, LG’s C1 OLED, Vizio’s V-Series, and even Hisense’s U7G, offer compelling choices at competitive prices.

The rationale for opting for an HDMI 2.1 set extends beyond the present. A modified version of the 2.1 standard, HDMI 2.1a, was unveiled at CES 2022, introducing HDR enhancements through Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM). Although the arrival of 2.1a-capable ports on TVs and receivers remains unconfirmed, it illustrates the ongoing advancement in HDMI technology.

If you’re presently in the market, choosing an HDMI 2.1-succesful model ensures a future-evidence home theater setup with out breaking the bank. Alternatively, if you’re in search of budget-friendly offers, HDMI 2.0 or comparable alternatives can suffice, so long as you apprehend the compromises worried.

Does HDMI 2.1 require new HDMI cables to work properly?

Without a doubt, the solution is a convincing “Yes” As you delve into the specs outlined beneath, you may discover that the new HDMI 2.1 general considerably increases the information capability that an HDMI cable can take care of, nearly tripling its throughput. To fully harness the power of HDMI 2.1, it is crucial to use a new Ultra High-Speed Certified HDMI cable.

While in rare cases, you might be able to use an existing Certified High-Speed HDMI cable with a newer HDMI 2.1 device, we strongly advise investing in new Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables, especially considering the rapid increase in data volume through this digital pipeline. The exact information is that these cables won’t value you tons greater than standard High-Speed HDMI cables.

If you are unsure which HDMI cables to purchase, seek advice from our list of advocated HDMI cables appropriate for various gadgets and setups. Pay close attention to the cable’s speed certifications, ensuring it can support essential HDMI 2.1 features.

To make this process easier, try to inspect the cables in person whenever possible. Look for the holographic Ultra Certified Cable label attached to the HDMI cable, featuring a QR code for authentication. This label signifies certification by the HDMI Licensing Administrator, guaranteeing that the cable can handle the necessary speeds to enable critical HDMI 2.1 features, such as high resolutions paired with higher refresh rates.

Is HDMI 2.1 backward compatible?

Absolutely, you can rest assured that compatibility may not be an problem. Any HDMI-enabled device supporting older versions of the HDMI standard will work seamlessly with a new HDMI 2.1-enabled TV or display. Even Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are backward-well suited, so there’s no need to worry approximately connecting your contemporary gadgets to a future 8K TV prepared with HDMI 2.1. Rest assured, the size and connection type of HDMI cable ports and jacks will remain unchanged, making it hassle-free to transition between devices without any problems.

Can my HDMI 2.0b devices be firmware upgraded to HDMI 2.1?

Theoretically, it’s far possible, however in truth, it’s distinctly not going. Though there are premium chips available that can undergo firmware upgrades, they come at a steep cost and are seldom employed by manufacturers. The chances are that your current HDMI 2.0b devices do not feature one of these rare chipsets integrated into them.

Why do we need a new HDMI version?

Unbelievably, consumer-level home entertainment devices are already approaching the maximum 18Gbps bandwidth limits of HDMI 2.0b. Consider the example of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which call for a full-size amount of bandwidth with their 4K picture decision, 10-bit color, 4:4:4 color sampling, 60 frames-in step with-2nd content material, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X multichannel surround sound, HDR metadata, and greater. All these components combined nearly saturate the 18Gbps capacity.

The challenge arises when trying to enhance products within this constrained environment. To overcome this limitation, the HDMI organization took a revolutionary step and paved a new, broader highway – introducing HDMI 2.1. This new standard not only supports higher resolutions and frame rates desired by Hollywood and game studios but also opens up more lines of communication between devices connected via HDMI cables. The previous setup allowed mainly one-way communication from devices like Blu-ray players or game consoles to the TV. With HDMI 2.1, the redesigned jacks and cables facilitate smoother, bidirectional conversations, ensuring connected devices can interact seamlessly.

In essence, if HDMI 2.0b represents a congested freeway system, HDMI 2.1 can be likened to an advanced mega-highway with self-driving cars, immune to bottlenecks, and capable of adapting instantly to traffic fluctuations. So, what does this mean for you and your entertainment system?

What can HDMI 2.1 do that HDMI 2.0b can’t? What’s new?

• Resolution: HDMI 2.1 allows for higher resolutions at higher frame rates. While HDMI 2.0b supported a maximum of 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDMI 2.1 enables 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and even 10K resolution commercial and industrial applications. This is particularly exciting for gamers as higher frame rates result in smoother, more visually appealing gameplay. The film industry also benefits from HDMI 2.1, as some Hollywood directors are eager to use the native 120Hz filming capability for delivering high frame rate content to the big screen.
• eARC: Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is a significant improvement over ARC in HDMI 2.0b. eARC allows uncompressed, full-resolution audio over HDMI 2.1 connections, benefiting formats like Dolby Atmos that can now utilize Dolby TrueHD for high-resolution, lossless audio. This simplifies system setups, reducing cables and mess while delivering better sound quality.
• Dynamic HDR: HDMI 2.1 introduces dynamic HDR performance, similar to Dolby Vision, but now available for other formats like HDR10+. This enables more TVs to deliver accurate, vibrant, and dynamic pictures, enhancing the HDR experience for various formats.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): HDMI 2.1 supports variable frame rates, crucial for gaming where frame rates vary based on scene complexity. This feature ensures smoother gameplay without issues like lag, judder, or frame tearing. Gamers using consoles like Xbox Series X or PS5, which are built with VRR in mind, will especially benefit.
• Quick Frame Transport: This feature reduces the time it takes for video frames to pass from the source device to the display. Gamers and VR users will experience decreased lag and faster reaction instances, best for fast-paced, motion-packed gameplay.
• Quick Media Switching: HDMI 2.1 eliminates the blank, black screen that occurs during source switching or moving from games to streaming apps, providing a seamless transition.
• Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM): ALLM enables displays to automatically detect when the signal comes from a game console or PC, turning off picture processing to reduce latency and lag. Users won’t need to manually select Game Mode on their TVs.
• Lip-Sync Improvements: HDMI 2.1 allows TVs to communicate in real-time with A/V receivers, soundbars, and other source devices, ensuring perfect synchronization between video and audio, eliminating any annoying lip-sync issues.

Do monitors have HDMI 2.1 too?

Indeed, they do – brands like Asus have dedicated whole pages to it. However, keep in mind that to fully leverage HDMI 2.1 functions, you may require a GPU that also supports them. While HDMI 2.1 might not be an absolute necessity for accomplishing 120Hz or maybe 144Hz refresh rates, it becomes essential for assisting both high refresh prices and high resolution concurrently.

Are there downsides to switching to HDMI 2.1?

If you were waiting for the catch in all of this excitement, there’s a potentially significant one. Unfortunately, merely having an “HDMI 2.1” sticky label in your TV’s box would not assure that the display virtually supports all of the HDMI 2.1 capabilities that count to you.

For example, certain Sony 2021 HDMI 2.1 TVs were initially shipped without VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), but some later received firmware updates adding this capability. Toshiba’s C350 Series Fire TV features a single HDMI 2.1 port supporting eARC and will get ALLM (Auto Low-Latency Mode) with an update, but it won’t support VRR or 4K at 120Hz. Additionally, support for Quick Frame Transport (QFT) with low latency on devices like TVs remains limited.

If you experience like you are back at square one, don’t worry. When shopping for a new HDMI 2.1-capable TV, it is vital to do your due diligence and verify which HDMI 2.1 functions the TV or manufacturer supports. The bottom line: Not all HDMI 2.1 TVs are created equal, so be a discerning client!