HDMI Spec Reaches 2.1

The HDMI Forum announces version 2.1 of the HDMI specification-- one adding support for a higher resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, Dynamic HDR and increased bandwidth via 48G cable.

hdmi cablesDeveloped by the HDMI Forum Technical Working Group, HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the specification, and brings improvements on the audio as well as video sides. For instance, eARC provides a simpler solution for the setup of TVs with a soundbar or AVR complete with support for object-based surround sound formats such as Dolby Vision and DTS:X.

As mentioned earlier, a new 48G cable boosts bandwidth to 48Gbps for uncompressed support for 8K resolution video with HDR, while a Game Mode VRR features a variable refresh rate to reduce (if not eliminate) lag, stutter and frame tearing. Dynamic HDR adjusts depth, detail, brightness, contrast and colour gamut on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis.

“This new release of the specification offers a broad range of advanced features for enhancing the consumer entertainment experience, as well as providing robust solutions to the commercial AV sector,” the HDMI Forum says. “This is part of the HDMI Forum’s continuing mission to develop specifications for the HDMI eco-system that meet the growing demand for compelling, high-performance and exciting features.”

The 2.1 specification will be available to all HDMI 2.0 Adopters in early Q2 2017.

Go HDMI Forum Announces Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification