HDMI 2.1: The Future of Home Entertainment and Gaming

HDMI 2.0b is all set to make way for the latest HDMI standard, the HDMI 2.1. The transition, on one hand, would increase bandwidth capacity, ensuring support for higher resolutions, dynamic HDR formats, and refresh rates. On the other, the gaming and the AV industry would undergo a major upheaval. And you the end-user would be left to deal with some nagging questions.

How does the new HDMI standard matter, if at all? Would your home entertainment devices go obsolete? What’s the fuss about “certified” HDMI v2.1 Cable? Let’s discuss it all, one at a time.

How does it matter?

The incumbent HDMI 2.0 standard was a big deal when it debuted. The successor builds on the incumbent to deliver a special experience, and stay significant in coming times. Here’s how.

Increased bandwidth:

The HDMI 2.1 standard ensures a 48-Gbits/second bandwidth throughput, which is a massive upturn from a bandwidth cap of 18 Gbits/second you get with HDMI 2.0. The higher bandwidth translates into the required support for 8K signals at 60 FPS in 12-bit color. Feel free to further it to 10K signal at 120 FPS in 12-bit for commercial and specialty usages with the Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology. Higher resolution would usher in smooth, life-like visuals.

Supports Dynamic HDR format:

The excess of bandwidth leaves room for raw data as well. High Dynamic Range or HDR allows for displaying a more diverse range of colors, and better brightness, depth, detail, and contrast, frame-by-frame. Unlike the predecessors, HDR10+ format supports dynamic metadata, which allows your TV to enhance the on-screen images for immersive videos and gaming experience.

Variable Refresh Rate:

The frame rate and refresh rate go hand in hand. When misaligned, the “screen tearing” effect is visible. HDMI 2.1 standard is compatible with higher frame rates for better video. Plus, it even supports variable frame rates, which is a shot in the arm for gamers. Whether the frame rate dips or goes up, the effects like frame tearing, lag, and judder are pushed out of the equation.

Supports eARC:

eARC, standing for enhanced Audio Return Channel, is an evolved version of Audio Return Channel, and a common fixture across most HDMI 2.1 specifications. eARC allows for simpler connection between audio-visual devices, supports leading-edge audio formats, and renders sophisticated audio signal control capabilities for the ultimate in audio quality.

What’s the fuss about certification?

The cable makers require testing and validating the trustworthiness, and performance of HDMI cables in line with the HDMI specifications. The HDMI Certification Program by HDMI Licensing Administration does that to address your cable counterfeiting concerns. The program mandates testing HDMI cable for the existing EMI standards to play down wireless interference. Ongoing compliance audits are also mandated HDMI LA. Upon certifications, the makers should affix the Certification Label on the package to keep buyers informed on the certification status.

Do you need to change your cables?

Yes. The HDMI 2.1 connectors require compatible Ultra High-Speed Certified HDMI cables to unleash their full capabilities. Your existing cables aren’t designed to support threefold increase in data inflow that HDMI 2.1 ushers in. Willingly or unwillingly, cable upgrade is on the cards.

Is it currently for gamers only?

As of now, the new standard primarily targets gamers jumping into the next-gen console or graphics card bandwagon. Both, Xbox X and Play Station 5 consoles feature the new standard, allowing games to be run at 4K at 120 frames per second for an immersive gaming experience.

What about 8K technology?

On the other hand, 8K televisions will take time for wider consumer adoption. Plus, 8K content isn’t available right now, give or take a few samples. In the foreseeable future, upscaling would be the cornerstone of the 8K technology. Upscaling is all about leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for analyzing and correcting images, amplifying color, adding depth, sharpening edges, reducing noise, and more. The exceptional clarity and detail achieved in audio and video would transform your standard TV viewing experience for good. That’s the power of 8K technology.

What about NVIDIA RTX 3000 series?

NVIDIA RTX 3000 series GPUs represents the new industry standard in performance. The GPUs feature second gen RT Cores, third gen TENSOR cores, and an all new SM for twice the FP32 throughput. Add to it the streaming multiprocessors; expect lifelike ray-traced graphics and leading-edge Artificial Intelligence features. NVIDIA RTX 3000 series can run on the HDMI 2.0 standard but HDMI v2.1 would be required to usher in the GPU’s full potential, particularly at exceptional resolutions and frame rates. Any gamer would be craving for such performance.

What about AMD Big 6000 series graphics cards?

AMD RADEON RX 6000 series graphics cards push the envelope with next-generation RDNA 2 architecture and three-cooler design. Rest assured of a perfect blend of power efficiency and performance across devices, from PCs to next-gen gaming consoles, and everything in between. Over 54% higher performance per-watt and twice the throughput is achievable in certain titles with AMD RADEON RX 6000. Also, expect two DisplayPorts - one, a USB Type C, and the other, HDMI 2.1. By now, you know which one to use for a transformed viewing experience.

What about 4K 120Hz screens?

With 8K just making a debut, 4K 120Hz screens are the gold standard in video performance as of now. Get ready to be dazzled by sharp pictures, better contrast, detail, and brightness - if you haven’t already. The magic happens when 120 frames are displayed per second, as opposed to 60 frames per second in standard 4K 60Hz screens. The frames are transmitted from the GPU to the screen, meaning you require twice the bandwidth to cope up with the increased data. That’s where HDMI v2.1 standard steps in. You need it for the 120Hz viewing experience.

How much does it cost?

Breathe easy, the HDMI v2.1 connectors and cables are easy on the pocket. Just upgrade your experience without going overboard with your budget. Thanks to HDMI’s universal approach, the certified connectors work across the board, from gaming consoles, PCs, to multiple input sources. However, the prices are brand-specific, subject to the brand and specifications.