The HDMI Forum, Inc. has announced the release of Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification, now available to all adopters of HDMI 2.0. Not surprisingly, and as suggested in news earlier this year, the spec supports higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K60 and 4K120, and even resolutions up to 10K.
The new Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable supports 48Gbps bandwidth, and ensures dependent features, such as uncompressed 8K video with HDR, are cleanly delivered. Exceptionally low EMI (electro-magnetic interference) in the new spec reduces interference with other nearby wireless devices, and the cable is backwards compatible with existing and installed HDMI devices.
“The HDMI Forum’s mission is to develop specifications meeting market needs, growing demands for higher performance, and enable future product opportunities, ” says Robert Blanchard of Sony Electronics and president of the HDMI Forum.
HDMI Specification 2.1 Features Include:
- Higher video 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 uses.
- Dynamic HDR ensures video is displayed at ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast and wider color gamuts.
- Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable will support 48G bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support, low EMI emission, and backwards compatibility with existing HDMI devices.
- eArc connectivity simplification, supporting advanced audio formats and high quality audio, while also ensuring compatibility between audio devices and upcoming HDMI 2.1 products.
- Enhanced refresh rate features ensure added smoothness and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video, including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS), eliminating delay and black screens before content appears, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), reducing latency for smoother no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive VR.
The HDMI 2.1 Compliance Test Specification (CTS) will be published in stages during Q1-Q3 2018, and HDMI adopters will be notified when it is available.
Anyone on HTF considering buying an 8K TV any time soon? I think we’re some way off! Please offer your thoughts about the 2.1 spec below.
Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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