It had to come and it has been. The HDMI standard and its organization have updated everything related to this interface, from its cables to bandwidths, where they are now much more focused on gaming than ever, and proof of this is its implementation in new models of both monitors like televisions. The novelties of HDMI 2.1 are extensive and players must take them into account to bet on this future standard as well as its new hardware.
Every lover of this interface will receive it with open arms, since it represents a qualitative leap forward in their organization. But it is necessary to qualify certain details about its novelties if we want to take full advantage of all its virtues, so without further delay we will get to know them more thoroughly.
HDMI 2.1, all the new features of the standard
The main complaint of all users about version 2.0 today was precisely the lack of available bandwidth. This has been very elegantly resolved by the organization as faster update rates and higher resolutions are now supported. We can have, for example, 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz natively and without color compression.
This from the gamers point of view will be well received, but insufficient once again, at least for those who were waiting for 4K @ 144 Hz for this interface. The maximum resolution allowed will be 10240 x 4320 pixels, which is equivalent to the so-called 10K.
Although it is not surprising per se, it does meet the highest quality and definition that can and will be found in the market, so it covers everything necessary for the near future. Additionally, Dynamic HDR has been added as native support, where it enables a noticeable progression in overall video image quality from SDR to static HDR, and now static HDR to dynamic HDR.
Dynamic HDR support ensures that every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and in wider color ranges, scene by scene or even frame by frame.
Up to 48 Gbps, better EMI, eARC and VRR
The maximum bandwidth for this version of HDMI 2.1 is 48 Gbps, a more than notable improvement that also includes very low EMI emission in certified cables without losing compatibility with the previous HDMI specifications.
With eARC the same ease of use is guaranteed as in older versions of the interface, but more advanced audio formats and the highest existing sound quality are added. As for gaming, gamers can expect several key features that will enhance the experience versus HDMI 2.0 and only on compatible monitors and televisions.
Firstly, support is added to the much sought after VRR, so LAG, stuttering and tearing while playing are totally or partially eliminated. This will be done either with FreeSync in its different versions and depending on the product we buy, or through G-SYNC Compatible. To make matters worse, support is also added to ALLM .
ALLM, QMS and QFT, plus a certified cable
Auto Low Latency Mode will sync existing hardware with the ideal latency setting, all automatically, improving game smoothness. This setting will normally be specified, according to each manufacturer, as a characteristic named differently by each one of them. Some call it Game Mode, others Game Plus, but ultimately it is the same technology with a different nomenclature.
Finally, the organization has added QMS and QFT , two technologies to improve delays, included within VR. It is necessary to clarify that although the current HDMI cables are compatible, for the best performance a new cable is needed that arrives certified under the premise of Ultra High Speed, with its corresponding logo.
Only in this way is it guaranteed that it has passed all the necessary standards as well as the tests that certify it, something that will be necessary if we want to ensure the best performance with high-resolution or Hz screens.