HDMI 2.1 Is Here, Brings 10K Resolution Support

HDMI 2.1

The future beckons! The latest HDMI specification, HDMI 2.1, announced earlier this year, has officially been released. And it brings with it an eyewatering list of new features and technologies.

Full specifications of the connector have been confirmed by the HDMI Forum, the ones who maintain the HDMI standard, and these confirm that this latest upgrade to the interface will allow consumers to display an astonishing 10K resolution, albeit at a lower refresh rate.

That’s because the capacity has been increased to carry signals at 10240 x 4320 pixels.

While the world is still catching up to 4K, and there are a few 8K displays and cameras out there in the wild, the 10K resolution is expected to be used in computer monitors — and is not a standard format in television and entertainment.

HDMI 2.1 10K

Anyway, below are the key highlights from the HDMI 2.1 specifications list:

  • Improved bandwidth of 48 Gigabit/s. This is a massive improvement from the very low bandwidth of HDMI 1.4 at 10.2 Gb/s, while HDMI 2.0 managed things at 18 Gb/s.
  • Support for resolution up to 10K, along with displaying 4K signals at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz.
  • The ability to adjust display on a frame-by-frame basis, ensuring that scenes are displayed at ideal resolution with Dynamic HDR (High Dynamic Range).
  • Reduced screen tearing and lag with improved VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
  • QMS (Quick Media Switching) to eliminate any delays when resolutions or devices are switched.
  • eARC function to let the cable deliver higher quality audio, with supports for all audio formats.
  • Auto Low Latency Mode to detection latency and its configuration.
  • Backward compatibility with devices that are limited to older HDMI specifications.

Pretty good stuff, and the 10K resolution is also something that may revolutionize virtual reality and VR gaming, providing better visuals than ever before.

You’ll have to wait a while to get your hands on some HDMI 2.1 powered equipment, though.

HDMI Forum plans to complete CTS (Compliance Test Specification) through the first three quarters of next year, meaning HDMI 2.1 compatible devices will only become readily available sometimes before the end of 2018.

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