Short Bytes: HDMI 2.1, the latest version of the HDMI specifications has been announced. HDMI 2.1 increases the maximum bandwidth to 48Gbps enabling support for 10K and 8K videos @120Hz. It brings other notable features including Dynamic HDR, Game Mode VRR, HDCP 2.2, etc. It will be launched in Q2 2017.

DMI Forum Inc. which looks after the development of HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has released the HDMI 2.1 specifications. HDMI is a proprietary interface for pushing audio and uncompressed video streams from a source to a receiving device, such as a monitor.

HDMI 2.1 brings?a considerable jump over previous HDMI specifications with support for 8K (7680×4320) video feed at 60hz refresh rate. This is an expected move from the Forum as other competing technologies, such as DisplayPort, already support 8K UHD resolution.

The latest specifications also bump the refresh rate to 120Hz for 4K resolution. Earlier, it was limited to 60Hz. In a nutshell, the specification enhances the bandwidth to 48 gigabits per second now offers support for a total 10K resolution @120Hz when multiple displays are connected.

The Audio Return Channel is an HDMI feature that eliminates the need for a separate audio cable in case an audio device is connected. ARC has also been updated to support advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X for connected sound processing devices like home theaters and soundbars.

As expected, HDMI 2.1 brings support for dynamic metadata for HDR content. It means custom depth, brightness, contrast, wide-gamut, etc. levels can be set in a frame-by-frame fashion. Game Mode VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) adds to the list of salient features. It enables a GPU to display the image the moment it is rendered.

The new HDMI specification is also compatible with previous versions and working on the same HDMI connector currently in use. Scheduled to release in Q2 2017 and existing HDMI 2.0 devices be upgraded to support the new specification. However, new 48G cable will be required to stream 8K resolution.

You can read more about HDMI 2.1 here.

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