Tag: HDMI 2.1

Following the release of the HDMI 2.1 specification in 2017, and subsequent minor adjustments to versions 2.1a and 2.1b, the HDMI Association is expected to announce the new HDMI 2.2 transmission specification at CES 2025. In the previous design, HDMI 2.1a added Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) to enhance HDR display effects, enabling PCs and game consoles to automatically output optimized HDR visuals. HDMI 2.1b increased the transmission bandwidth to 48Gbps and supported 10K resolution display output. The upcoming HDMI 2.2 version is expected to be backward compatible with the HDMI 2.1 specification, and is also expected to include higher transmission bandwidth and support for higher resolution display output. With the release of the new HDMI specification, we can expect to see more smart TVs, monitors, and upcoming graphics cards with completely redesigned specifications.

Although the name HDMI 2.1 has recently been controversial, the HDMI Alliance has clearly taken over the preparation of a specification called HDMI 2.1a to improve the current confusion surrounding the standard. In the HDMI 2.1a specification previously published on the official website, the English version has changed the name to HDMI 2.1, while the Chinese version still uses HDMI 2.1a in the title. Therefore, it is speculated that the HDMI Alliance may "upgrade" the original HDMI 2.1 specification to HDMI 2.1a, while maintaining the previous decision to directly change the name of the HDMI 2.0 specification to HDMI 2.1. The upcoming HDMI 2.1a is expected to include SBTM (Source-Based Tone Mapping) functionality to enhance HDR display effects, enabling PCs or game consoles to automatically output optimized HDR display effects. It is intended as a supplement to existing HDR10 and HLG display technologies, not a replacement, with the main goal of allowing more display devices to support better display effects. In addition, the SBTM function also allows for multi-window usage mode, which can display HDR content and general SDR content simultaneously through different windows, rather than only presenting content in a single display mode.

Regarding the HDMI 2.1 design specification proposed in 2017, the HDMI Alliance recently stated that features originally added to the HDMI 2.1 design specification will become optional features in the future HDMI 2.1 specification, and the existing HDMI 2.0 design specification will directly become HDMI 2.1. This sounds absurd, but a recent discovery by TFT Central revealed that a Xiaomi TV product, while labeled as using the HDMI 2.1 connection specification, exhibited significant discrepancies in actual use compared to the officially announced HDMI 2.1 specifications. After inquiring with the HDMI Alliance, it was clarified that the name HDMI 2.0 will no longer be used; it will be directly replaced by HDMI 2.1. Features previously stated to be added to HDMI 2.1, such as 4K 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Render Update (VRR), and Automatic Low Latency (ALLM), will become optional features in the future HDMI 2.1 specification. This means that besides TVs and monitors already announced to feature HDMI 2.1, some models currently on the market may simply change their HDMI 2.0 designation to HDMI 2.1. Therefore, consumers might buy TVs advertised as HDMI 2.1 when they actually only use the previously provided HDMI 2.0. While the HDMI Alliance states it will still require manufacturers to clearly label products using HDMI 2.1, this may vary depending on the specific features chosen. Judging future TV and monitor purchases solely based on HDMI 2.1 labeling could lead to unrealistic expectations. The reason for this adjustment by the HDMI Alliance is currently unclear, but it may be related to the increasing prevalence of 4K content, the growing availability of 120Hz refresh rate content, and even the need to purchase only HDMI 2.1 models to match new game consoles. This has prompted the HDMI Alliance to adjust the naming convention to attract more consumers to TVs and monitors.

After announcing the HDMI 2.1 specification in 2017, the HDMI Alliance finally began pushing forward with a mandatory certification program for Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI 2.1 Cables this year, making it easier for consumers to identify cables compliant with the HDMI 2.1 specification. The HDMI 2.1 specification boasts support for refresh rates up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz, as well as native High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, with a bandwidth of up to 48Gbps. Therefore, corresponding cable design specifications must also meet the same requirements. Last year's Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI Cable certification program ensured that cables supporting HDMI connections could reliably support ultra-high-speed bandwidth. This time, the HDMI Alliance, in line with the HDMI 2.1 design specifications, requires cables compliant with the HDMI 2.1 specification to meet relevant certification requirements and further increases the usable length of the cables for easier device connection. Cables compliant with this certification program will fully support HDMI 2.1 specifications, including stable 8K video transmission, HDR support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). They will also support 48Gbps bandwidth and be unaffected by radio frequency interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other sources. Furthermore, the HDMI Association plans to promote cable power design, allowing devices to operate directly powered through the HDMI port without requiring a separate power cable.

The HDMI Association recently announced that it is opening certification applications for all cables built to the Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI standard. This includes compliance with the HDMI 2.1 specification and support for technologies such as 4K and 8K video playback, as well as HDR, VRR, and eARC, ensuring that the cables can handle clear and stable ultra-high-resolution video content. All cables applying for certification must pass testing at HDMI-authorized testing centers, including compliance with HDMI specification support technologies and electromagnetic interference testing, before they can be approved to use the Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI certification sticker on their packaging. Currently, over 140 cable manufacturers have joined the certification program and are using anti-counterfeiting stickers on their certified cable packaging for identification. The HDMI 2.1 specification was proposed by the HDMI Association at CES 2017. It primarily addresses the transmission of ultra-high resolution video content above 8K, enabling HDMI ports to support refresh rates up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz, as well as native High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. It also increases the transmission bandwidth to 48Gbps, providing backward compatibility and supporting HDR to ensure excellent image depth, detail, brightness, highlight contrast, and a wider color gamut. Furthermore, the HDMI 2.1 specification supports eARC audio formats, such as object-based audio, and audio control functions (including device auto-detection). It also adds support for VRR game mode, using variable refresh rate to deliver smoother, clearer details in 3D images while reducing lag, stuttering, and screen tearing.

The HDMI 2.1 specification, announced at CES 2017 earlier this year, will have its Compliance Test Specification (CTS) released by the HDMI Technology Forum between Q1 and Q3 2018, allowing more HDMI devices to support higher image resolutions and streaming standards. The HDMI 2.1 specification is primarily designed for 8K@60fps and 4K@120fps display formats, and supports up to 10K pixels and HDR high dynamic range video formats. The video transmission bandwidth has been increased to 48Gbps. It is also compatible with the HDMI 2.0 specification, primarily designed for higher resolution video, as well as 3D video content including high dynamic range displays and virtual reality video transmission. Furthermore, it incorporates ultra-low electromagnetic interference (EMI) design to prevent interference during image data transmission. The HDMI 2.1 specification features the following: Higher image resolution: Supports high resolution and faster refresh rates (including 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz), allowing viewers to be immersed and enjoy smooth, high-speed motion details. Up to 10K pixels are also supported for commercial AV, industrial, and professional applications. Dynamic HDR support ensures that every moment, every scene, and even every frame of the image is presented with its ideal depth of field, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamut. Ultra-high-speed HDMI cables support 48G bandwidth and uncompressed HDMI 2.1 functionality. The cables also have very low EMI...