HDMI® – A technology
in the course of time
Since its introduction in 2002, HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has become one of the most important standards for transmitting audio and video signals. Initially, HDMI® was mainly used to connect DVD players and TVs, but over the past two decades, the standard has continuously evolved to meet the growing demands for image resolution and audio quality.
From supporting 1080p resolution in the early 2000s to the current HDMI® 2.1 standard, which enables video resolutions of up to 8K and high refresh rates, HDMI® has revolutionized the way we experience entertainment. Today, HDMI® is an essential part of home theaters, gaming systems, and modern display technologies.
What is
HDMI® 2.1 ?
HDMI® 2.1 is the latest version of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) technology and offers significant improvements in video and audio quality compared to its predecessors. With a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps (compared to 18 Gbps in HDMI® 2.0), HDMI® 2.1 enables the transmission of 8K and 4K videos at high refresh rates (8K can now be displayed at 60Hz for the first time), ensuring a smoother and more detailed visual experience.
This standard also supports new features such as dynamic HDR and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), making it especially appealing for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts.
The most important
Functions and Features of HDMI® 2.1
1. HIGHER RESOLUTIONS
and REFRESH RATES
HDMI® 2.1 supports resolutions of up to 10K with the DSC (Display Stream Compression) implemented in HDMI® 2.1, as well as uncompressed 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. This means that HDMI® 2.1 allows you to enjoy an extremely sharp and smooth image quality, especially for fast-moving and dynamic content such as action movies or video games.
Since 8K content quadruples the display area compared to 4K, HDMI® 2.1 can easily drive very large displays and video walls with full detail and image sharpness.
2. Dynamic HDR
(High Dynamic Range)
HDR is a technology that significantly improves the visual experience on modern screens by providing a wider range of contrasts and colors. Dark areas appear deeper and more detailed, while bright areas look more vibrant and realistic.
However, unlike static HDR in previous HDMI® versions, dynamic HDR continuously adapts to each scene or even every single frame. This optimizes contrast, brightness, and colors for an even more realistic and detailed image representation. While HDR already offers a significant improvement over conventional SDR (Standard Dynamic Range), dynamic HDR takes picture quality to an even higher level.
The main advantage of dynamic HDR is its more precise and flexible adjustment of image reproduction, making it better suited to match what the human eye actually perceives.
HDMI® 2.1 supports various HDR formats, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
3. VRR:
Variable Refresh Rate
VRR is especially interesting for gamers, as it enables seamless synchronization between the monitor’s refresh rate and the game’s output. VRR dynamically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of the graphics card, reducing disruptive effects such as screen tearing and stuttering. Especially in gaming, VRR ensures a smoother gameplay experience with better performance, as the image is always updated in sync with the game content.
4. EARC:
enhanced audio Return Channel (eARC)
ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows the audio embedded in the HDMI® data stream to be extracted from the display and sent back through the same cable, for example, to an AV receiver or soundbar.
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is an improved version of this (ARC). It enables the transmission of uncompressed, high-resolution audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio over an HDMI® cable. As a result, eARC provides significantly higher audio quality than traditional ARC, creating an impressive, immersive sound experience – ideal for home theater systems. Additionally, eARC ensures automatic synchronization between picture and sound, making it easier to control entire home theater setups with a single remote.
5. ALLM:
aUTO low Latency Mode
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows HDMI® 2.1 to automatically select the best mode for the lowest latency on a display when a game is started. Particularly useful for gaming consoles, ALLM ensures that the TV or monitor switches to “Game Mode,” disabling image enhancement processes like post-processing. This reduces input lag, enabling faster responses in games. ALLM is fully supported by HDMI® 2.1 and noticeably improves the gaming experience.
In Sum:
The Benefits for Gamers
For gaming enthusiasts, HDMI® 2.1 offers numerous advantages. The support for 4K at 120Hz and VRR ensures smooth, stutter-free graphics, which is especially important in fast-paced action games. Additionally, ALLM automatically reduces input lag, meaning your TV or monitor switches to the best mode for instant responsiveness to your inputs. With eARC, the latest surround sound technologies can be used without compromise, making the gaming experience even more immersive.
cOMPATIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To fully utilize the features of HDMI® 2.1, both the source device (e.g., gaming console or Blu-ray player) and the display device (e.g., TV or monitor) must support HDMI® 2.1. It is also important to use high quality HDMI®-cables that can support the increased bandwidth of up to 48 Gbps required by HDMI® 2.1. However, HDMI® 2.1 is backward compatible, meaning you can use HDMI® 2.1 devices with older HDMI® versions, but without the advanced features.
TO THE PRODUCTS
HDMI® 2.0 AND HDMI® 2.1
COMPARISON OF VERSIONS
The biggest difference between HDMI® 2.0 and HDMI® 2.1 lies in the maximum bandwidth. While HDMI® 2.0 supports a bandwidth of 18 Gbps, HDMI® 2.1 offers a bandwidth of up to 48 Gbps. This allows for higher resolutions (up to 10K) and faster refresh rates. Additionally, HDMI® 2.1 provides advanced features such as dynamic HDR, VRR, ALLM, and eARC, which are not supported by HDMI® 2.0.
Outlook
Why HDMI® 2.1
is important
HDMI® 2.1 is an important step towards the future of consumer electronics. With the increasing prevalence of 8K content and the growing demand for better picture and sound quality, HDMI® 2.1 is a future-proof solution. Gamers, home theater enthusiasts, and tech enthusiasts can now benefit from smoother refresh rates, better audio quality, and advanced features that take the entertainment experience to a new level.
FAQs
About HDMI® 2.1
1. cAN i USE HDMI® 2.1 CABLES WITH AN OLDER DEVICE?
Yes, HDMI® cables are backward compatible with older HDMI® versions. You can use them with devices that support HDMI® 2.0 or earlier. However, you will only benefit from the advanced features if both the source and display devices support HDMI® 2.1.
2. What is the difference between eARC and ARC?
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) offers a significantly higher bandwidth compared to ARC and enables the transmission of uncompressed audio signals such as Dolby Atmos and DTS. This results in better audio quality and a more immersive sound experience.
3. DO I HAVE TO BUY NEW DEVICES TO BE ABLE TO USE HDMI® 2.1?
If you want to use the advanced features of HDMI® 2.1, such as 8K or 4K video at 120Hz, VRR, or eARC, you will need both a source and display device that are HDMI® 2.1 compatible. However, you can also use HDMI® 2.1 cables with older devices, but without the new features.
4. What resolutions and frame rates does HDMI® 2.1 support?
HDMI® 2.1 supports resolutions up to 10K and enables 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, making it ideal for high-end gaming and home theater applications.
5. Do all devices support features like VRR and ALLM?
Not all HDMI® 2.1 devices support every feature. It is important to check the specifications of the devices to ensure they support VRR, ALLM, or other HDMI® 2.1 features.
6. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HDMI® 2.0 AND HDMI® 2.1?
HDMI® 2.1 offers higher bandwidth (up to 48 Gbps), supports 8K resolutions at 60Hz, 4K at 120Hz, and provides features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
