In a previous article, we talked about HDMI ARC and why you need it in your home entertainment setup. Today we're going to cover a new HDMI specification, HDMI 2.1, and how this upgrade is set to revolutionize your entertainment life. But before we dive into the basics of HDMI 2.1, let's take a look back at HDMI and how it has constantly evolved over the years.
ContentsHDMI BasicsHDMI 2.1:SpecificationsHow HDMI 2.1 will impact 4K gamingShould I upgrade to HDMI 2.1?Conclusion
HDMI 2.1 introduces a host of new features and high bandwidth to the venerable cable and connection. Even though most of today's HDMI specifications can handle almost all current content distributed by cable, DVD, Blu-ray and digital media, the television industry has grown at a breakneck pace. Over time, we will likely see higher resolutions and frame rates on TV. And that's where HDMI 2.1 comes in. Here are some quick specs that make HDMI 2.1 the technology of the future:
One thing you'll notice is that this update is future-oriented and takes into account resolutions and formats that won't be available for years.
If you're a hardcore gamer, you'll appreciate what HDMI 2.1 promises to bring to the table. Yes, current HDMI 2.0 is capable of supporting 4K gaming at 60 frames per second, but gamers still have to deal with a lot of compromises. For example, 4K games over HDMI 2.0 suffer from lag and motion blur. HDMI 2.1 promises to correct these imperfections. The greater bandwidth supported by HDMI 2.1 means higher resolutions and frame rates.
While HDMI 2.0 supports 4K HDR, HDMI 2.1 goes a step further by adding support for Dynamic HDR. Dynamic HDR ensures that every moment of a video/game is displayed with breathtaking clarity when it comes to depth, tone, and wider color gamuts. There's more to gaming than HDR. VRR (variable refresh rate) game mode for consoles and PC will allow the GPU to display the frame as it is being rendered. This, in simpler terms, means reduced frame tearing and lag, both of which will increase the level of immersion.
To take advantage of all these new features, you will need everything new. New TV, new HDMI cables, new games, new copies of your movies, and new source devices. Since most content today is still Full HD, with only a handful of digital platforms offering 4K content, it would be wise to wait until next year or in the future when more content will be available.
With the specifications that HDMI 2.1 promises to bring, it is obvious that this upgrade will revolutionize our entertainment life. We'll likely see more TVs and game consoles shipping with HDMI 2.1 support later this year or early next year.
