HDMI 2.1 Brings 10K Video & Improved VR Support

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Forum, the brains behind HDMI connector, have unveiled the latest upgrade for the interface with its HDMI 2.1 release. The newly completed HDMI 2.1 specification will be able to display an astonishing 10k resolution although at a lower refresh rate.

Specs

The new gadget will have following specs.

Improved bandwidth of 48 Gigabit/s. HDMI 1.4 had a pretty low bandwidth of 10.2 Gb/s as compared to 2.1. For reference HDMI 2.0 manages 18 Gb/s.
A higher bandwidth enables it to push resolution up to 10K in addition to running 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz.
It can adjust display on a frame-by-frame basis, which ensures that scenes are displayed at ideal resolution with Dynamic HDR (High Dynamic Range).
Reduced screen tearing and lag with improved VRR-Variable Refresh Rate.
Quick Media Switching (QMS): QMS will eliminate any delays when resolutions or devices are switched.
Backward compatibility-It is compatible with devices with older HDMI specifications (1.4, 2.0 etc)
eARC- this function lets the cable deliver higher quality audio and supports all audio formats.
Auto Low Latency Mode: Detection of latency and its configuration.

Higher resolution and refresh rates mean greater consumption of data, thus HDMI 2.1 requires greater bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 will need special cables labelled as Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 to support its functionality and as a result, it isn’t compatible with existing HDMI 2.0 cables.

TVs will take some time to catch up to 10K, even 8K support is hard to find currently. Virtual Reality (VR) gaming will be revolutionized with 10k video streaming and will be capable of better visuals than before.

HDMI Forum says the Compliance Test Specification (CTS) will be completed through first three quarters of next year. Which means we will have to wait for a few months before HDMI 2.1 compatible devices hit the market.

Via bit-tech