HDMI 2.1 for TV, DVD, Blu-Ray and gaming: information, data and advantages

HDMI 2.1 is the new one on the CES 2017 presented standard for digital image transmission, which brings Dynamic HDR, 4K with up to 120 fps and 8K with up to 60 fps. Everything you need to know about HDMI 2.1, what compatibility exists, how the innovations affect films, video games and television; I have prepared all of this for you.

When will HDMI 2.1 be launched?

The new technology for image and video transmission was presented on January 4, 2017; on the one hand at CES 2017, on the other hand also through a HDMI Association press release. The latter shows that the HDMI 2.1 Standard should be available to end users from the second quarter of 2017. It remains questionable whether there will be enough compatible devices and cables that can be bought from April 2017. I think that by the coming holiday season both players and cables and TVs could be available with HDMI 2.1 so you can put together a complete set.

High definition multimedia interface on a whole new level

But what changes, innovations or innovations on the market for moving images does the presented technology bring? How should the enjoyment of multimedia content improve? Here I have summarized the individual points for you so that you can get an insight:

• Support of 8K videos or films (7.680 x 4.320 pixels) with 60 Hz and 4K content (3.840 x 2.160 pixels) with up to 120 Hz
• Dynamic HDR for even more realistic images: individually for each scene, each setting, each image displayed depth, details, brightness, contrast and the corresponding color spectrum
• 48G cable: 48G stands for 48 GBit / s for these cables, which enables uncompressed transmission of 8K content with HDR or Dynamic HDR
• EARC as a new audio standard: audio return channel with new features such as object-based sound, automatic detection of devices and adaptation of the audio output, etc.
• Game Mode VRR: Variable Refresh Rates (VRR) enable an individual gaming experience - also in the area of ​​3D media including reducing or reducing lag, jumps and jumps as well as fragmentary frames

Is HDMI 2.1 backward compatible?

Yes, the new HDMI Standard 2.1 is compatible with devices and cables for the HDMI 2.0 standard. In other words: if you have an HDMI 2.1 TV or DVD or Blu-Ray player, but only an HDMI 2.0 cable for the time being, then you can still watch films. The other way around, you can connect 2.0 technology with a 48G cable of the 2.1 standard. The only downside of the whole thing: if you are looking for the best standard and 8K films (e.g. Guardians of the Galaxy 2), you have to pay attention to the HDMI 2.1 standard for every element of the device chain.

Data transfer from HDMI cables: 1.4, 2.0 and 2.1

There has been a noticeable leap in the transmission rate of HDMI cables from the 2.0 standard to the new 2.1 technology. The individual values ​​are clearly listed here:

• HDMI 1.4 cable: 10,2 Gbit / s
• HDMI 2.0 cable: 18 Gbit / s
• HDMI 2.1 cable: 48 Gbit / s

Can devices also get HDMI 2.1 via software update?

This is quite conceivable for televisions as well as for players and game consoles. Whether the manufacturers of Smart TV devices that are connected to the Internet will roll out an update, however, cannot be foreseen. For consoles, an update to HDMI 2.1 via software patch is more conceivable, but should not be guaranteed here either.

Your opinion on the new Ultra-Ultra HD television, gaming and more

Do you already use 4K media? Do you stream in high resolution and pay attention to UHD Blu-Rays when buying films on data carriers? Or are you just waiting for HDMI 2.1 technology with 8K support, Dynamic HDR, eARC Audio and VRR Game Mode to come onto the market? What would you be willing to pay for a complete set for the home theater or the gaming cave? Feel free to leave a comment! :)

Unless otherwise stated, all images or background graphics are from hdmi.org.

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.