What is HDMI 2.1? | Simply Explained

HDMI 2.1 is the latest’ baby’ to make a difference in the field of entertainment and high-definition. While HDMI is the ultimate and has been around for ‘as long as one can remember; the HDMI 2.1 is worth a watch. The new technology promises better resolution, finer picture quality, and better audio. But what appears to be quite familiar at the first glance, is quite a revolution. It has a better Bandwidth boost, can support content up to 10K, and is perhaps the best for the gamers. An enhanced audio return channel is the ‘cherry on top that makes HDMI 2.1 hard to miss. But there is more to the best in-home entertainment experience of the future that you might what to know about. Read on to find out. 

HDMI 2.1

This all-new connector is the ‘pathway’ that connects the content source and the video source. Being backwards compatible with other technology; which implies that HDMI 2.1 will still work on the older set that cannot support the new version. Also, the bandwidth is triple what the existing 2.0 standard can offer. Moreover, the HDMI 2.1 also offers a resolution of up to 10K with frame rates of 120fps. In retrospect, this implies that you can enjoy a resolution at the rate of 120 fps for up to 10K. This has made news in the market since its launch this year, and why not? Where else would you enjoy the 10K frame rates along with 8K frame rates?

Working of HDMI 2.1: More About Cables and Connectors

To make the most of the all-new HDMI 2.1, you might want to get a grab of the 2.1 compliant cables. But it is worth a note that the latest technology still retains the earlier one-cable design as the previous technologies. This way, you need not fuss about the latest shapes and sizes for the new connectors. 

The Bandwidth: How It Differs And Why It Matters

The all-new 2.1 HDMI tv is all about a better video experience with more bandwidth. This essentially translates into more content that can pass across the cable onto your viewing device. But, most might expect high-resolution content or frame rates to occupy more space. However, with more bandwidth, you can more efficiently push more content across the cable. An impressive 48 Gbps bandwidth can be supported by the all-new HDMI 2.1, nearly double what the existing 2.0 has to offer. Also, you can easily drive a 10K content at 120 frames per second smoothly across the HDMI 2.1 cable. 

HDMI

You have probably come across this term quite often. This port is one of the most useful ones around and can connect both monitor and TV. Also, this port can carry both Audio and Visual features. Most modern devices like the Apple TV, Blu-ray also feature an HDMI port. Essentially, this port is versatile in laptops as it can connect to various peripherals. Also, the design is unique enough to withstand the risk of damage. The current HDMI connections allow the transmission of 4K video and more.

What The Resolution Has To Say?

Most might know by now that HDMI 2.1 is all about resolutions and more resolution. Also, while the 4K content and the 8K content might be tough on availability, a 10K content can be smoothly pushed across the HDMI 2.1 cable; but this is yet to arrive. While the resolution aspect of the HDMI 2.1 seems to grab all the limelight; however, it is the audio features that are perhaps the ‘under-dog aspect of the technology.
This is in comparison to the existing technology that comprises ARC or the Audio Return Channel. This allows the smooth passage of audio between your television and audio set. But, the working of HDMI 2.1 utilizes a feature known as eARC. This is the acronym for enhanced Audio Return Channel, which allows the audio bandwidth to be slightly enhanced. Furthermore, this allows for the passage of more and better audio content across the cable, thus resulting in an ‘out-of-this world’ sound experience.

The Dynamic HDR

The Dynamic HDR is also supported in the all-new HDMI 2.1. As we all know, HDR technology is all about better contrast and colour variation in the video. This results in better visuals and viewing experience. As for the merging of the Dynamic HDR along with the HDMI 2.1, more HDR data is sent from the content source. This results in adjusting the HDR data of a certain scene according to the ‘scene level,’ thus finer pictures in what you watch.

HDMI 2.1: For The Gamers

It is not going to be an exaggeration that the HDMI 2.1 is for gamers. This is basically because this all-new technology promises fast-paced content to be captured with precise accuracy on the screen for a more lifelike gaming experience. The tech behind this is the innovative Auto law-Latency Mode that adjusts the settings of the television to make sure that the fast-paced content is not slowed down. In other words, Lags is not an issue when you have HDMI 2.1 on your side.
Also, the HDMI 2.1 includes the best of both the world, i.e., the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and the Quick frame transport technology or the QFT. Most gamers might be familiar with the AMD’s FreeSync available on gaming monitors; this is what the all-new HDMI 2.1 ‘reflects’ onto the TV and the gaming consoles. The VRR ensures that the video frames can be delivered at fast speeds onto the gaming consoles. This allows for better stabilization and improved visuals. The QFT also allows the reduction of latency and makes sure that the screen does not take too much time in interpretation from the console or the graphics cards.

HDMI 2.1: Can I Upgrade?

Well, not exactly. At least not yet. This is mainly because the HDMI 2.1 technology requires all-new hardware for it to function. But there are a few brands that have launched QLED Tv where the users can upgrade to HDMI 2.1. However, for this new technology to experience its true colour, it is going to take time. As for now, you will have to purchase a brand new television for the HDMI 2.1 technology to be enjoyed, if at all. This could take another year or two for the technology to finally ‘take shape’ in the current market. Finally, it is safe to say that the HDMI 2.1 is very much the future to watch out for.

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