Everything you need from HDMI 2.1 technology

More and more movies are moving from movie theaters to the comfort of our own homes, and the demand for screens and monitors that offer high-definition video and entertainment is growing. When it comes to clear and ultra-sharp images, HDMI is an absolute must. The technology itself is not new, but its specifications are constantly evolving to ensure future display setups. This is where the new HDMI 2.1 generation comes into play.

Before we move on to HDMI 2.1, it is good to understand what HDMI means. HDMI stands for ”high definition multimedia interface”, which roughly translates to High Definition Multimedia Interface. This has been the standard for transferring high-resolution video and audio over a single cable and connector. It is mainly used by devices such as digital TVs, DVD players, projection screens, monitors, and gaming consoles such as Xbox. and the connection to PlayStation.

What does HDMI 2.1 mean?
HDMI 2.1 is the latest update to this technology and offers more bandwidth and resolution compared to its predecessors. The full features of HDMI 2.1 require a 2.1-compatible cable or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.

HDMI 2.1 vs. 2.0; What's the difference?
The main difference between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 is the overall bandwidth and transfer rate. 2.0 supports only 18 Gbps bandwidth, which enables 4K video at 60 frames per second refresh rate, while HDMI 2.1 supports 48 Gbps bandwidth and enables up to 10K resolution at 120 frames per second refresh rate.

The updated cable also supports completely new features, such as dynamic HDR, automatic low latency mode, and improved eARC (enhanced audio return channel) to achieve an even more immersive audiovisual experience.

Why do you need an HDMI 2.1 monitor?
Higher bandwidth: Switching from HDMI 2.0 to HDMI 2.1 brings a higher bandwidth, from 18 Gbps to 48 Gbps, which means better data transfer speeds for 10K resolutions and even 120 Hz refresh rates.

Higher resolutions and faster refresh rates
HDMI 2.1 supports up to 10K resolution. Although even 8K content is not yet widely available. With an HDMI 2.1 display, you ensure the possibility of playing high-resolution content for the future. Additionally, it enables faster refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, which improves the viewing experience for sports events, action movies, and fast-paced games.

Dynamic HDR is a display technology that expands the brightness and color range of the image much further. It extends the contrast level beyond normal values, creating darker blacks and brighter whites. Thanks to the increased bandwidth added by HDMI 2.1, displays with HDMI 2.1 can enable dynamic HDR to be used seamlessly for an even more detailed visual experience.

HDMI 2.1 also brings other innovative features, such as improved audio return channel (eARC), variable refresh rate (VRR), and fast picture transfer (QFT) to improve the gaming experience.