HDMI 2.1 is the latest HDMI specification with a total bandwidth capability of 48Gbps. HDMI 2.1 supports range of ultra HD video resolutions and refresh rates such as 8K60 and 4K120. Resolutions up to 10K are supported. HDMI 2.1 also supports various static and dynamic HDR solutions.
Fixed Rate Link (FRL)
Fixed Rate Link (FRL) is a signaling technology supported in the HDMI 2.1 Specification. FRL replaces TMDS. However, HDMI 2.1 specification still requires support for TMDS for backwards compatibility. FRL is needed to reach higher uncompressed resolutions above 4k60. It is also needed for the ultra-high-speed bandwidths up to 48Gbps and for compressed video transport. Compressed video enables operation at lower data rates e.g. 4k60 and ultra-high pixel rate video such as 10Kp120.
Display Stream Compression (DSC)
HDMI 2.1 incorporates VESA DSC 1.2a link compression. For more information on DSC, click here. VESA DSC 1.2a can be used to enable higher resolutions than 8K60/4:2:0/10-bit color, such as 8K60 RGB, 8K120 and even 10K120.
Enhanced Gaming Features
Enhanced gaming features enable an unseen level of smoothness in gaming, movies and videos. Enhanced gaming features include:
• Variable Refrest Rate (VRR) reduces lag, stutter and frame tearing
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) enables the setting of the ideal latency setting automatically
• Quick Media Switching (QMS) eliminates the delay sometimes resulting in blank screens before content is played in movies and videos
• Quick Frame Transport (QTF) reduces latency enabling smooth no-lag gaming and virtual reality
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Supporting 48Gbps bandwidth, Ultra high-speed HDMI cable enables uncompressed 8K video with HDR. Ultra high-speed cables are backward compatible and can be used with any HDMI device.
