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HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2: What's the difference?

HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2: What's the difference?

HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI standard. It was released in 2017 and offers a number of advantages over HDMI 2.0, including:

  • Higher bandwidth: HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth of 48Gbps, which is double the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0. This allows HDMI 2.1 to support higher resolutions and refresh rates.
  • Higher resolutions: HDMI 2.1 can support resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz. This is compared to HDMI 2.0, which can only support resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz.
  • Higher refresh rates: HDMI 2.1 can support refresh rates up to 120Hz at 4K resolution. This is compared to HDMI 2.0, which can only support refresh rates up to 60Hz at 4K resolution.
  • Dynamic HDR: HDMI 2.1 supports dynamic HDR, which allows the HDR metadata to be updated on a frame-by-frame basis. This results in a more accurate and lifelike image.
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): HDMI 2.1 supports variable refresh rate (VRR), which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering when gaming.
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): HDMI 2.1 supports auto low latency mode (ALLM), which automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT): HDMI 2.1 supports quick frame transport (QFT), which reduces latency even further by reducing the amount of time it takes for frames to be transmitted from the source device to the display device.

Image of HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2 features

Which HDMI cable should I buy?

If you have a device that supports HDMI 2.1, such as a new gaming console or TV, then you should buy an HDMI 2.1 cable. This will ensure that you can get the most out of your device and enjoy the benefits of HDMI 2.1, such as higher resolutions, refresh rates, and dynamic HDR.

Image of HDMI 2.1 cable

If you don't have a device that supports HDMI 2.1, then you can still buy an HDMI 2.1 cable as it will be backward compatible with older HDMI devices. However, you won't be able to take advantage of the new features of HDMI 2.1.

Conclusion

HDMI 2.1 is a significant upgrade over HDMI 2.0. It offers a number of advantages, including higher bandwidth, higher resolutions, higher refresh rates, dynamic HDR, variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode, and quick frame transport. If you have a device that supports HDMI 2.1, then you should buy an HDMI 2.1 cable to get the most out of your device.

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