the key differences between various HDMI versions
the key differences between various HDMI versions
Understand key differences between various HDMI versions
HDMI 1.0 to 1.4
HDMI 1.0 (2002): Launched the standard, supporting up to 1080p resolution and 8-channel audio.
HDMI 1.1 (2004): Added support for DVD Audio.
HDMI 1.2 (2005): Added support for One Bit Audio, used in Super Audio CDs.
HDMI 1.3 (2006): Increased bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps, added support for Deep Color, and introduced the new mini-HDMI Type C connector.
HDMI 1.4 (2009): Introduced support for 4K video at 30Hz, 3D video, an Audio Return Channel (ARC), an Ethernet channel, and Automotive Connection System.
HDMI 2.0 to 2.1
HDMI 2.0 (2013): Increased bandwidth to 18 Gbps, supported 4K resolution at 60Hz, 32 audio channels, dual video streams, dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams, and introduced eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).
HDMI 2.0a (2015): Added support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video with static metadata.
HDMI 2.0b (2016): Included support for Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) HDR format.
HDMI 2.1 (2017)
Increased Bandwidth: Up to 48 Gbps, supporting higher resolutions and faster refresh rates.
Resolutions and Refresh Rates: Up to 10K resolution and support for 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz.
Dynamic HDR: Enables HDR metadata to be dynamically adjusted on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis.
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC): Allows for higher quality audio signals like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to be sent back to the sound system.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Reduces or eliminates lag, stutter, and frame tearing for smoother gameplay.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically enables the ideal latency setting for gaming or other tasks.
Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming and real-time interactive virtual reality.
Quick Media Switching (QMS): Eliminates the delay that can result in blank screens before content appears.
Display Stream Compression (DSC): A visually lossless compression standard to achieve higher resolutions without sacrificing quality.
Summary
HDMI 1.x: Laid the foundation with support for full HD and multi-channel audio.
HDMI 2.0: Significantly increased bandwidth and introduced support for 4K at 60Hz, HDR, and more audio channels.
HDMI 2.1: A major upgrade with support for very high resolutions and refresh rates, dynamic HDR, and numerous enhancements for gaming and audio.
Each version has built upon the last to accommodate the growing demands of high-definition and ultra-high-definition content, enhanced audio, and gaming technologies.
