HDMI 2.1 specification supports 10K and dynamic HDR

The HDMI Forum has released version 2.1 of the HDMI specification, which includes support for video resolutions of up to 10K and dynamic HDR formats.

The Forum described the update as a “huge leap forward”, with the new specification supporting higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz, for “immersive viewing and smooth fast-action detail”.

Dynamic high dynamic range (HDR) is designed to let every moment of a video be displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast and wider colour gamuts – on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis.

Bandwidth capability has also been increased to 48Gbps, supported by a new Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable that can deliver uncompressed 8K video with HDR and has low electro-magnetic interference.

“The HDMI Forum’s mission is to develop specifications meeting market needs, growing demands for higher performance, and to enable future product opportunities,” said Sony Electronics executive and president of the HDMI Forum, Robert Blanchard.

Also included in HDMI 2.1 are enhanced refresh-rate features, designed to ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video.

Resolutions of up to 10K are supported for commercial AV and for industrial and specialty uses.

HDMI is backward compatible with earlier versions of the specification, and was developed by the HDMI Forum’s Technical Working Group.

The HDMI 2.1 Compliance Test Specification will be published in stages during Q1-Q3 2018, and HDMI adopters will be notified when it is available.