10K video and more: what does HDMI 2.1 bring to table?

The HDMI Forum, behind the HDMI cable specification, has revealed HDMI 2.1, being a rather notable upgrade over previous standards.

If you thought 4K at 60 frames per second was the holy grail, then prepare to change your underwear, because HDMI 2.1 tops out at a ridiculous 10K resolution and 120fps.

Otherwise, expect supported resolutions of 8K, 5K and 4K — all at 50, 60, 100 and 120fps.

Another big addition is dynamic HDR, effectively allowing HDR effects to be turned up or down on a more granular basis.

“Dynamic HDR ensures every moment of a video is displayed at its ideal values for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts — on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis,” the HDMI Forum wrote on its website.

4K content is slowly but surely gaining more steam, but 10K is already on the horizon via HDMI 2.1

Thought 4K HDR was ridiculous? Well, HDMI 2.1 also features 8K resolution with HDR, although this will require the new 48G cable.

There’s more specific gaming support as well, in the form of a “Game Mode VRR” feature.

“Game Mode VRR features variable refresh rate, which enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing,” the HDMI Forum wrote.

Dynamic HDR and the Game Mode VRR feature don’t require the 48G cable though, the standards body clarified.

Featured image: Sam-Cat via Flickr