HDMI 2.1 cable: everything you need to know

With the introduction of numbered HDMI cables, the confusion was initially great and the question of the advantages and disadvantages of HDMI 2.1 cables was raised. In practice, the cables don't really differ - at least not yet. We'll explain what the numbering is all about.

HDMI 2.1: That changes with the new cables

It gets exciting with the new HDMI 2.1 cables only in the 8K or 10K range. TVs with such a high resolution will need the new cable standard. Until then, you are well advised to use HDMI cables up to version 2.0. The new specifications at a glance:

• Resolution from 7, 680 to 4, 320 pixels (8K) to 10, 328 to 7, 760 pixels (10K) at 60 Hertz, as well as 4K to 120 Hertz.
• They are VR compatible.
• All HDR formats, including those with Dolby Vision, are supported up to a color depth of 12 bits.
• Samsung tone mastering is supported.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Better refresh rate for 3D graphics. Of particular relevance when playing with the console or on the PC .
• QMS (Quick Media Switching): Can prevent the delay in the display. Particularly relevant for films and videos .
• QFT (Quick Frame Transport): Latency times are prevented and movements are smoother. Particularly relevant for real-time VR .

HDMI 2.1: For the general public, in a few cases not wrong

If you buy a new 4K television, you don't necessarily have to adjust your cable standard. A normal HDMI cable up to version 2.0 is usually sufficient. You only need the new 2.1 standard if you want to support certain features. Since it mostly fails due to the transmission, HDMI 2.1 and 8K and 10K will only really be relevant in the near future. Rather, pay attention to the interface of your TV, the transition here is much more fluid and many devices with HDMI 2.0 fulfill the same aspects as with HDMI 2.1.

• If you don't want to do without a bandwidth of 120 Hertz when playing 4K, you can buy new cables. The variable refresh rate mentioned at the beginning becomes important here. Image errors and lag can be avoided.
• With ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) the latency times are better and the delays are shorter. Also a feature that is important when gaming. However, since all devices (TV, console or PC, AV receiver and sound system) have to be ALLM-compatible, this is not too relevant as of today.
• For 8K TVs, HDMI 2.1 can display in 60 Hertz. This is fundamentally important, but as long as the transfer is not on 8K, it is not really an issue.
• The same question arises when watching TV with 4K and 120 Hertz. In sports broadcasts, you can perceive more fluid movements, but here too the theory fails in practice. The football game would first have to be broadcast at this high resolution, but most providers still operate at 1080p.