HDMI 2.1 has become the buzzword in the world of tech enthusiasts. With its cool features, it is heavily influencing the buying decisions of both gamers and general users alike. However, manufacturers may not always be forthcoming about what HDMI 2.1 actually entails.
It’s similar to how every new USB product is labeled as USB 3.1 or USB 3.2, even if it doesn’t support the max speeds of the new version. Unfortunately, HDMI is falling into the same trap. The problem came to light when a report uncovered a misleading list of features on a 240Hz monitor from Xiaomi. Although the spec sheet clearly stated it was HDMI 2.1 capable, it also clearly stated that the maximum resolution of the display was a mere 1080p.
The issue here is that HDMI 2.1 licensing requirements now consider all of the old HDMI 2.0 features to be a subset of HDMI 2.1. In other words, the name HDMI 2.1 is replacing the name HDMI 2.0, and manufacturers have cart blanche to slap HDMI 2.1 on their devices, even if they’re not offering anything new. Manufacturers can’t even get their products certified for HDMI 2.0 anymore; it has to be under the HDMI 2.1 banner now.
If a product supports any of the new HDMI 2.1 features, the manufacturer has to list exactly which ones to reduce uncertainty. But, this is the same scheme that USB is using now, and nearly every tech observer on the planet has pointed out that this is a dumb way to indicate your product’s capabilities. It just muddies the waters instead of making them clearer.
The folks behind the HDMI standard include a lot of hardware manufacturers who obviously want their products to sell well, and HDMI 2.1 sounds sexier than HDMI 2.0, especially to those who know about the new features but may not know about the shenanigans going on with the new naming scheme.
So, what can you do if you want to buy a new TV or monitor? Read that spec sheet carefully before plunking down tons of money on a shiny new device, especially if it says HDMI 2.1 on the box. Don’t worry, though, if a company wants to stick with HDMI 2.0 on their spec sheet, they can still do that.
In conclusion, while HDMI 2.1 may sound like the next big thing, it’s important to be aware of the naming scheme and the features that a product actually offers. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your TV or monitor, take the time to read the specifications carefully.