Tech

Watch out for these fake HDMI 2.1 screens, here’s how to spot them

The new HDMI 2.1 standard has revolutionized gaming, in particular by allowing new features such as ALLM, VRR or even compatibility with the 10K definition at 120 Hz, but not all screens would benefit from the same performance.

PC Gaming
Credit: Unsplash

The HDMI 2.1 standard brings very interesting new features for gaming. We can mention in particular the variable refresh rate (VRR), a low latency automatic mode (ALLM). It also supports a huge 48 Gbps bandwidth to offer a definition up to 10K and up to 120Hz refresh rate. It is essential to fully enjoy the next generation Xbox Series X and PS5 consoles.

However, it would seem that not all screens are compatible with these new features, even if the data sheet mentions an HDMI 2.1 port. The TFT Central site, which specializes in monitors, noticed that a new Xiaomi PC screen sold in China was marked ” HDMI 2.1 * In its specifications, although it only offers 1080p (at 240 Hz) definition.

The Chinese manufacturer would explain in small print that the bandwidth corresponds only to the HDMI 2.0 specification, and that it would therefore not be compatible with ALLM and VRR technologies. This is because the display would only support TMDS signaling protocols. In other words, it conforms to the HDMI 2.0 specification with a bit rate of 18 Gbps instead of the HDMI 2.1 specification of 48 Gbps. This would likely be an authorized practice. Xiaomi had already lied at the beginning of the year by announcing an HDMI 2.1 port on its Mi TV Q1 television, even though it was not compatible with the 4K definition at 120 Hz.

HDMI Licensing Administrator encourages manufacturers to lie

The HDMI Licensing Administrator, the group that defines and licenses HDMI standards, seems to have confusing requirements around the HDMI 2.1 standard, and these are likely to mislead customers when choosing a new display. Indeed, the group removed the HDMI 2.0 standard in 2017, and announced that display manufacturers should stick to the HDMI 2.1 standard in the future, even if all the features of the new standard are not present.

The standards body itself would therefore encourage manufacturers to lie by announcing compatibility with the HDMI 2.1 standard, as long as their devices support at least one new feature of the standard. According to the HDMI Licensing Administrator, characteristics of the HDMI 2.1 standard would therefore be optional, and display manufacturers are supposed to list the features that each display supports.

Reading the small lines of the technical sheets will become a habit

Until now, it was thought that the HDMI 2.1 standard encompassed all new features so that customers don’t need to dig through a list of technical jargon to make sure they’re buying the right product, but now it will be. be vigilant when purchasing a new device. You can find on the image below all the new features of the HDMI 2.1 standard.

HDMI specifications

If you were going to buy a new display to get the most out of your new PS5 or Xbox Series X, be sure to read the small lines of the datasheets that will list the supported features. The screen must in particular be compatible with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) or even 4K 120 Hz definition. For now, we do not know exactly which manufacturers and which models of monitors are falsely labeled HDMI 2.1, but Xiaomi will not be the only one affected. Vigilance is therefore essential.

We imagine that some HDMI 2.1 cables may also not support the full speed necessary to use all the features of the new standard, and that some manufacturers will not hesitate to sell HDMI 2.0 cables by passing them off as HDMI 2.1 cables. We hope that the HDMI Licensing Adimistrator will reverse its decision and change its policy so as not to confuse consumers looking for a new display.

Xbox Series X and S gamers will also be able to opt for televisions compatible with Dolby Vision technology, which will provide a picture with more vivid colors and more contrast. As a reminder, no Samsung TV is compatible with this technology.

Source: TFTCentral

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