HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1: Does HDMI 2.1 Make a Big Difference?

HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1, identical-looking cables with different functions. While HDMI 2.0 is the most advanced, HDMI 2.1 is tagged as a NEXT-GEN cable. Because most features that HDMI 2.1 offers cannot be utilized until HDMI 2.1 compatible devices penetrate the masses. 

So, what are the big differences?

What if I start narrating that HDMI 2.1 has improved VRR and that its bandwidth is doubled? 

Confused?

Don’t worry, I will start from scratch.

HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1: Understanding at Deep Level

Pixel

It is the smallest element of an image. Millions of pixels when tightly hugged together, they form an image. The more the pixels are packed on the screen, the more excellent the quality will be. 

Do you want to look at pixels with the naked eye?

Pick up your smartphone, turn the camera on, and put it in front of a digital screen. Now gaze at your screen’s display through your smartphone. You'll see minute dots. These dots create resolutions. The advanced version of HDMI supports a higher resolution.

HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1: Which Gives Better Video Quality

• HDMI 2.0 supports 4k Video at 60 FPS (even most movies are shot at 24 FPS)

• Support for massive 8k resolutions is the hallmark of HDMI 2.1 

Interestingly, there is a deficiency of 8K video. Even the high-budgeted movies fail to support 8k video. Then what’s the use of 8K?

So far, gamers are extremely benefiting from 8K. If you want an 8k video experience, you must use HDMI 2.1. For this, you must have the latest gaming consoles. 

Getting Best Out of 8K TV?

 If you want to get the best out of the 8K TV that you own right now, you need to be using a 2.1 cable. But the problem is that there is a deficiency of 8K videos. On the contrary, you get 4k videos and movies much easily. But how then you can transform 4K into 8K.

Well, the simple solution is to purchase the latest Tv models. Take for example Samsung, it is featuring Ai in the latest models. The Ai enhances the image quality and can uplift 4K video.

Also, most TVs carry default settings. You need to make sure you are using the right mode. 

Here are the general modes available in most TVs

• Standard: Best for viewing in any environment
• Dynamic Perfect for a bright environment
• Natural: It adds comfortability to the eye and refuses eye stress
• Movie: Suitable for watching n a dark room. 

Note: If you have any other TV besides 8K TV you need to make sure that your TV can support 2.1 and it's available in the spec of the TV.  If not, you should be sticking with 2.0, because getting 2.1 cables will waste your money.

Frames Per Second (fps)

It is the grand sum of all images you see on the screen. FPS has an inverse relation with distraction. 

The lower the FPS, the greater the distraction will be. The greater the FPS, the lower the distraction. 

Do You Know?

Vision is the most powerful sensory ability of humans. Your body has about 11 million sensory receptors, half of them is dedicated to vision.

Another interesting piece of information is that the human eye can’t see beyond 60Hz. You would be wondering what then makes 240Hz monitors. Well, the brain, not the eye, is what actually sees. 

Refresh Rate (Image Turning into Video)

As millions of pixels create a wonderful image, hundreds and thousands of images bundle together, creating an illusion of motion or Video.

So, your display's refresh rate determines how many new images it can display per second. It is measured in Hz. If your monitor has a refresh rate of 240 Hz, it indicates that it refreshes 240 images each second. For better understanding, look at the visuals below.

You can witness that the car's movement at 240 Hz is smooth as compared to the car’s movement at 60 Hz. At 240 Hz the video is flowing; and, at 60 Hz, the video is sputtering.

HDMI 2.0 can easily support a refresh rate of 4K@60 Hz (Hertz). But HDMI 2.1 is stronger. It holds up to 8k@60 Hz or 4k@120 Hz.But you can only achieve these results only by using a best HDMI cable.

VRR (A remarkable feature of HDMI 2.1)

The main JOB of VRR is to eliminate screen tearing when playing games. Screen tearing happens when your TV’s refresh of its image is out of sync with the rate at which your PC or console's graphic card delivers frames. 

Tearing becomes more evident when you use 60Hz tv and the game FPS oscillates between 60 to 40 FPS. Don't worry, a hint of FPS is given below. Thus, the video with VRR is more fluid and portrays enhanced gameplay. 

This leads to another question.

Do you need HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 for 120 FPS?

With HDMI 2.1 connection you can achieve 120 fps at 4K. But as the resolution reaches 8K, fps comes down to 60 FPS. On the other hand, HDMI 2.0 supports 120fps, but either at 1080p or 1440p.

Is There Any Difference between VRR and FPS?

While FPS is the grand sum of images, VRR is the rate at which they refresh. 

VRR is like a Policeman that checks how often the screen is refreshing against the frame rate resulting from the console, Pc, laptop, or whatever source you are using.  Besides HDMI, DisplayPort offers a unique mechanism of enhancing display. For amazing information tap on the link 👉 HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Is Perfect for Gaming and TV.

HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1: Other Notable Differences.

• Bandwidth: HDMI 2.0 has a bandwidth of 18 Gbps while HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth of 48 Gbps (a big increase).

•  eARC: The eARC function of HDMI 2.1 has made it suitable for most advanced audio formats.

• Dynamic HDR: While HDMI 2.0 lacks the ability to support Dynamic HDR, HDMI 2.1 supports it. Dynamic HDR ensures that each motion on-screen carries color gamuts, brightness, and sharpness.