The gaming PC pairing. However, it looks like simplified spec sheets could be a thing of the past, as displays can now boast HDMI 2.1 compatibility regardless of whether they fully the standard.
In a statement provided to TFTCentral, the HDMI Licencing revealed that HDMI 2.0 is retired and that products should use HDMI 2.1 as a spec sheet framework. The interface org suggests this is due to HDMI 2.1's backwards compatibility, but also states that actually including all of the replacement standards staple features, like FRL signalling and increased bandwidth, is optional.
The decision to class HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 as the same thing is bound to confuse casual consumers and enthusiasts alike, and manufacturers are already using the change to their advantage. Last week, Twitter Gouki201 spotted a monitor on the Chinese market that claims to be HDMI 2.1 compliant, but lacks the protocol's expected feature set. While Gouki201 suggests the product is "fake", the HDMI 's clarification on the situation means this practice could be above board in 2022.
It's needless to say that the situation surrounding HDMI 2.1 is troubling, and it'll make the process of finding a new more tedious. However, the HDMI Licencing 's new guidance highlights the importance of thoroughly researching before you buy, as it's easy to overlook features that could affect a product's overall performance.
https://t.co/nBZe9YViVN
🔥Important!🔥Seems there's some "Fake HDMI 2.1" monitors start showing up on the market!?https://t.co/qzswWwp3lj (XMMNT245HF2)China reviewer already confirmed it doesn't any HDMI 2.1 new feature, include FRL, VRR & ALLM. Nothing is different. pic.twitter.com/xL4jfGw4Lm
— gouki201 (@gouki201) December 6, 2021
That said, many of the RTX 4000 card will want to consider a monitor with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, you won't have to dig down on specs immediately.