In 2017, the HDMI standard 2.1 was announced.The first products are now available on the market.Various displays and other end devices already have this interface.HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and was established in 2002 for home entertainment.The companies Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba, among others, were involved in the development.In addition to the goal of establishing a smaller connector system for image signal transmission, audio transmission and HDCP as copy protection were also included.The transmission of 4K with 50/60 Hz has been supported since the HDMI 2.0 version.Earlier standards such as HDMI 1.3 defined e.g.B. "Deep Color" (30-bit color depth) or enabled the transmission of 4K resolutions for the first time with version 1.4.The latest version, HDMI 2.1, was presented on January 4, 2017 at CES in Las Vegas.For this purpose, the new HDMI standard was published on November 28, 2017 by the HDMI forum.Almost one hundred companies and organizations now belong to this association.The HDMI Forum enables the implementation and use of the HDMI interface in a licensing process for so-called "HMDI Adopters".>> back to overviewThe HDMI 2.0, 2.0a and 2.0b versions are currently penetrating the market and are having a major impact on the ProAV sector.A wide range of products is available for signal management and signal distribution.With the latest update of the HDMI specifications in version 2.1, the HDMI forum essentially opens up the transmission of 8K/10K resolutions and fast refresh rates for manufacturers and users.The range of supported resolutions/refresh rates extends from 4K @ 50/60 Hz to 8K @ 100/120 Hz.A maximum of 10K @ 100/120 Hz is supported. For 3D display, HDMI 2.1 supports a 4K resolution with 50/60 Hz.At the same time, "Dynamic HDR" offers a higher contrast range within an extended color space individually for each scene, each frame, in a video.HDR-optimized content is available e.g.B. for movies, PC games and VR applications.For 8K with 7,680 × 4,320 pixels or 10K with 10,240 × 4,320 pixels, transmission using an "Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI Cable" is provided.Support for all HDMI 2.1 functions can only be guaranteed with this strictly specified cable.The data rate of the HDMI cable is up to 48 Gbps.For comparison: the "Premium High Speed ​​HDMI Cable" or the "Premium High Speed ​​HDMI Cables with Ethernet" offers a maximum of 18 Gbps, whereby the signal transmission takes place with the TMDS method (Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling).Under TMDS, each of the three data channels can deliver a maximum data rate of 6 Gbps.In total, that's 18 Gbps.As of HDMI version 2.1, the signal is transmitted via FRL (Fixed Rate Link) because of the higher data rate required.The HDMI connector is still backwards compatible with earlier HDMI versions.This is possible because the TMDS "Clock Channel" in the FRL signal can be used for a fourth data channel.Each data channel is also used at a doubled signal rate.The four data channels can each be assigned a maximum data rate of 12 Gbps and thus a total of 48 Gbps can be transmitted.With the new HDMI 2.1 standard, connectivity is simplified with eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).For example, eARC enables a simple cable connection of a soundbar using an AV receiver, TV receiver or streaming service.eARC supports audio formats with bitrates up to 192kHz, 24-bit and uncompressed surround sound 5.1/7.1 and 32-channel audio as well as DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos.A number of improved refresh rate features provide additional optimizations for motion sequences and transitions in games, films and videos.VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) reduces or eliminates lag, stuttering and video tearing in computer games.QMS (Quick Media Switching) eliminates black gaps when switching sources of different refresh rates.The VRR mechanism is also used here when changing the frame rate.QFT (Quick Frame Transport) reduces image display latency, for example, when interacting in a PC game, improving responsiveness.ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically sets the ideal latency time for connected game consoles or PC games, for example.The user no longer has to search for and set this manually via menu functions.The reset is also done automatically via ALLM.>> back to overviewThe standard was published by the HDMI Forum around two years ago in late autumn 2017.Currently, the forum's homepage www.hdmi.org states as an information stand: "The certification program will be fully established in the first quarter of 2020 and cables are expected to be available for purchase in the first half of 2020."There are 17 Authorized Test Centers (ATC) online for certification.One of them is located in Europe in France.Manufacturers must have their products tested at ATCs in order to use the licensed Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI Cable designation and logo.The use of the product label is also precisely specified: a security hologram is intended to protect against counterfeiting, a QR code with additional letter identification ensures product tracing and verification of brand names and model numbers.Of course, HDMI 2.1 cables can already be purchased, mostly in lengths of between one and two meters.These products do not have the described certification with the associated labeling on the cable.For example, the label "Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI 10K 120 Hz" can be found on the packaging.The new standard is certainly already being used by interested private individuals and early adopters who want to position themselves for the future now.Game consoles already use functions or are announced with them.Displays with an HDMI 2.1 interface are also available on the market.However, this applies more to devices in the middle and upper price range.Except for special applications, the HDMI standard has not yet arrived in the ProAV market.Many manufacturers assume that it will take time for demand to increase.>> back to overviewThe proportion of displays with an HDMI 2.1 interface will continue to increase in the consumer and ProAV market.In the consumer sector, growing sales figures will lead to inexpensive devices and will spread the interface.Increasing TV and film offerings are already foreseeable, e.g.B. the announced 8K broadcast of the Tokyo Olympics or, in the absence of native 8K films, also "up scaling" film content.With game consoles and PC games, users hope for improved display quality with no latency or jerks using HDMI 2.1.The HDMI cable is originally a consumer interface for image and sound transmission.However, it is also used extensively in AV system integration, but rather in versions up to 2.0.Artur Erdmann, Team Manager Support at Kindermann: "HDMI 2.1 will not find its way into the pro-AV market very quickly, as the 4K standard is only just being established from the source to the sink."The Neutrik company also does not see sufficient demand: "We regularly monitor the market, and as soon as there is significant demand for HDMI 2.1 solutions, we will introduce corresponding products into our standard portfolio." At the same time, Neutrik emphasizes that "on request special HDMI 2.1 solutions can already be offered.”The Lindy company, a well-known provider of AV connectivity, sees it in a similar way with regard to the first products."No, it's definitely too early.First, source devices and displays must lead the way and come to market in significant numbers of products and units.The target groups clearly come first from the presentation and information sector, i.e. video wall operators, event gastronomy, the out-of-home advertising industry, organizers etc. And in the medium term they will probably also come from the home theater sector. Area.But this only happens when the quantities increase and the prices fall,” says Axel Kerber, Technical Editor, Global Brand & Marketing at Lindy.Extron has had HDMI 2.1 with 8K resolution “on their radar for a long time,” says Rainer Stiehl, Extron vice president of marketing Europe.“Our XTP II Cross Point has been on the market for a year and a half with 4K/60 Hz boards and has a future-proof 50 Gbps backplane.As soon as the HDMI 2.1 standard is mature, we will introduce corresponding products and modules.”Short HDMI 2.1 cable lengths, which result from the highly sensitive signal lines, appear to be a hindrance.This is how Robin Cullen, Technical Director of PureLink, describes the length problem: “The more bandwidth the signal has, the shorter the cable length over which it can be transmitted.Of course, this so-called cliff effect takes effect even earlier with 8K, i.e. with shorter cable lengths.” Available passive cables are two to three meters long, which is not enough for many applications that go beyond desk dimensions.>> back to overviewPeter Rieck from Sommer cable agrees: “HDMI is a connection from entertainment electronics for consumers.Although home users also have the problem of cable lengths, in the professional environment the change to streaming solutions is imminent.Of course, this is not possible without lossy compression during transmission.”Extron's Rainer Stiehl sees the following solutions: “The high data rates required to transport HDMI 2.1 video make signal extenders more important than ever.This can be active cables, twisted pair extenders, optical extenders, or AV-over-IP extenders.HDMI signals without compression can be reformatted for transport over optical or twisted pair cable.If lossy compression is applied, HDMI 2.1 can be transported over very long distances at the expense of picture quality.”For Lindy's Axel Kerber, the concepts for longer distances are as follows: "Previous distance extension technologies are based on simple repeater technology in the lower length range, i.e. on signal amplifiers, in the middle range up to 100 meters on Cat.6 or IP technology or in the upper range between several hundred meters up to several kilometers on fiber optic technology.LWL will win the race for the massive increase in bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 compared to HDMI 2.0 with the approx. 2.6-fold bandwidth, especially from the medium lengths.For longer distances, there is probably no way around multi-fiber fiber optic cables (MPO).”Sommer cable also has a clear length strategy for HDMI 2.1 cable products: “Our plan is for cable lengths of up to 3 meters to be passive.With lengths between 3 and 7.5 meters, the cables are to work with an active chip, and lengths of 10 meters and more are to be implemented using fiber optic hybrid solutions.”Robin Cullen explains PureLink's product strategy: “By using exceptionally high-quality materials and cable production techniques, we can counteract the very short cable runs.First, we offer Ultra High Speed ​​cables in lengths from 0.5 to 5.0 m.Other lengths and designs, e.g.for installations as well as active HDMI 2.1 products will follow when the technology is mature.We are already testing AOC (Active Optical Cable) technology for 8K resolutions and it is part of our product strategy for the current year.”PureLink is already very active in the ongoing certification process: "In our in-house tests, we found that even our tried and tested PI1000 cable series, which is shorter in length, can easily transmit 8K resolutions due to its high-quality construction." It is therefore not surprising that PureLink already has a product announces: “Our new PureInstall PI1010 series will be one of the first cable ranges on the market to be certified as Ultra High Speed ​​and thus be fully compatible with the specifications of HDMI 2.1 in all cable lengths.”The cable is said to have triple shielding, 24k gold plated precision connectors and high purity tinned copper conductors.Using the HEAC Ethernet channel, IP-based entertainment devices such as televisions or game consoles are integrated into the home network for Internet use or IP-based services without additional cabling. According to PureLink, the ultra-high-speed specification is fundamentally very important because the “real 8K capability in the application is currently not verifiable".According to Peter Rieck from Sommer cable, not every manufacturer will be able to process HDMI cables and HDMI plugs without any problems, since the new cable structure, including the more complex shielding, is very complex.The HDMI system with its non-locking plug is also very sensitive and therefore rather problematic in AV installations.As with the USB-C connector, which is used for the transmission of image, sound and data signals, there are only proprietary locking solutions.Ein the locking system can also be problematic, as Peter Rieck describes:B. lockable DisplayPort panel sockets in table tanks are more often damaged.That's why we're pursuing a slightly different strategy with our new ultra-compact HDMI series HIHDSL: the smallest possible mass for plugs and cables and minimal oversize in the plug face.It works excellently and nobody misses a lock.”The Extron company uses its own cable holder called "Lockit" for its devices directly on the HDMI input and output connections.They can be used unchanged for the type A connector with HDMI 2.1.After plugging in, the HDMI cable is firmly and securely connected to the bracket screwed to the device using a cable tie.With the "Ultra Lock System", Pure-Link has also developed its own connector lock, which does not require a thread on the device even without a screw locking mechanism and can therefore be used universally.The locking system is housed in the HDMI connector and locks into all conventional HDMI sockets.The lock is actuated with just one movement.The system will also be available for the HDMI 2.1 cables.>> back to overviewHDMI is a standard from the consumer sector, but it has an impact on signal management in professional AV installations.This is similar to the USB-C interface, for example.Users bring their own devices to be integrated.BYOD, Bring Your Own Device, is the ubiquitous buzzword for this form of media integration.Future connections via HDMI 2.1 will require closely positioned table or wall connection panels in meeting rooms.In AV installations, HDMI 2.1 will be used due to its 8K resolution, high refresh rate or HDR specification, similar to HDMI 2.0 currently being used due to its 4K @ 60Hz specification and ease of transmission via AOC technology.Rainer Stiehl from Extron considers the market areas PoI/PoS, advertising and simulation as well as image analysis in medical or military applications to be of interest in professional HDMI 2.1 use.The Extron Company is an HDMI Adopter with “full access to all versions of the specification and is licensed to use HDMI marks.Extron designs, manufactures, and sells products using the HDMI interface and is prepared for the latest version.”Even if many manufacturers of devices and cable systems are planning concrete developments or are already implementing them, most assume that HDMI 2.1 will still need some time before it penetrates the ProAV market.The manufacturers expect a period of up to several years.>> back to overviewWith the transfer speeds SuperSpeed, SuperSpeed+ and SuperSpeed ​​2×2 from USB specification 3.2, USB-C enables the high-resolution connection of sources to sinks.With its very space-saving plug design, USB-C is preferably installed in mobile phones, tablets and notebooks.It is becoming more and more obvious that displays also have a USB-C connection.USB-C also provides extended power supply options for end devices."Power Delivery" (PD) offers higher charging powers of up to 100 W, divided into five categories. The USB PD profiles actually used are "negotiated" between the connected devices via the control channel of the USB connector.In the so-called “Alternate Mode”, USB-C can also be used for other interfaces.For this purpose, some pins or lines of the standard assignment are used, for example for DisplayPort, HDMI, MHL, Thunderbolt and PCI Express (PCIe).According to the VESA standardization committee, parallel operation of USB and display port or PCIe is provided.Thus, the functions of USB are comparable to Thunderbolt.After Intel handed over the Thunderbolt protocol to the USB Implementers Forum, the final USB 4 specification was published last fall.Similar to HDMI 2.1, it will still take a while before these specifications are available for practical use in devices.USB 4 is said to support the data transfer rate of 40 Gbps with Thunderbolt 3, for example, under the name "Gen 3×2".However, USB 4 allows a lower data transfer rate of only 20 Gbps under the designation Gen 2×2.It is therefore always necessary to take a close look at the performance.In addition to image and audio data, USB-C can also transmit data and control information.Under USB 4, video and data streams are to be intelligently allocated as needed, depending on the resource.Like HDMI, USB-C is an interface from the consumer world.Both interfaces specify high data streams and promise a wide range of transmission options, e.g.B. video data.This makes it possible to consider whether one of the two standards could replace the other in the long term or whether permanent coexistence can be expected.For Peter Rieck from Sommer cable, HDMI is purely an AV interface, while USC is a universal interface, e.g.B. for computing applications.“At the end of the day, both standards will run in parallel.The target groups and applications are just different.”Another aspect is "Highbandwidth Digital Content Protection", HDCP for short, according to Neutrik: "With HDMI, the copy protection of this consumer interface is important, it doesn't exist with Thunderbolt/USB-C."For Artur Erdmann from Kindermann, "USB-C stands for Displayport and is therefore in competition with HDMI." And with a view to consumer notebooks, he sees advantages in HMDI.Lindy's Axel Kerber also compares the current status of Displayport with HDMI.“With USB, the available alternate modes will expand to include HDMI.In my estimation, both standards will coexist.But the driving force for further development will probably continue to come from HDMI.org.”PureLink's Robin Cullen sees the potential and capabilities of USB-C: "It's becoming the be-all and end-all for data and AV connections.Currently, however, HDMI is ubiquitous in AV, both in consumer and commercial settings.In any case, it remains exciting.Any assessment would just be looking into the crystal ball."While USB-C is finding increasing acceptance, particularly with market demand for ever thinner phones and laptops, “USB-C's data capability can also raise security concerns.HDMI is a video-only connection and will likely remain a staple of video displays and players.Optimal adaptation will be decisive, i.e. the bridge between mobile devices with USB-C and an AV system with HDMI or Displayport.The AV system does not necessarily have to be USB-C based, as long as the correct connections are available at the connection points or the appropriate adapter cables are available," says Rainer Stiehl from Extron.In any case, on its homepage, the HDMI Forum shows the “HDMI ALT MODE USB TYPE-C” cable adapter, which “merges two of the most popular connectivity solutions: the versatile USB Type-C connector with a small form factor, that of smartphones, tablets and PC products, and the HDMI connector, which is the leading display interface, with an installed base of billions of displays.”>> back to overviewYour email address will not be published.Required fields are marked with *.(Mon - Thu 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Fri. 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.)