Summary
When shopping for a new TV for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, the term “HDMI 2.1” will come up several times. While most people tend to prioritize other factors likegetting a bigger TVor an OLED panel, HDMI 2.1 is more important than you think. If you want the best gaming experience from your new gaming console, you’ll need a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 ports.
HDMI 2.1 is the latest specification for the ubiquitous HDMI port, used to connect your monitor to a PC or gaming console to your TV. Compared to the previous HDMI 2.0 standard, HDMI 2.1 can carry more bandwidth, enabling higher resolutions,faster frame rates, and a more immersive gaming experience.
Why Your Gaming TV or Monitor Should Have HDMI 2.1
If you want to fully experience the power of the PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, you’ll need a display with HDMI 2.1 support. HDMI 2.1 enables faster 120Hz gaming at 4K resolution, a significant performance upgrade compared to the 60Hz gaming of previous PS4 and Xbox One consoles. However, HDMI 2.1 offers more than just a higher refresh rate.
Here is how HDMI 2.1 can enhance your overall gaming experience, whether you prefer high-octane shooters or immersive open-world adventures.
Low Latency, High Responsiveness for Gaming
If you play games likeOverwatchandCall of Duty, you know how even a slight delay can cost you the game. HDMI 2.1 addresses these issues by including features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which help eliminate lag and reduce latency.
VRR works by synchronizing the frame rate of your GPU or console with your display’s refresh rate to deliver smoother gameplay. Normally, a GPU’s frame rate fluctuates based on factors like scene complexity, resolution, and the GPU’s horsepower. While light games like Fortnite might be handled easily, graphically demanding titles likeCyberpunk 2077can challenge a GPU’s ability to maintain a consistent frame rate.
If the GPU can’t render frames quickly, this can cause the monitor to either freeze for a split second as it waits for the next frame or repeat the previous frame, adding more input lag. By syncing the GPU framerate and the monitor’s refresh rate, VRR delivers smooth visuals and makes your monitor respond quickly to your input.
ALLM activates the lowest latency settings (Game Mode) on your TV or monitor when you connect a console or open a game. This eliminates the need to manually adjust settings for each gaming session. QFT, on the other hand, ensures each frame from the GPU is transported as fast as possible to the display, minimizing any delays. When combined, ALLM, VRR, and QFT enhance your gameplay smoothness, responsiveness, and overall performance, giving you a competitive advantage in fast-action titles.
New Level of Immersion
If you don’t play many high-action, fast-paced games, HDMI 2.1 still offers significant benefits. It supports higher resolutions, like 8K and even 10K, ensuring that graphically intensive and cinematic games look their best. While 8K content is still limited, HDMI 2.1 ensures your setup is ready for the future.
Dynamic HDR and Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) bring stunning open-world games likeRed Dead Redemption 2andBaldur’s Gate 3to life with exceptional detail, color, and depth, making them even more immersive. Combined with vibrant OLED TVs or thebest ultra-wide monitors, HDMI 2.1 can elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level.
What Devices Support HDMI 2.1?
Not all devices with HDMI connectivity support HDMI 2.1. Since the new HDMI 2.1 specification uses the same physical connector as the previous-generation standard, like HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4, it can be hard to tell just by looking at the HDMI ports. This is made worse by the fact that manufacturers don’t even need to support all the HDMI 2.1 features to get HDMI 2.1 certification on their devices.
Before buying a monitor or TV that claims HDMI 2.1 support, ensure to check the specification to ensure that it supports all the essential features like VRR, ALLM, and 120Hz refresh rate in 4K. Luckily, most 2023 and 2024 TVs have full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports, and there is also no shortage of HDMI 2.1 monitors. In addition to an HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor, you’ll need an HDMI 2.1 cable and source device to fully unlock all the HDMI 2.1 features.
Currently, thePS5andXbox Series Xare the only consoles that support HDMI 2.1 and include an HDMI 2.1 cable in the box. To take advantage of HDMI 2.1 on a gaming PC, you’ll need a GPU from the NVIDIA 30 series or later or an AMD Radeon 6000 series or later. When looking for HDMI 2.1 cables, search for “Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable” or 8K HDMI cables and prioritize those officially certified by the HDMI Forum for guaranteed compatibility.
FAQ
Q: Do you need HDMI 2.1 for a gaming monitor?
HDMI 2.1 is crucial for a gaming monitor if you want to unlock 4K 120Hz gaming on your PS5 or Xbox Series X. HDMI 2.1 can also enhance your gameplay with vibrant and immersive visuals.
Q: What are the benefits of an HDMI 2.1 monitor?
HDMI 2.1 can support higher refresh rates of up to 144Hz in 4K through the HDMI port, which was previously limited to 4K at 60Hz.
