The HDMI Forum today announced the upcoming release of Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification, which supports a range of Higher Video Resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120,Dynamic HDR and increased bandwidth with a new 48G cable.

Version 2.1 of the HDMI Specification is backward compatible with earlier versions of the Specification. Features include:

• Higher Video Resolutions support a range of higher resolutions and faster refresh rates including 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz
  
• Dynamic HDR for depth, detail, brightness, contrast, and wider color gamuts - on a scene-by-scene or even a frame-by-frame basis.
• 48G cables enable up to 48Gbps bandwidth for uncompressed HDMI 2.1 feature support including 8K video with HDR. The cable is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI Specification nd can be used with existing HDMI devices.
• eARC supports the most advanced audio formats such as object- based audio, and enables advanced audio signal control Capabilities including device auto-detect.
• Game Mode VRR features variable refresh rate, which enables a 3D graphics processor to display the image at the moment it is rendered for more fluid and better detailed gameplay, and for reducing or eliminating lag, stutter, and frame tearing.

The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.0 Adopters and will be released in Q2 2017.