At the beginning of the year HDMI Forum revealed a new standard it was working on called HDMI 2.1. Now the specifications for the connectivity standard have been made available to vendors, specifically those who have already adopted HDMI 2.0.

As for what this new standard caters for, a wider video bandwidth is on offer. It also supports 48 Gbps thanks to a higher speed HDMI cable that facilitates faster refresh rates of between 60 Hz for 8K and 120 Hz for 4K. Another notable aspect is the ability to handle Dynamic HDR, as well as resolutions up to 10K. The latter is likely aimed at commercial or speciality use, as opposed to one's living room.

Gamers should be intrigued by HDMI 2.1, with the introduction of a Variable Refresh Rate (VFR) Quick Frame Transport to reduce latency. Another handy element is Quick Media Switching to reduce the amount of time and blank screen while changing the output.

At this stage it's unclear when we'll be able to purchase an HDMI cable sporting the new standard, but given the increasing amount of 4K and HDR compatible TV’s and consoles out there, the wait should not be long.