HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables, with a significant increase in maximum bandwidth capacity to 48 Gbps, support for resolutions up to 10K 60 Hz and new features such as high dynamic range imaging (HDR). It also supports variable refresh rate, fast media switching, eARC function, and backward compatibility with HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4.
Read on for everything you need to know about stocking HDMI 2.1 cables for your buyers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Market overview for HDMI 2.1
Basic parameters
Common types
Latest technological advancements
Selection recommendations
Summary
Market overview for HDMI 2.1
According to QY Research, the global HDMI 2.1 gaming display market is estimated to be around RMB 15.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach RMB 44.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% during the 2024-2030 period.
The popularity of gaming and esports has driven the demand for high-performance displays with high refresh rates, low input latency, and variable refresh rate (VRR) support, driving the adoption of HDMI 2.1 displays. The proliferation of 4K and 8K content, along with the demand for ultra-high-definition visual experiences, is driving consumers to upgrade to HDMI 2.1-enabled displays.
However, compatibility issues with older devices, cables, and peripherals may pose challenges for consumers upgrading to HDMI 2.1 displays, requiring additional investment in compatible hardware or adapters to ensure seamless connectivity and functionality.
Global supply chain disruptions, including component shortages, manufacturing delays, and logistical challenges, could impact the availability and pricing of HDMI 2.1 displays, affecting market dynamics and consumer purchasing decisions.
In terms of the global market, North America is the leading market for HDMI 2.1 displays, with consumers in the region having high disposable income, strong demand for gaming and entertainment content, and early adoption of the new technology by consumers and enthusiasts.
The Asia Pacific region is an emerging market for HDMI 2.1 displays, with rising consumer affluence, increasing urbanization, and growing interest in gaming and esports among young people driving the demand for high-performance displays with advanced features.
Basic parameters
The basic parameters of HDMI 2.1 are important and are what buyers will likely consider when selecting a given product.
Bandwidth capacity: HDMI 2.1 boasts an enhanced bandwidth capacity of 48 Gbps, which is more than double that of HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps). This substantial increase enables the transmission of higher resolution and refresh rate video signals.
Resolution and refresh rate: HDMI 2.1 supports resolutions up to 10K, along with the ability to transmit videos at impressive rates such as 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz, thereby delivering users a remarkably clear and seamlessly smooth visual experience.
Dynamic HDR: With support for the dynamic HDR format, HDMI 2.1 ensures that each scene, even every frame of a video, can exhibit optimal depth of field, detail, brightness, contrast levels, as well as wider color gamut values.
| HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1？ | |
| HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 |
| Introduced in 2013 | Introduced in 2017 |
| 18 Gbps transmission bit rate | 48 Gbps transmission bit rate |
| Native support for 4K/8K resolutions at 60 fps/30 fps, respectively | Native support for 4K/8K resolutions at 120 fps/60 fps, respectively |
| HDR support | Dynamic HDR support |
Source-based Tone Mapping (SBTM): Introducing a novel HDR feature known as Source-based Tone Mapping (SBTM), this functionality empowers source devices to perform partial HDR mapping in order to optimize the HDR signal according to the display’s specific capabilities.
Ultra-high speed HDMI cable: The newly introduced ultra-high speed HDMI cable not only supports a remarkable bandwidth capacity of 48 Gbps but also minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI), significantly reducing any potential disruptions caused by nearby wireless devices while maintaining backward compatibility with existing HDMI devices.
| An example of HDMI 2.1 parameters | |
| Industry-specific attributes | |
| Outer diameter | 5.5mm/7.0mm/8.0mm/8.5mm |
| Length | 1.5m/customized |
| Material | Copper clad steel |
| Other attributes | |
| Model number | HDMI cable |
| Gender | Male-male |
| Application | Support HDMI’s highest video resolution |
| Jacket | PVC |
| Packing | Polybag |
| Certification | CE |
| Supply ability | 5000 pieces per month |
Common types
Below the main types of HDMI 2.1 will be considered in detail.
1. Classification by connector type (size)
Type A: This is the most common type of HDMI connector, also known as the standard HDMI connector. It is a 19-pin connector with a plug size of 13.9×4.45mm, widely used in TVs, monitors, game consoles, and other devices.
Type B: This connector is larger in size, with 29 pins, and is mainly used in professional situations, but is rare in consumer electronics.
Type C: Also known as a mini HDMI connector, is small in size and suitable for portable devices, such as DV, digital cameras, etc.
Type D: Further reduced in size, commonly known as Micro HDMI, for smaller mobile devices such as smartphones.
2. Classification by standard/version
HDMI 1.0 to HDMI 2.0: These were early HDMI standards that supported video streaming from DVD to Blu-ray formats, as well as audio transmission.
HDMI 2.1: This is the latest HDMI standard, supporting bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, capable of transmitting 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz video signals, while also supporting dynamic HDR, VRR (variable refresh rate), eARC (Enhanced audio return channel) and many other new features.
Latest technological advancements
Improved device compatibility and popularity
Widely used in the TV segment: In the TV market, HDMI 2.1 has gradually become the standard for high-end TVs. New TV products from more brands are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports to meet consumer demand for high refresh rates, high-resolution video, and premium gaming experiences.
Technology upgrade and performance optimization
Bandwidth utilization efficiency: In recent developments, through improved signal transmission technology and coding algorithms, the bandwidth utilization efficiency has been improved, making the transmission of high-resolution, high-refresh-rate video more stable and smooth, reducing the loss and delay in the signal transmission process.
Dynamic HDR technology improvement: Brightness, contrast, and color can be more accurately adjusted according to each scene or even each frame of the picture content to present a more hierarchical, more realistic picture effect for users.
Cable technology innovation
Development of optical fiber HDMI cables: Compared with traditional copper cable HDMI cable, optical fiber HDMI cables have higher bandwidth, longer transmission distance, lower signal attenuation, and better anti-interference performance.
Miniaturization and flexibility of cables: In order to meet the needs of consumers for convenient device connection, some thinner and softer cable products have appeared, which are convenient to use in narrow spaces or complex equipment layouts, but also easy to carry and store.
Integration with other technologies
Combined with 5G technology: In some remote offices, the high-definition video signal transmitted by HDMI 2.1 is remotely transmitted through the 5G network to achieve low delay and high image quality remote interaction. At the same time, 5G technology also provides a more stable network environment for HDMI 2.1 signal transmission between multiple devices, promoting the development of smart home, smart office, and other fields.
Combined with artificial intelligence technology: Some TV products analyze and optimize the video signal input by HDMI 2.1 through artificial intelligence algorithms and automatically adjust the screen brightness, contrast, color, and other parameters to adapt to different viewing environments and user preferences.
Selection recommendations
When choosing HDMI 2.1, many factors must be considered to ensure that the selected product can effectively meet the actual requirements and show high performance.
First, it is crucial to:
- Confirm the specifications of HDMI 2.1: HDMI 2.1 provides bandwidth up to 48 Gbps and supports video transmission at 8K 60 Hz and 4K 120 Hz. Be sure to understand the specific specifications needed, such as refresh rate and resolution, to meet your device needs.
- Check the certification label: Check the packaging of the HDMI cable or device at the time of purchase to ensure that there is an HDMI 2.1 certification label. This indicates that the product has passed official testing and meets the specifications of HDMI 2.1
- Second, you need to understand the external conditions:
- Consider cable length: For short distances (up to 1.5 meters), a high-quality HDMI 2.0 cable may also support the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1.
Last, pay attention to performance:
- Consider compatibility: Make sure HDMI 2.1 cables and devices are compatible with your existing home theater system and other devices, including power amplifiers, sound systems, and more.
Summary
HDMI 2.1 is the latest milestone in HD multimedia interface technology, bringing significant performance improvements to home entertainment and professional audiovisual by providing higher bandwidth, support for higher resolution and refresh rates, and enhanced audio features.
It enables 8K video, high frame rate gaming, and immersive audio experiences while introducing new features that reduce latency and enhance the gaming experience, such as VRR and ALLM. HDMI 2.1 is not only the embodiment of technological progress, but also a key factor in driving a high-quality digital entertainment experience globally.
