Can I expect a software upgrade of HDMI 2.0 ports to 2.1

Many users of TVs and monitors are interested in the question of whether the manufacturers will release a software update that will make the HDMI 2.0 port an HDMI 2.1 port and I can use new features like:

  • Dynamic HDR metadata (SMPTE ST 2094)
  • Enhanced audio return channel (eARC)
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • Quick Media Switching (QMS)
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT)
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • Display Stream Compression (DSC)

Upgrading HDMI 2.0 Port to HDMI 2.1

No, software upgrade of the HDMI 2.0 port to HDMI 2.1 is not possible. The reason is that the HDMI port is not just a connector. In front of the port is a controller that receives and encodes video in the HDMI OUT ports or receives and decodes in the HDMI IN ports.

For the HDMI 2.1 standard, a special encoding algorithm is used, including for the transfer of additional information. For the TV to support the HDMI 2.1 standard, it is necessary that the appropriate controller is installed in the TV that can receive and decode the HDMI 2.1 standard. The TV processor and operating system process the already decoded HDMI signals by the controller. If the TV has an HDMI 2.0 port installed, it will only receive information in accordance with the 2.0 standard. and will not process additional information.

To reduce the cost of HDMI ports, some manufacturers order the manufacture of HDMI ports not of a standard layout, for example, an HDMI 2.0 video decoder, but there is a built-in eARC controller.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. I have an adapter I used on my first Nintendo. It consists of a tube with a ribbon coming out that connects to two screws on the back of my tv via coax. My tv is currently black and white and has been since I received it in the early 90’s. Perhaps it is time to upgrade this one to this HDMI 2.1 that is all the rage now. Perhaps I will finally be able to play my Super Mario Brothers Duck Hunt in real color with what seems to be just a small upgrade!

  2. Hi !. I have a cable that consists of 3-in-1 round connectors in both ends.They are white,red and yellow respectevely.-Do you think they have that 2.1 thing you talk about here,or do they sport an ordinary good 2.0 signal ? (i assume that 2.0 are the better one.I once had a car with the number “2.8”,stated on the back hatch. I traded it in for another that said “2.0”,and the fuel consumption then became much lower than before !).

  3. What if you physically swap out the 2.0 port to a 2.1 port? Would that work, or would the TV’s OS need to be updated to utilize the newer port?

    • simply replace it is not possible, the software must be able to decode the standard 2.1

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