The term “gaming” can encompass the casual mobile gamer passing time on a bus all the way to hardcore enthusiasts with beastly rigs and demanding expectations. Determining the best display depends on a lot of factors, but we’re going to focus on what matters most for enthusiasts who know tech and enjoy the incredible experiences that only the most advanced games and hardware can provide.
Important developments have changed the way that the gaming experience is defined. One of these developments is the benefits that HDMI® gaming technologies deliver with the latest HDMI 2.1 specification.
Until recently, advanced gaming displays were associated with special gaming monitors. Now, HDMI 2.1-enabled TVs can support powerful gaming features that allow a top-notch experience to be had not only at the desk, but also in the living room, complete with immersive audio and visual features. On top of this, smaller TV screen sizes can now also be used for gaming desktops. More and more PC monitors are launching with support for HDMI 2.1 gaming features, too, ensuring that gamers have plenty of options to choose from.
“Giving us the option to use TVs for extreme gaming changes everything,“ said gaming pro and HDMI Gaming Ambassador Karim "Sanchovies" in an interview. “With games supporting Dolby Atmos, this is an easy way to get the maximum from the audio, too.”
HDMI 2.1-enabled TVs that support gaming have implemented Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low latency Mode (ALLM).
VRR has typically only been associated with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, but with HDMI VRR-enabled TVs, monitors, graphics cards, and gaming consoles, the benefits of VRR have become more widely available. VRR reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame-tearing for more fluid and better-looking gameplay. VRR enables a display to match the amount of frames its receiving from a source device, such as a console or computer, with the matching refresh rate on-the-fly.
Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting automatically, allowing for smooth, lag-free viewing and interactivity. In many cases, this is referred to as “game mode,” and it usually has to be set manually. This is a simple process that involves going through a few menus and settings when you want to switch it on and off.
HDMI 2.1 also supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz, both of which are widely available on the market. Many TV manufacturers have launched 4K@120Hz TVs along with VRR and ALLM, and are ready for advanced gaming right now. They can also support both static and dynamic HDR for enhanced game visuals, with extended contrast range and expanded color spaces.
Don’t forget that audio completes the gaming experience. HDMI 2.1 brings Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which supports up to 192kHz, 24-bit audio — including support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Many TVs have launched with eARC, as have AVRs and soundbars. Several games support those advanced audio formats, and more are always on the way.
What’s the best HDMI cable for gaming? To ensure all the new HDMI 2.1 gaming features are supported, you should try the new Ultra High Speed HDMI® cables that support all HDMI 2.1 features (including 48Gbps bandwidth!). Certified cables are required to display the Ultra High Speed HDMI® Certification Label, so look for that certification before purchasing.
With the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 coming out soon, and powerful new graphics cards launching such as the GeForce RTX 3080, these HDMI 2.1 devices have an array of TVs, monitors and sound options available to get the absolute most out of their gaming capabilities.
For more information visit HDMI FOR GAMING.
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