New HDMI 2.0b spec announced by format working group

Update to HDMI spec adds multiple features.

Movie Reviewer

Published Dec 12, 2016 1:08 AM CST
Updated Nov 3, 2020 11:57 AM CST

1-minute read time

Ahead of next month's CES event in Las Vegas, the HDMI forum, which consists of the major players from consumer electronics companies, mobile devices and cable manufacturers have ratified a major update to the HDMI cable specification, dubbed version 2.0b.

New HDMI 2.0b spec announced by format working group | TweakTown.com

In an announcement today, the HDMI forum revealed the update to the format includes the following capabilities:

Enables transmission of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video

Bandwidth up to 18Gbps

4K@50/60 (2160p), which is 4 times the clarity of 1080p/60 video resolution

Up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience

Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity

Simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen

Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (Up to 4)

Support for the wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio

Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams

CEC extensions provide more expanded command and control of consumer electronics devices through a single control point

While some of these features were enabled in earlier specifications by individual manufacturers, the ratification by the working group should mean improved functionality throughout the sector. Thankfully, the updates is also fully backwards compatible with the HDMI 2.0a specification, with no need to purchase new cables to unlock the new features. Expect to see more about HDMI 2.0b at next month's CES event in Las Vegas.