Will all AVRs with HDMI 2.1 hardware and software challenges be finally fixed in 2022?
2020 - Why did marketing gamble with console gamers and PC owners go wrong for new line of AV receivers?
It was in June 2020 when Sound United, the company manufacturing Denon and Marantz AV receivers, attempted to widen the appeal of their AV products by trying to step into waters of console gaming and PC world; new and potentially lucrative revenue market. A few months later, Yamaha jointed the enterprise with official marketing slogan "movies and games like never before". Both companies released a new generation of AV receivers promising bespoke audio-video entertainment, including gaming, courtesy of implementation of HDMI 2.1 feature package, such as 4K/120Hz images, dynamic HDR, VRR, high bandwidth connection and more.
A few months later, in October, Nvidia 3000 series graphics cards and pre-release samples of Xbox series X became available as first sources for testing video pass-through capabilities of new AV receivers. As Yamaha’s receivers did not have HDMI 2.1 features turned on at that point of time (announced to be delivered via firmware update), the only available testing products were Denon and Marantz AVRs. German tech magazine c’t exposed serious video issues when testing output signals from Xbox series X and Nvidia 3080 GPU connected to Denon X2700H receiver (translation). Black screen on LG TV and “HDMI 2.1 bug” were widely reported around the world by many media outlets. It was concluded that Denon AVR could not pass 4K/120Hz HDR signal through to TV due to incompatibility in fixed rate link (FRL) signalling. FRL video data signal allows bandwidth up to 48 Gbps and HDMI 2.1 chip used in receivers motherboards could not process it. The chip was sourced by Panasonic Solutions. VRR feature did not work either. German tech magazine suggested that hardware change might be the only long-term solution. This was in line with generic text about FRL signalling, published by HDMI Org. It was the first disappointment for console and PC communities at the very beginning of HDMI 2.1 era and the AVR companies promised to address the problem by working on a permanent solution in near, yet unspecified future.
Towards the end of 2020, HDMI 2.1 Ultra-high-speed certified cables, capable of 48 Gbps speed, became more widely available. Many users who bought Denon/Marantz receivers and Xbox series X console or graphics cards retested their devices, with no major success. It should be noted that Sound United provided two short video clips in December showing how to set-up Play Station 5 and PC with their receivers. Gaming on PS5 connected directly to receiver worked well. However, another demo with Nvidia’s 3000 series graphics card connected to AV receiver passed only a still image of PC desktop screen onto TV at 4K/120Hz HDR (40 Gbps). Neither moving images from games or graphic simulations were demonstrated to work reliably, if at all, nor VRR pass-through was shown to be functional. This was the second disappointment for customers, as VRR is officially advertised feature by the vendor.
Why did this problem with AV receivers occur in the first place?
The three problems - loose HDMI specification, lack of testing and poor product management
In essence, there are three reasons, linked to HDMI specification, engineering collaboration and product management coupled with business pressures. There is human responsibility, if not negligence, and lack of expertise behind each one of those three factors.
Firstly, revised HDMI 2.1 specification was introduced with a package of advanced audio-video features, but without institutional executive powers to enforce its strict adoption in any standardized form. HDMI is not a standard like DisplayPort or IEEE's Ethernet and its features in 2.1 specification are optional, allowing adoption of different features by companies using HDMI chips and ports. For example, the speed of FRL audio-video signal on chips can go up to 48 Gbps. It is not mandated to be 48 Gbps, or less, need there be. Average consumers face difficulties in finding out more details about port speeds in adverts, as optional speeds are often not published and no one really takes responsibility for educating the public about it. Companies, not only the ones manufacturing AVRs, are therefore free to support different port speeds and features in different devices. There is nothing wrong with different port speeds per se, but this, if not clearly stated in ads, can create consumer confusion, compatibility issues and bring about serious problems for the quality of image and refresh rates that are transmitted from one device to another, if two or more devices in HDMI chain happen to adopt different port speeds. Some HDMI ports may support 24 Gbps (Yamaha 2020 models), some 32 Gbps (PS5), some 40 Gbps (Xbox SX, LG-X and LG-1 series, Denon/Marantz, AMD 6000 GPUs, future AVRs) or 48 Gbps (LG TV 9 and 2 series and Nvidia 3000 GPUs). It is completely arbitrary decision and we often learn about it only when products are purchased, connected and tested. For consumers, it is a world of ambiguity and uncertainty to navigate through, both in entertainment and business environments.
In addition, AVR companies have been criticised for lack of sufficient testing of devices for interoperability and prematurely pushing unready receivers into the market, when no source devices with HDMI 2.1 existed. Finally, another aspect of criticism was ineffective, if not incompetent, communication and collaboration between product managers and engineers during various stages of product design and sourcing of components.
What does current situation with AV receivers and AV processors look like and what do customers need to be aware of?
After several months of testing with two gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony and new graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, it is clear what works reliably with receivers and what does not work as intended, if at all. The only source device that has repeatedly been shown to work reliably through AV receivers at 4K120Hz HDR is PS5 console (32 Gbps signal). Similar image setting in Xbox series X, is met with black screen on TVs when connected through receivers. The console works fine when connected directly to TVs. Moving images from games and graphic simulations sent by PC graphics cards regularly encounter multiple problems: from image instability, stuttering, to colour shifting and lack of sync, when connected to TV or PC monitor through new AV receivers. Some of VRR problems can be attributed to some TV panels' gamma curve issue, however Denon and Yamaha receivers are yet to demonstrate this feature to be fully functional on supported devices. At best, compatibility landscape does not look promising. At worst, it is a failed attempt to enter console gaming and PC world markets, with loss of reputation for the brand and thousands of increasingly frustrated owners who had paid for expensive AVR products and have been waiting for a permanent solution from Sound United and Yamaha since October 2020. The situation has been gradually improving in H2 2021, but not on all AVR machines.
Sound United 2020 models
The promised solution was pending for months, according to this announcement. At the end of April 2021, Sound United released a proposed solution - another device called HDMI adapter box that can be used to connect XboxX console. It has one single input and one output HDMI port. Owners of AVRs are able to order one for free. The company released a youtube video clip showing how to set up HDMI adapter box with the console and receiver. The adapter box is shipping to consumers as we speak and casual user reports suggest it works as intended. It seems that the adapter box solution can pass-through 40 Gbps signal from the console to AVR and onto a capable display. There is another hardware option, "adapter box 2.0", a multi-port HDMI adapter box, similar to switches. This was hinted By Roland Kruger in one of youtube presentations. Such solution is a welcomed additon as it allows users to connect multiple HDMI 2.1 sources to Denon/Marantz AVRs that originally hosted one single input 40 Gbps port. It remains to be seen whether potential users of such device would be attracted by its additional cost. It is not free.
Yamaha 2020 models
On the other hand, Yamaha enjoyed a benefit of a doubt, as they never promised 4K/120Hz HDR features to work out-of-the-box until firmware updates are rolled out, as stated on their website. There is a firmware update schedule for 2021 under this link, so that Yamaha owners are aware of when to hope for fully functional receiver with HDMI 2.1 package of features. We expected to see testing results for 4K/120Hz HDR moving images and other features at the end of Q3. However, in May, Yamaha announced that all 2020 models of AVR would be eligible for free HDMI board replacement, to address the faulty chip from Panasonic Solutions installed inside of their AVRs. Owners are required to register their products on Yamaha's website and further announcements would follow as to where to send AVRs for board exchange. This is a welcomed development from the company that could restore the reputation in the brand, as the move aims to bring reliable performance to affected AV receivers. The board replacement programe should last for two years. Replacement boards will only be able to process 4K/120Hz signals with up to 24 Gbps of available bandwidth. This suggests that in uncompressed mode, Yamaha 2020 models of receivers would be able to pass 4K/120Hz 10-bit 4-2-0 images. For any 4K/120Hz signal with higher colour settings, e.g. 4-2-2 or RGB, DSC protocol must be used. This is be a problem, as most 4K TVs do not have DSC decoder to deal with such signals. Such inconsistent video pipeline in a chain of devices could lead to more black screen or fall back to 4K/120Hz 10-bit 4-2-0 if any device in the chain does not support DSC over HDMI 2.1. In Q4, Yamaha released enabling firmware 1.48 to deliver 24 Gbps signals on 2020 AVRs with replaced boards and on new production line of the same machines that already have new boards installed in factories. Initial user reports suggest that maximum HDMI signal of 24 Gbps finally works.
2021/2022 AVR and AV processor models with multiple 40 Gbps ports - all brands
There is another line of 2021 AV receivers from Yamaha, Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer and Sound United coming into the market during 2021. Those devices are said to host completely new HDMI 2.1 boards, with second generation of HDMI 2.1 chips, hoped to deliver more reliable perfomance in video and graphics department and in line with advertised features. Some models host all ports with 40 Gbps speeds and some host a mix of HDMI ports with 40 Gbps, 24 Gbps, as well as legacy HDMI 2.0b ports with 18 Gbps. Please check relevant device specification for further details. In Yamaha's case, it is worth noting that their 2021 higher tier models host all 40 Gbps ports, but they do not have HDMI 2.1 features and port speeds working out-of-the-box. Owners will need to wait to download and install firmware update to activate those features. The firmware has been delayed and re-scheduled several times. It is now hoped to be released during Q2 2022. Audio and video enthusiasts who have not yet purchased new AV receivers and AV processors, but need those features to work reliably, are kindly advised to be cautious and seek independent reviews and testing results before committing significant amount of money to new products. In addition, board upgrades and new models are planned for AV processors from Trinnov, Lyngdorf, Arcam, Anthem, JBL and other high-end niche vendors. Please visit manufacturers' website for more information about eligible models and board replacement schedules. Towards the end of 2021, Sound United released three new lower tier AVRs with multiple 40 Gbps input ports. Those machines are said to host improved second generation of HDMI 2.1 chips that should work out of the box.
Marketing and implementation of HDMI 2.1 feature package
Companies are expected to continue with marketing efforts aimed at console gaming and PC user communities. It should be stressed out that computer users are large, diverse group and gamers are just one part of it. Majority of PC users who happen to enjoy audio-video entertainment with AVRs are not gamers and often do not regard TV sets as a dominant display component in their home entertainment set-up. However, many of them still wish their AVRs to be a well-integrated media hub device. New receivers are thought to be manufactured and validated with new and improved second generation of HDMI 2.1 chipsets. In an interview by Audioholics with Jon Herron, Trinnov's international sales manager for the Americas, Mr Herron answered a question about HDMI 2.1 chips at the end of the interview. He was cautious about the chips offered to Trinnov's HDMI board designer for testing. AV processor and receiver boards with new chips are hoped to be more functional than original Panasonic Solutions offering from 2020. Mr Herron stopped short of giving any explicit promises or timeline for HDMI 2.1 implementation in Trinnov's products. It is not yet clear if any of ‘deal-breaking’ features would prove to be fully functional. His cautiousness is indicative of continued challenges with HDMI 2.1 chips in AV processors and receivers. As Trinnov has a well-established reputation for manufacturing high end AV products, they would not implement boards with new chips if they had any doubt about their reliability and performance. Finally, it is currently the only company that publicly mentioned the intention to integrate full speed ports of 48 Gbps in their boards. Those full speed HDMI 2.1 chips are currently in design stage. This is how full HDMI 2.1 implementation could look like in AV devices that are meant to be in the heart of home entertainment set-up for minimum 5-8 years. Offering one fast HDMI port only, as Sound United attempted initially, seemed a regressive move, short-sighted development and marketing stunt that backfired in 2020. Modern AVR devices that are meant to be future-proof are in need of hosting multiple fast ports for users to connect growing number of sources with HDMI 2.1 features.
What needs to be done with future AV devices to be fit for purpose and well-integrated with diverse sources and display devices?
AV pass-through devices have a challenging role to play as a home media hub/switch in rapidly evolving digital entertainment environment of devices, interfaces and audio and video standards. This means that successful integration with PC-based entertainment, alongside TV-based entertainment reliant solely on HDMI interface, is incumbent upon high port speed, reliability, creative thinking and bespoke support for computer graphics pass-through. There are a few pioneering steps in this direction from Trinnov and MadVR Envy, however those devices are prohibitively costly solutions for the mainstream market at the moment and are intended for AV enthusiast and pro markets. In order to become more successful in PC-based entertainment market, mainstream AV processors and receivers would need to evolve boards, install faster processors or SoC and comply with diverse computer graphics features, rather than being merely compatible with some. Compliance is more obligatory, standardized and transparent, whereas compatibility is more optional. PC monitor sales have globally increased to ~140 million units in 2020 and ~150 million units in 2021, whereas for TVs it was ~200 million for a few years now. More than 300 million desktop and laptop PCs were sold in 2021. It's a significant and potentially lucrative new market for AV surround solutions. Numbers alone speak miles about the home entertainment platform shifting between TV and PC based solutions, especially in the age of digital content streaming, where any capable displays, TV, monitor or laptop, are equally used for content consumption. This puts a pressure on AVRs and AVPs to be as diverse and widely compatible as possible. TV-based home theater and entertainment is not anymore as dominant as it used to be. Are AVR companies addressing this change in devices used for content consumption in their AV devices?
If AVR companies do not start supporting new features and interfaces that matter in audio-video entertainment in PC-centric world, such as Gsync (Ultimate) and Freesync Premium (Pro) with official stickers on future receivers, those devices will not be as appealing as a ‘middle man’ between computers and displays. Alongside this, other improvements are needed, such as support for more diverse resolutions and refresh rates in EDID, as well as long overdue introduction of another interface to diversify connectivity, for example DisplayPort 2.0 or USB4 type C port with DisplayPort tunnelling. Without innovation and better connectivity choices, few computer users will entertain connecting cables directly to AVR for graphics and audio pass-through. Manufacturers of AV receivers and processors are welcomed to think creatively before enticing computer world outside of gaming segment. It is already an organised ecosystem, mostly based on DisplayPort standard for video connectivity, but also increasingly welcoming to HDMI 2.1 features. It may take time, effort and serious R&D for this alignment to emerge, but only then will we be able to say "movies and games like never before", with AV processor/receiver in the heart of home entertainment, a place where it should be. At the moment, this marketing slogan is yet to realise its full potential.
Contributions and discussions from members are warmly welcomed. Thank you.
2020 - Why did marketing gamble with console gamers and PC owners go wrong for new line of AV receivers?
It was in June 2020 when Sound United, the company manufacturing Denon and Marantz AV receivers, attempted to widen the appeal of their AV products by trying to step into waters of console gaming and PC world; new and potentially lucrative revenue market. A few months later, Yamaha jointed the enterprise with official marketing slogan "movies and games like never before". Both companies released a new generation of AV receivers promising bespoke audio-video entertainment, including gaming, courtesy of implementation of HDMI 2.1 feature package, such as 4K/120Hz images, dynamic HDR, VRR, high bandwidth connection and more.
A few months later, in October, Nvidia 3000 series graphics cards and pre-release samples of Xbox series X became available as first sources for testing video pass-through capabilities of new AV receivers. As Yamaha’s receivers did not have HDMI 2.1 features turned on at that point of time (announced to be delivered via firmware update), the only available testing products were Denon and Marantz AVRs. German tech magazine c’t exposed serious video issues when testing output signals from Xbox series X and Nvidia 3080 GPU connected to Denon X2700H receiver (translation). Black screen on LG TV and “HDMI 2.1 bug” were widely reported around the world by many media outlets. It was concluded that Denon AVR could not pass 4K/120Hz HDR signal through to TV due to incompatibility in fixed rate link (FRL) signalling. FRL video data signal allows bandwidth up to 48 Gbps and HDMI 2.1 chip used in receivers motherboards could not process it. The chip was sourced by Panasonic Solutions. VRR feature did not work either. German tech magazine suggested that hardware change might be the only long-term solution. This was in line with generic text about FRL signalling, published by HDMI Org. It was the first disappointment for console and PC communities at the very beginning of HDMI 2.1 era and the AVR companies promised to address the problem by working on a permanent solution in near, yet unspecified future.
Towards the end of 2020, HDMI 2.1 Ultra-high-speed certified cables, capable of 48 Gbps speed, became more widely available. Many users who bought Denon/Marantz receivers and Xbox series X console or graphics cards retested their devices, with no major success. It should be noted that Sound United provided two short video clips in December showing how to set-up Play Station 5 and PC with their receivers. Gaming on PS5 connected directly to receiver worked well. However, another demo with Nvidia’s 3000 series graphics card connected to AV receiver passed only a still image of PC desktop screen onto TV at 4K/120Hz HDR (40 Gbps). Neither moving images from games or graphic simulations were demonstrated to work reliably, if at all, nor VRR pass-through was shown to be functional. This was the second disappointment for customers, as VRR is officially advertised feature by the vendor.
Why did this problem with AV receivers occur in the first place?
The three problems - loose HDMI specification, lack of testing and poor product management
In essence, there are three reasons, linked to HDMI specification, engineering collaboration and product management coupled with business pressures. There is human responsibility, if not negligence, and lack of expertise behind each one of those three factors.
Firstly, revised HDMI 2.1 specification was introduced with a package of advanced audio-video features, but without institutional executive powers to enforce its strict adoption in any standardized form. HDMI is not a standard like DisplayPort or IEEE's Ethernet and its features in 2.1 specification are optional, allowing adoption of different features by companies using HDMI chips and ports. For example, the speed of FRL audio-video signal on chips can go up to 48 Gbps. It is not mandated to be 48 Gbps, or less, need there be. Average consumers face difficulties in finding out more details about port speeds in adverts, as optional speeds are often not published and no one really takes responsibility for educating the public about it. Companies, not only the ones manufacturing AVRs, are therefore free to support different port speeds and features in different devices. There is nothing wrong with different port speeds per se, but this, if not clearly stated in ads, can create consumer confusion, compatibility issues and bring about serious problems for the quality of image and refresh rates that are transmitted from one device to another, if two or more devices in HDMI chain happen to adopt different port speeds. Some HDMI ports may support 24 Gbps (Yamaha 2020 models), some 32 Gbps (PS5), some 40 Gbps (Xbox SX, LG-X and LG-1 series, Denon/Marantz, AMD 6000 GPUs, future AVRs) or 48 Gbps (LG TV 9 and 2 series and Nvidia 3000 GPUs). It is completely arbitrary decision and we often learn about it only when products are purchased, connected and tested. For consumers, it is a world of ambiguity and uncertainty to navigate through, both in entertainment and business environments.
In addition, AVR companies have been criticised for lack of sufficient testing of devices for interoperability and prematurely pushing unready receivers into the market, when no source devices with HDMI 2.1 existed. Finally, another aspect of criticism was ineffective, if not incompetent, communication and collaboration between product managers and engineers during various stages of product design and sourcing of components.
What does current situation with AV receivers and AV processors look like and what do customers need to be aware of?
After several months of testing with two gaming consoles from Microsoft and Sony and new graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, it is clear what works reliably with receivers and what does not work as intended, if at all. The only source device that has repeatedly been shown to work reliably through AV receivers at 4K120Hz HDR is PS5 console (32 Gbps signal). Similar image setting in Xbox series X, is met with black screen on TVs when connected through receivers. The console works fine when connected directly to TVs. Moving images from games and graphic simulations sent by PC graphics cards regularly encounter multiple problems: from image instability, stuttering, to colour shifting and lack of sync, when connected to TV or PC monitor through new AV receivers. Some of VRR problems can be attributed to some TV panels' gamma curve issue, however Denon and Yamaha receivers are yet to demonstrate this feature to be fully functional on supported devices. At best, compatibility landscape does not look promising. At worst, it is a failed attempt to enter console gaming and PC world markets, with loss of reputation for the brand and thousands of increasingly frustrated owners who had paid for expensive AVR products and have been waiting for a permanent solution from Sound United and Yamaha since October 2020. The situation has been gradually improving in H2 2021, but not on all AVR machines.
Sound United 2020 models
The promised solution was pending for months, according to this announcement. At the end of April 2021, Sound United released a proposed solution - another device called HDMI adapter box that can be used to connect XboxX console. It has one single input and one output HDMI port. Owners of AVRs are able to order one for free. The company released a youtube video clip showing how to set up HDMI adapter box with the console and receiver. The adapter box is shipping to consumers as we speak and casual user reports suggest it works as intended. It seems that the adapter box solution can pass-through 40 Gbps signal from the console to AVR and onto a capable display. There is another hardware option, "adapter box 2.0", a multi-port HDMI adapter box, similar to switches. This was hinted By Roland Kruger in one of youtube presentations. Such solution is a welcomed additon as it allows users to connect multiple HDMI 2.1 sources to Denon/Marantz AVRs that originally hosted one single input 40 Gbps port. It remains to be seen whether potential users of such device would be attracted by its additional cost. It is not free.
Yamaha 2020 models
On the other hand, Yamaha enjoyed a benefit of a doubt, as they never promised 4K/120Hz HDR features to work out-of-the-box until firmware updates are rolled out, as stated on their website. There is a firmware update schedule for 2021 under this link, so that Yamaha owners are aware of when to hope for fully functional receiver with HDMI 2.1 package of features. We expected to see testing results for 4K/120Hz HDR moving images and other features at the end of Q3. However, in May, Yamaha announced that all 2020 models of AVR would be eligible for free HDMI board replacement, to address the faulty chip from Panasonic Solutions installed inside of their AVRs. Owners are required to register their products on Yamaha's website and further announcements would follow as to where to send AVRs for board exchange. This is a welcomed development from the company that could restore the reputation in the brand, as the move aims to bring reliable performance to affected AV receivers. The board replacement programe should last for two years. Replacement boards will only be able to process 4K/120Hz signals with up to 24 Gbps of available bandwidth. This suggests that in uncompressed mode, Yamaha 2020 models of receivers would be able to pass 4K/120Hz 10-bit 4-2-0 images. For any 4K/120Hz signal with higher colour settings, e.g. 4-2-2 or RGB, DSC protocol must be used. This is be a problem, as most 4K TVs do not have DSC decoder to deal with such signals. Such inconsistent video pipeline in a chain of devices could lead to more black screen or fall back to 4K/120Hz 10-bit 4-2-0 if any device in the chain does not support DSC over HDMI 2.1. In Q4, Yamaha released enabling firmware 1.48 to deliver 24 Gbps signals on 2020 AVRs with replaced boards and on new production line of the same machines that already have new boards installed in factories. Initial user reports suggest that maximum HDMI signal of 24 Gbps finally works.
2021/2022 AVR and AV processor models with multiple 40 Gbps ports - all brands
There is another line of 2021 AV receivers from Yamaha, Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer and Sound United coming into the market during 2021. Those devices are said to host completely new HDMI 2.1 boards, with second generation of HDMI 2.1 chips, hoped to deliver more reliable perfomance in video and graphics department and in line with advertised features. Some models host all ports with 40 Gbps speeds and some host a mix of HDMI ports with 40 Gbps, 24 Gbps, as well as legacy HDMI 2.0b ports with 18 Gbps. Please check relevant device specification for further details. In Yamaha's case, it is worth noting that their 2021 higher tier models host all 40 Gbps ports, but they do not have HDMI 2.1 features and port speeds working out-of-the-box. Owners will need to wait to download and install firmware update to activate those features. The firmware has been delayed and re-scheduled several times. It is now hoped to be released during Q2 2022. Audio and video enthusiasts who have not yet purchased new AV receivers and AV processors, but need those features to work reliably, are kindly advised to be cautious and seek independent reviews and testing results before committing significant amount of money to new products. In addition, board upgrades and new models are planned for AV processors from Trinnov, Lyngdorf, Arcam, Anthem, JBL and other high-end niche vendors. Please visit manufacturers' website for more information about eligible models and board replacement schedules. Towards the end of 2021, Sound United released three new lower tier AVRs with multiple 40 Gbps input ports. Those machines are said to host improved second generation of HDMI 2.1 chips that should work out of the box.
Marketing and implementation of HDMI 2.1 feature package
Companies are expected to continue with marketing efforts aimed at console gaming and PC user communities. It should be stressed out that computer users are large, diverse group and gamers are just one part of it. Majority of PC users who happen to enjoy audio-video entertainment with AVRs are not gamers and often do not regard TV sets as a dominant display component in their home entertainment set-up. However, many of them still wish their AVRs to be a well-integrated media hub device. New receivers are thought to be manufactured and validated with new and improved second generation of HDMI 2.1 chipsets. In an interview by Audioholics with Jon Herron, Trinnov's international sales manager for the Americas, Mr Herron answered a question about HDMI 2.1 chips at the end of the interview. He was cautious about the chips offered to Trinnov's HDMI board designer for testing. AV processor and receiver boards with new chips are hoped to be more functional than original Panasonic Solutions offering from 2020. Mr Herron stopped short of giving any explicit promises or timeline for HDMI 2.1 implementation in Trinnov's products. It is not yet clear if any of ‘deal-breaking’ features would prove to be fully functional. His cautiousness is indicative of continued challenges with HDMI 2.1 chips in AV processors and receivers. As Trinnov has a well-established reputation for manufacturing high end AV products, they would not implement boards with new chips if they had any doubt about their reliability and performance. Finally, it is currently the only company that publicly mentioned the intention to integrate full speed ports of 48 Gbps in their boards. Those full speed HDMI 2.1 chips are currently in design stage. This is how full HDMI 2.1 implementation could look like in AV devices that are meant to be in the heart of home entertainment set-up for minimum 5-8 years. Offering one fast HDMI port only, as Sound United attempted initially, seemed a regressive move, short-sighted development and marketing stunt that backfired in 2020. Modern AVR devices that are meant to be future-proof are in need of hosting multiple fast ports for users to connect growing number of sources with HDMI 2.1 features.
What needs to be done with future AV devices to be fit for purpose and well-integrated with diverse sources and display devices?
AV pass-through devices have a challenging role to play as a home media hub/switch in rapidly evolving digital entertainment environment of devices, interfaces and audio and video standards. This means that successful integration with PC-based entertainment, alongside TV-based entertainment reliant solely on HDMI interface, is incumbent upon high port speed, reliability, creative thinking and bespoke support for computer graphics pass-through. There are a few pioneering steps in this direction from Trinnov and MadVR Envy, however those devices are prohibitively costly solutions for the mainstream market at the moment and are intended for AV enthusiast and pro markets. In order to become more successful in PC-based entertainment market, mainstream AV processors and receivers would need to evolve boards, install faster processors or SoC and comply with diverse computer graphics features, rather than being merely compatible with some. Compliance is more obligatory, standardized and transparent, whereas compatibility is more optional. PC monitor sales have globally increased to ~140 million units in 2020 and ~150 million units in 2021, whereas for TVs it was ~200 million for a few years now. More than 300 million desktop and laptop PCs were sold in 2021. It's a significant and potentially lucrative new market for AV surround solutions. Numbers alone speak miles about the home entertainment platform shifting between TV and PC based solutions, especially in the age of digital content streaming, where any capable displays, TV, monitor or laptop, are equally used for content consumption. This puts a pressure on AVRs and AVPs to be as diverse and widely compatible as possible. TV-based home theater and entertainment is not anymore as dominant as it used to be. Are AVR companies addressing this change in devices used for content consumption in their AV devices?
If AVR companies do not start supporting new features and interfaces that matter in audio-video entertainment in PC-centric world, such as Gsync (Ultimate) and Freesync Premium (Pro) with official stickers on future receivers, those devices will not be as appealing as a ‘middle man’ between computers and displays. Alongside this, other improvements are needed, such as support for more diverse resolutions and refresh rates in EDID, as well as long overdue introduction of another interface to diversify connectivity, for example DisplayPort 2.0 or USB4 type C port with DisplayPort tunnelling. Without innovation and better connectivity choices, few computer users will entertain connecting cables directly to AVR for graphics and audio pass-through. Manufacturers of AV receivers and processors are welcomed to think creatively before enticing computer world outside of gaming segment. It is already an organised ecosystem, mostly based on DisplayPort standard for video connectivity, but also increasingly welcoming to HDMI 2.1 features. It may take time, effort and serious R&D for this alignment to emerge, but only then will we be able to say "movies and games like never before", with AV processor/receiver in the heart of home entertainment, a place where it should be. At the moment, this marketing slogan is yet to realise its full potential.
Contributions and discussions from members are warmly welcomed. Thank you.
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