Sony's X90L 65-inch full-array LED TV, ideal for gaming and movies with 4K and 120Hz support, is on sale for a record low of around $898, offering enhanced contrast, Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, and HDMI 2.1 ports, making it a great deal for gamers and cinephiles alike.
AMD's efforts to implement HDMI 2.1+ functionality in their open-source Linux graphics driver have failed, as the HDMI Forum has rejected their request for open-source driver support, leading to limitations such as the inability to provide 4K@120Hz and 5K@240Hz capabilities on the AMD Linux driver. This decision highlights the challenges faced by open-source initiatives in accessing now-private HDMI specifications, despite efforts by AMD and the X.Org Foundation to find a solution.
The HDMI Forum has rejected AMD's proposal for an open source HDMI 2.1 implementation, making it unlikely for AMD to support HDMI 2.1 on Linux. This leaves Linux users with AMD hardware to rely on DisplayPort for now, while NVIDIA's open source driver may potentially support HDMI 2.1 in the future.
Elgato has unveiled its first HDMI 2.1 capture cards, the 4K X and 4K Pro, offering true HDR10 support and the ability to capture 4K gameplay at 144 frames per second. The 4K X is compatible with Windows and Mac, while the 4K Pro resides inside a PC and supports 8K passthrough at 60fps. Both cards work with popular broadcast apps and are available for $230 and $280 respectively.
Using a TV as a PC monitor can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration. Tips include ensuring a large desk for comfortable viewing, using a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports for high refresh rates, hiding the taskbar on OLED TVs to prevent burn-in, enabling Game mode for reduced input lag, and being cautious with Auto HDR settings. These tips can help optimize the experience of using a TV as a PC monitor for gaming or work purposes.
Samsung unveiled the Q990D soundbar at CES 2024, addressing the previous model's lack of HDMI 2.1 by adding 4K/120 passthrough. The soundbar features wireless Dolby Atmos with an 11.1.4-channel setup, new modes like Private Listening and Party Play, and support for voice assistants and streaming services. Additionally, Samsung updated its ultra-slim S-Series lineup with a new 35-inch-wide model and added HDMI eARC to the S800D. Pricing and availability for the new models are yet to be announced.
AVerMedia has launched its Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 HDMI 2.1 USB capture card, priced at $299.99. The capture card allows streamers and gamers to play consoles with 120Hz options and capture at 4K/60fps. It supports up to 4K/144Hz pass-through, HDR, and VRR, and offers RGB lighting. While it currently supports limited resolutions and refresh rates, AVerMedia plans to gradually add support for additional resolutions. Elgato has not yet announced its own HDMI 2.1 capture cards. The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 is available on Amazon.
The Aorus FI32U, a 32-inch 4K 144Hz monitor with HDMI 2.1 capability, is currently available on Amazon US for under $500, making it a rare and highly recommended high-end monitor. It offers a console-friendly 4K output with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for both mid-range PCs and high-end machines. The Fast IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, accurate colors, and fast pixel response times, while additional features include FreeSync/G-Sync support, HDR certification, integrated ESS Sabre DAC for high-grade audio, customizable RGB lighting, and more. This deal is highly recommended for those in the US looking for a top-notch monitor.
Plugable has released the USB4 Dual Monitor Docking Station, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports that can connect compatible laptops to dual 4K displays running at 120Hz. The dock requires a USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4 port with 40Gbps bandwidth. It is designed for Windows 10 systems and offers reduced display options for Thunderbolt 3. While macOS does not support the dock's multi-stream transport (MST) technology, it can still provide one additional display at 4K 60Hz or 8K 60Hz. Plugable's dock is among the first to support dual 4K/120Hz displays, with other companies like Kensington also introducing similar docks. The Plugable dock includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and nine other ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports, SD card slots, an ethernet jack, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The 2022 65" Hisense U8H TV, an excellent gaming TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, is currently $500 off its normal retail price of $1399.99, making it an affordable option for those looking for a future-proofed gaming TV. The U8H TV boasts all the technology you'd want in a current generation gaming TV, including a native 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 inputs, as well as Mini-LED and QLED technology for a brighter and more precise picture. It also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for a smoother gaming experience. The 2022 Hisense U8H uses the newer Google TV for its smart TV experience.