The HDMI 2.1a standard is here for the first time: the new SBTM feature will optimize the HDR experience

Previously, on the monitors sold by manufacturers, the marking problem of HDMI 2.1 was boiling over. According to the official statement, the HDMI 2.0 standard no longer exists, and there will only be the HDMI 2.1 standard in the future, the latter function is optional, and the display manufacturer can meet the requirements of the label as long as it specifies which functions and technologies the device supports. Such a marking method for consumers who are not familiar with the specific functions and features of HDMI will obviously be troubled in the purchase, and many people have criticized the official HDMI practice.

Ahead of the upcoming CES 2022 show, HMDI LA, the governing body of the HDMI standard, confirmed the upcoming release of the HDMI 2.1a standard specification. The new HDMI 2.1a standard specification will add a feature called SBTM (Source-Based Tone Mapping) to optimize HDR displays and give users a better experience. This is not a new HDR format or a replacement for existing HDR technology, but only to help match existing HDR content with display devices and provide richer display effects, but both source and target devices must support the new standard. Officials said that at present, many devices can be updated through firmware to support SBTM function.

According to the official introduction, the SBTM function will allow different windows to display the content of SDR and HDR at the same time, such as picture-in-picture or play video in the window. For computer users, the SBTM function can automatically generate an optimized HDR signal to better utilize the HDR function of the display, and the user does not need to set it up themselves, which can improve the PC gaming experience. As can be seen from the comparison screen provided by the official, the SBTM function eliminates the overexposed part of it and makes the details richer.

It is still worth paying attention to the old problem, how to label the HDMI standard for future displays.