Vratislav Holub Mac Studio, Mac mini and MacBook Pro (2021) computers have an HDMI connector for image and sound transmission. In all three cases, this is the HDMI standard in version 2.0, which easily handles image transmission in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). However, a more advanced version of HDMI 2.1 with support for 4K at 120 fps or 8K at 60 fps has been offered for a long time. We could encounter it with Apple TV 4K, where the image is limited to 4K60 by software.
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Adam Kos Therefore, a rather interesting discussion has opened up among Apple computer users about whether Apple should start implementing a newer version of HDMI, or why it has not yet decided to do so. Basically, it is strange that, for example, such a Mac Studio, which is aimed at professionals, offers first-class performance and costs over 100 thousand crowns, does not have an HDMI 2.1 connector and, at first glance, therefore cannot cope with image transmission in 4K at 120 or 144 Hz.
Why Apple hasn't switched to HDMI 2.1 yet
Although higher refresh rates are mainly associated with the world of gaming, they are certainly not to be thrown away even for classic work. Therefore, the relevant displays are especially praised by designers, who appreciate their quick feedback and an overall more "lively" approach. That is precisely why it is quite strange that the aforementioned Mac Studio computer does not have something similar. But don't be fooled. The fact that Macs do not understand HDMI 2.1 does not mean that they cannot cope with the transfer of, for example, a 4K image at 120 fps. They just go about it a little differently.
Mac and Apple TV 4K connectors
As you all know, the basis of Apple computer connectivity are USB-C/Thunderbolt connectors. And Thunderbolt is essential in this regard, as it not only easily handles connecting peripherals or external drives, but also handles image transmission. Therefore, Thunderbolt connectors on Macs also have a DisplayPort 1.4 interface with a solid throughput, which makes it no problem to connect the mentioned display with a 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, or with a 5K resolution at 60 Hz. In this case, apple users can do without the necessary Thunderbolt/DisplayPort cable and practically win.
Do we need HDMI 2.1?
In the end, there is still the question of whether we actually need HDMI 2.1 at all. Today, the aforementioned DisplayPort is primarily used to transmit a better image, while HDMI serves more as a rescue for specific situations in which it is not possible to normally rely on DP. Here we could include, for example, a quick connection of a Mac to a projector during a conference and the like. Would you like HDMI 2.1 or don't you care that much?
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