Valve: HDMI Forum Continues to Block HDMI 2.1 for Linux (heise.de)

Article summary

The HDMI Forum is blocking Valve and AMD from offering an open-source driver for HDMI 2.1 on Linux, despite the Steam Machine's hardware supporting it. This limitation restricts the device to HDMI 2.0, preventing it from reaching its full potential. As a result, users are limited to 60 frames per second at 4K resolution without compression. Valve has confirmed that they are working to resolve the issue.

Main themes

• HDMI 2.1 support on Linux
• Open-source drivers
• Valve and AMD collaboration
• HDMI Forum restrictions
• Gaming technology

What commenters say

• The HDMI Forum's strict NDA is preventing AMD from releasing an open-source implementation of HDMI 2.1, despite having access to the specs.
• Some users suggest using a discrete DisplayPort to HDMI chip to sidestep the issue, but this may not be ideal due to bandwidth limitations.
• Others propose using a projector or a big computer monitor as an alternative to traditional TVs, which often come with unwanted software and ads.
• There is a desire for a 'dumb TV' with no smart features, or a Steam TV with open-source software, to provide a better user experience.
• Some commenters believe that the PC component of a TV will age poorly compared to the display, and that a modular design would be more desirable.
• The idea of a quasi-standard TV-compute unit interface is suggested as a potential solution for future devices.
• There is disagreement over whether the HDMI Forum's restrictions are justified, with some arguing that it stifles innovation and others seeing it as a way to recoup research costs.
• Some users are willing to pay a premium for a TV with open-spec software and no ads, and would support a partnership between Steam and a monitor manufacturer to produce such a device.