Microsoft Exec Explains Why Xbox One X Doesn’t Need HDMI 2.1 Re-Certification

The Xbox One X features HDMI 2 support, as you might be aware, but we are yet to hear anything from Microsoft about HDMI 2.1 recertification for the system. As per Microsoft’s head of marketing Albert Penello though, you can implement new features even without recertification- if your hardware supports it.

A user on Twitter recently expressed concern about Microsoft not having commented on recertification, but Penello says the same isn’t needed. If your hardware (that is, your HDMI port) supports the newer version of the HDMI specification, you can implement new features without full recertification. “That’s how we are able to implement several HDMI 2.1 features,” Penello went on to say.

In case you’re wondering, HDMI 2.1 features various significant upgrades, such as higher resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, up to 10K resolution, dynamic HDR support, and up to 48Gbps of bandwidth capability. Stay tuned to Gamingbolt for continued coverage.

I wonder why we did not heard anything about the HDMI 2.1 re-certification for the #XboxOneX yet. Do you think that MS …

— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 (@HeyMrZweistein) March 16, 2018

You can implement HDMI features from the newer version of the specification if your HW supports it, without being fully recertified. That's how we are able to implement several HDMI 2.1 features.

— Albert Penello (@albertpenello) March 17, 2018