Many technological innovations have been predicted for this generation of consoles. This includes the VRR, which allows the refresh rate to be adjusted in real time when using TVs and games that support it. Will a HDMI support VRR though?
HDMI supports VRR, as long as both the source and display devices support these features. All HDMI 2.1 and 2.0 – enabled devices will support VRR, including TVs, monitors, and projectors.
In this article, we’ll discuss what HDMI VRR is, what TVs support it, and which games take advantage of the technology. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to set up HDMI VRR and get the most out of your gaming experience. Let’s get started!
What Is VRR?
VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate, it’s a new technology that’s being incorporated into HDMI 2.1, and allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate of the content being displayed. This results in a smoother, more seamless image with less stuttering and tearing.
On the flip side, the HDMI provides a simple, high-performance digital cable interface for audio/video. It is based on the ISO/IEC 14496-2 (HDMI) standard and is backward compatible with DVI. The HDMI standard supports audio and video in both digital and analog formats.
Therefore, all HDMI 2.1 and 2.0 – enabled devices will support VRR, including TVs, monitors, and projectors. This technology is supported by most computers, TVs, and other devices that use HDMI cables. If your device supports VRR and you’re using an HDMI cable, you’ll be able to enjoy high-quality videos without any issues.
HDMI VRR – How Does It Work?
With VRR your display can send out a different picture quality to your TV depending on how fast the content being displayed is moving.
This allows you to have an enhanced experience when playing games and watching movies, where the action on-screen happens very quickly and you need to adjust accordingly.
- VRR enables a gaming source such as a console or computer to deliver video frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate.
- It can capture content from a single source. This allows the user to play back recorded content without having to worry about plugging in additional devices.
- It can be easily connected to an HDMI source and outputted to multiple displays. This allows users to watch their recorded content on multiple devices at once.
- The recorded content can be edited using tools found on the device itself or by connecting it to another computer with an external hard drive or USB port.
How HDMI Supports VRR
Although HDMI supports VRR, it’s a bit more complicated.
First off, you need to understand that VRR is an option for your TV set that allows it to display content at different resolutions (e.g., 4K vs 1080p) without the need for conversion. If your TV supports VRR, you will be able to watch 4K videos and play games in HD resolution without converting them yourself.
The problem is that not all TVs support this feature, so if you’re looking for a new TV set that can handle 4K content without converting it yourself, you’ll have to make sure that whatever model you’re considering supports this feature. Most (but not all) of the models on Amazon support VRR.
You can use HDMI with a receiver to send the audio and video to your TV or monitor. The receiver will convert the signals and send them to your TV or monitor.
You can also use an HDMI splitter with 2 TVs in the room if you want to watch different programs at the same time such as football and basketball games.
HDMI 2.1 And VRR
HDMI 2.1 does support VRR. However, you’ll need to have the right hardware to take advantage of the feature.
The HDMI 2.1 specification was released in October 2018 and includes several new features that make it easier to connect displays without having to worry about compatibility issues. One of these features is Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which allows for variable refresh rates on a connected display.
The feature has been around for years but only recently made its way into the HDMI 2.1 specification, which means you can now enjoy higher refresh rates with your gaming PC or laptop thanks to this new feature!
HDMI 2.1 also supports other new features such as HDCP 2.2, which allows for encrypted content playback from legacy devices such as Blu-ray players and set-top boxes; Deep Color, which enables deeper color depths; High Dynamic Range (HDR), which provides more vibrant colors; and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).
How Can I Use VRR With My HDMI Device?
Now that you know all about HDMI VRR, it’s time to find out how you can use it with your own devices.
Most new HDMI devices support VRR, but you can check the specs of your device to be sure. Once you’ve confirmed that both your source and display devices support VRR, you need to enable the feature in your settings.
This process will vary depending on your device, so check your user manual for specific instructions. Once you’ve enabled VRR, it will automatically activate when the connected devices are compatible.
What Are The Benefits Of VRR?
There are a few key benefits of VRR that we think are worth highlighting.
- Helps to reduce or even eliminate image lag and stutter. This is especially beneficial for gamers, who can often see a noticeable difference in gameplay with VRR enabled.
- Helps to improve the overall viewing experience by providing a smoother, more natural image. This is especially apparent when watching fast-paced action scenes or sports games.
- Help to save power on certain devices. For example, if you’re watching a movie on your phone and it’s connected to a power bank, VRR will help to conserve energy by eliminating screen flickering.
What Monitors Support HDMI VRR?
If you’re looking to buy a new monitor and want to take advantage of HDMI VRR, you’ll need to make sure that it’s one of the supported models.
At the time of writing, the following monitors support HDMI VRR (all available on Amazon below):
HDMI VRR: The Future of Gaming
When it comes to gaming, there are a lot of factors that go into making the perfect experience: great graphics, smooth gameplay, and immersive audio are all important. But what about your TV? Does it support the latest gaming features? One such feature is HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
What Games Support HDMI VRR?
Currently, there are only a few games that support HDMI VRR. However, as the technology continues to gain traction, we can expect more and more gaming devices to adopt it.
So far, a limited number of games support HDMI VRR. These include:
- Destiny 2.
- Forza Horizon 4.
- Call of Duty: Vanguard.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
- DIRT 5.
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood.
- Astro’s Playroom.
- Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition.
More games (Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Deathloop, Godfall) are likely to support the feature in the future, but for now, these are your best bets.
If you’re looking to experience the best possible gaming experience, it’s a good idea to check if your favorite games support HDMI VRR. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your hardware.
Which Gaming TVs Support VRR?
If you are looking to buy a new TV and want to take advantage of VRR, then you need to ensure that your model supports the feature. Not all TVs do, so it’s important to check before you buy.
The best TVs for VRR are those that have a low input lag and support HDMI 2.1. This ensures that the picture will be smooth and responsive, with no noticeable lag or delay between what you see onscreen and what you experience in VR.
As well as HDMI 2.1, look for a TV that supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR10+ for the best possible viewing experience. These TVs with variable refresh rates are some of the best. They include but are not limited to (links to Amazon):
- LG OLED C1 Series 55”: Alexa Built-in 4k Smart TV, 120Hz Refresh Rate, AI-Powered 4K, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, WiSA Ready, Gaming Mode (OLED55C1PUB, 2021)
- TCL 55-inch 6-Series 4K UHD: Dolby Vision HDR QLED Roku Smart TV – 55R635, 2021 Model
- SAMSUNG 75-Inch Neo QLED: QN90A Series – 4K UHD Quantum HDR 32x Smart TV with Alexa (QN75QN90AAFXZA, 2021 Model).
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using HDMI VRR?
There are a few potential drawbacks to using HDMI VRR.
- Firstly, not all games support the technology yet, so you may not be able to take advantage of the feature with your current library.
- Secondly, if you have a particularly fast or powerful graphics card, it may not be able to keep up with the new frame rate demands of HDMI VRR, resulting in screen tearing.
- Finally, some users have reported that HDMI VRR can cause input lag, which can be frustrating in fast-paced games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Enable HDMI VRR?
To enable HDMI VRR, you’ll need to go into your TV’s settings and enable the “Game Mode” or “PC Mode.” This may vary depending on your TV model, so be sure to consult your TV’s user manual for more information.
Once you’ve enabled Game Mode, you should then be able to select the “HDMI VRR” option from your TV’s menu. This will allow your TV to sync its refresh rate with your gaming device, which should help to eliminate any image stutter or frame rate issues.
Does VRR Have an Impact On Picture quality?
If you enjoy multiplayer, sports, and fast-paced games, VRR will enhance your gaming experience. The advantages are shorter latency times, higher image quality, and less screen tearing.
How Can I Activate PS5 VRR?
Follow the steps below to Enable VRR on the PS5:
- Go to Settings from the PS5 homescreen.
- Scroll down and select Screen and Video.
- Select VRR from the Video Output menu.
- Toggle it from Off to Automatic.
How can I tell whether my television supports VRR?
First, determine whether your television has the VRR feature.
VRR is a feature of HDMI 2.1. Certain HDMI 2.1 functions are already available on some televisions released in 2019 and later. You can check the specifications of your television to discover which features it supports.
Final Thoughts
All HDMI 2.1-certified devices should support VRR, so you can rest assured that your device will be able to take advantage of the feature. If you’re not sure if your device supports VRR or not, check with the manufacturer or look for the ‘HDMI 2.1’ logo on the product packaging.
