The HDMI Forum has reportedly told AMD that it does not allow an open source implementation of the HDMI 2.1 specification, effectively blocking tools such as AMD’s FreeSync from working over HDMI connections at high resolutions and frame rates on Linux systems.
Linux users have been left in a lurch as the licensing group controlling the HDMI standard, the HDMI Forum, has not made the HDMI 2.1 specification publicly accessible. This decision has significant implications for Linux users, as they are unable to achieve the same resolutions and speeds as Windows users or those using DisplayPort connections.
According to a report by the Linux blog Phoronix in January 2021, the HDMI Forum did not provide public access to the HDMI 2.1 specification. Alex Deucher, an AMD engineer, has been working on a related bug thread for over two years, but the recent outcome has been disappointing. The HDMI Forum has rejected the proposal, making it clear that an open source HDMI 2.1 implementation is currently not feasible without violating the HDMI Forum’s requirements.
AMD has been navigating legal hurdles in an attempt to comply with the HDMI Forum’s regulations. Despite efforts to get the basic functionality up and running, the decision ultimately rested with the HDMI Forum. The Forum’s membership comes with a minimum cost of $15,000, and while AMD is a member, it does not extend to offering a specification for public use.
As a result of this development, Linux users are now left with DisplayPort as the primary option for achieving the best possible output. The rejection of an open source HDMI 2.1 implementation has raised concerns and speculation, with some suggesting potential interference from media firms worried about digital video ripping.
This decision has significant implications for the Linux community and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by open source developers in accessing and implementing industry standards. The lack of support for open source HDMI 2.1 drivers on Linux systems underscores the need for greater collaboration and dialogue between industry stakeholders to address the needs of diverse user groups.
