Submission + - Valve: HDMI Forum Continues to Block HDMI 2.1 for Linux (heise.de)
emangwiro writes: "It looks like the battle for open-source HDMI 2.1 support isn't over yet. Reports indicate that Valve is actively trying to persuade the HDMI Forum to allow an open-source implementation of the HDMI 2.1 specification for Linux drivers. Currently, the HDMI Forum blocks public access to the spec, effectively preventing open-source drivers (like AMD's kernel driver used in SteamOS) from supporting features such as 4K at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) over HDMI.
This bureaucratic roadblock previously forced AMD to abandon its own open-source HDMI 2.1 efforts in early 2024 after the Forum rejected their proposal. As a result, Valve's upcoming hardware—despite technically having HDMI 2.1 capable ports—is restricted to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth or forced to use lossy workarounds like chroma subsampling. While Intel has skirted this issue on some GPUs by using internal DisplayPort-to-HDMI converter chips (PCONs), AMD and Valve remain stuck in licensing limbo. Valve says they are 'working on trying to unblock things,' but for now, the closed-source nature of the standard remains a major hurdle for the Linux gaming ecosystem."
This bureaucratic roadblock previously forced AMD to abandon its own open-source HDMI 2.1 efforts in early 2024 after the Forum rejected their proposal. As a result, Valve's upcoming hardware—despite technically having HDMI 2.1 capable ports—is restricted to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth or forced to use lossy workarounds like chroma subsampling. While Intel has skirted this issue on some GPUs by using internal DisplayPort-to-HDMI converter chips (PCONs), AMD and Valve remain stuck in licensing limbo. Valve says they are 'working on trying to unblock things,' but for now, the closed-source nature of the standard remains a major hurdle for the Linux gaming ecosystem."
