Redakcja Choose TV
Valve may have reason to be optimistic as it seems the HDMI 2.1 issue with the upcoming Steam Machine could be resolved. Just recently, it appeared that the lack of support for this technology would be a significant limitation for Valve's hardware. However, the situation is now changing, and new information suggests that the console may indeed offer full capabilities of modern image standards.
Breakthrough Thanks to Linux and AMD
The main issue was the lack of open-source drivers for HDMI 2.1 in the Linux environment that the Steam Machine is based on. This limitation prevented support for features like 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, and advanced HDR modes. However, AMD developers working on AMDGPU drivers have reported that they have managed to enable support for key components of HDMI 2.1, including the FRL technology responsible for higher bandwidth. This means that the hardware of the console was already ready earlier, and it was just the appropriate software that was missing. If the work is completed and passes certification, the Steam Machine may gain the functionality that it previously lacked.
Opportunity for Real Competition Against PS5 and Xbox
If HDMI 2.1 really makes it to ChooseTV, it will significantly improve its position in the market. Support for 4K120, VRR, and other modern technologies is now standard in consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Without this, Valve would struggle to compete in the high-end segment. However, there are still questions, including the quality of HDR implementation and the overall optimisation of the system. Nevertheless, the direction of change is clear; if everything goes according to plan, ChooseTV could become a much more serious player in the console market.
Problems with HDMI 2.1 may soon be a thing of the past, and the Steam Machine will gain features that it previously lacked. This is good news for gamers and a signal that Valve still wants to compete with the big players.
source: flatpanelshd
