HDMI 2.1 receivers can pass compatible 8K video and 4K video at up to 120 hertz from source devices to displays through supported HDMI connections. They also support high-dynamic-range formats such as HDR10, HDR10 Plus, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma, helping preserve enhanced contrast, color, and brightness when the source, receiver, display, and cable support the same format.

For gaming, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) helps reduce screen tearing and stutter, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically selects a lower-latency setting, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) helps reduce delay between the console and display. Quick Media Switching (QMS) mainly improves transitions between video formats by reducing blank screens, so confirm that the receiver, display, game console, and HDMI cables support the features you plan to use.

Choose a receiver with at least one HDMI input for each source, such as a game console, streaming player, disc player, or cable box, plus one output for each display device. For a whole-home AV setup, look for multiple HDMI outputs or zone support when you need to send video to more than one display, and leave extra inputs for future sources.

When integrating HDMI 2.1 receivers, confirm the receiver’s HDMI inputs and outputs support the required 8K, 4K/120, eARC, HDR, and gaming features, then match its channel count and surround formats to the speaker layout. Verify compatibility with the project’s control platform, IP control or remote monitoring requirements, and multiroom audio plan, including how sources and audio will be distributed to additional zones.