AMD Advances HDMI 2.1 Support on Linux, Boosting Steam Machine Prospects

AMD is making significant progress in bringing full HDMI 2.1 compliance to its open-source Linux amdgpu driver. The move is particularly good news for the upcoming Steam Machine, which previously faced uncertainty over HDMI 2.1 support due to licensing and driver development complexities.

HDMI 2.1 support includes Fixed Rate Link technology, which delivers higher bandwidth compared to HDMI 2.0's TMDS standard. This enables higher resolutions, dynamic HDR, and Variable Refresh Rate-features critical for modern gaming and high-end home theater.

AMD's Harry Wentland posted patch series notes on Friday indicating that FRL support is being added. While the current update still lacks Display Stream Compression needed for 10K at 100Hz, DSC testing is ongoing and will follow. A full compliance run for HDMI 2.1 is reportedly "in the works."