Podcast #1031: When HDMI 2.1 is not HDMI 2.1

On this week's show we take a look at the best mesh routers for 2021 and discuss whether something labeled HDMI 2.1 is actually HDMI 2.1. We read your emails and take a look at the week's news stories as well.  Best mesh routers for 2021 The past couple of years have made it clear that having a dependable Wi-Fi network at home is essential -- especially if you're working or learning from home, gaming online with friends or calling loved ones for regular video chats. In cases like that, you might've noticed that the signal from your router isn't as strong as you'd like it to be in some parts of your house. Those wireless signals can only travel so far on their own before your speeds drop off, especially if you're connecting multiple devices and your home's layout and construction are creating obstructions that those signals struggle to penetrate. Full Article Here…  HDMI 2.0 No Longer Exists This email came in from Stan in Pittsburg and we felt it deserved a deeper dive. When it comes to HDMI features claimed by manufacturers it is definitely buyer beware.  I am sure that most of the podcast listeners of the HT Guys might know to evaluate HDMI based on features not HDMI version, but I doubt most average consumers would know that a HDMI 2.1 tv claim by a manufacturer may not have HDMI 2.1 features. This seems like a free pass to mislead consumers. HDMI 2.0 devices are now HDMI 2.1 devices: "HDMI 2.0 no longer exists" - FlatpanelsHD HDMI 2.0 no longer exists, and devices should not claim compliance to v2.0 as it is not referenced any more The features of HDMI 2.0 are now a sub-set of 2.1 All the new capabilities and features associated with HDMI 2.1 are optional (this includes FRL, the higher bandwidths, VRR, ALLM and everything else) If a device claims compliance to 2.1 then they need to also state which features the device supports so there is "no confusion"