Broken HDMI 2.1 functionality in AMD’s open-source Linux driver will remain broken.
This technology is also responsible for variable refresh rate (VRR) support.
But the AMD open-source Linux driver cannot utilize HDMI 2.1’s FRL system.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Somewhat unsurprisingly, the HDMI Forum said “no” to the open-source driver.
Alex Deucher relayed the bad news in the aforementioned support ticket.
“The HDMI Forum has rejected our proposal unfortunately.
Members of the HDMI Forum, including AMD, may participate in the development of HDMI technology.
But asPhoronixexplained in 2021, the HDMI 2.1 specification shut the door on HDMI public specification access.
The HDMI Forum wants to keep things locked down and has the legal precedent to do so.
Interestingly, AMD’s open-source driverdoessupport DisplayPort to HDMI 2.1 adapters.
Most high-quality monitors support DisplayPort, though this functionality may be useful when connecting your system to a TV.
Note that AMD’s product listings do not mention HDMI 2.1 incompatibility with Linux.
Regardless of who’s responsible for these incompatibilities, AMD needs to be more forthright with its customers.
A GPU’s HDMI output isn’t some super-complicated thingit’s basic functionality.
This is particularly true in thecurrent eraof Linux gaming.
Going forward, open-source supporters should place their full weight behind DisplayPort.
It certainly isn’t the preferable solution, at least for open-source enthusiasts.
