The IP supports advanced HDMI 2.1 features like fixed-rate link allowing uncompressed 8K resolution with 60 Hz refresh rate for a more immersive viewing experience in digital TVs, AR/VR devices, and computer displays.

In addition, enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) enables the most advanced audio formats such as object-based audio. Support for dynamic HDR provides higher video quality with frame-by-frame color depth, brightness, and contrast. For secure data transmission across HDMI links, the IP incorporates DesignWare Embedded Security Modules compliant to the HDCP 2.2 specification.

The DesignWare HDMI 2.1 IP is backward compatible with the HDMI 2.0 and 1.4 specifications, ensuring interoperability with current HDMI devices. By providing a complete HDMI 2.1 IP solution, Synopsys provides designers with all the essential IP elements necessary to accelerate development of their advanced HDMI 2.1-based system-on-chip (SoC) designs.

"The adoption of HDMI, one of the most successful wired video interfaces in consumer electronics, is expected to grow at five-year annual growth rate of 4.7 percent from 2016 to 2021 and will grow exponentially with the introduction of HDMI 2.1," said Noman Akhtar, analyst at IHS Markit. "Companies such as Synopsys that are providing complete HDMI 2.1 IP solutions are enabling the next-generation of chips to be developed so that consumers can experience ultra-high-definition video and high-fidelity audio in their devices."

"The HDMI 2.1 specification is a gigantic leap forward in capabilities and performance with enhanced video features including faster refresh rates and higher resolutions such as 8K60, dynamic HDR, and with eARC support for the most advanced audio formats," said Rob Tobias, president of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. "Synopsys is an important and early contributor to bringing these features to market, and its complete DesignWare HDMI 2.1 IP solution is key to establishing and supporting the HDMI 2.1 ecosystem."

"The HDMI specification continues to evolve to address the demand for more bandwidth in a wide range of HDMI applications including digital TVs and emerging AR/VR devices," said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for IP at Synopsys. "As the leading provider of interface IP, Synopsys continues to invest in developing complete IP solutions for the latest specification, enabling designers to quickly deliver differentiated products to the multimedia market."