For the past few years, one of the main limitations of AMD’s open-source Linux graphics driver has been the inability to implement HDMI 2.1 functionality. This limitation arises from legal requirements imposed by the HDMI Forum, making it challenging for AMD engineers to provide HDMI 2.1 capabilities in their open-source Linux kernel driver.
The HDMI 2.1 standard brings significant improvements to the world of display technology, including support for higher resolutions and refresh rates. However, due to legal constraints, AMD has been unable to incorporate these advancements into their open-source Linux driver.
Bug reports dating back to 2021 have highlighted the absence of features such as 4K@120Hz and 5K@240Hz on the AMD Linux driver. These reports have shed light on the challenges faced by open-source support when access to public specifications is restricted. Both AMD and the X.Org Foundation have been actively engaged with the HDMI Forum, seeking a solution that would enable the provision of open-source implementations of the now-private HDMI specs.
To address this issue, AMD’s Linux engineers have dedicated months to working with their legal team and evaluating all HDMI features. Their goal was to determine if and how these features could be exposed in their open-source driver. The team made progress and had functional code internally, but their efforts were contingent upon approval from the HDMI Forum.
Unfortunately, the recent outcome has been disappointing. The HDMI Forum has rejected AMD’s proposal for open-source driver support, leaving the company and the open-source community without a viable solution. Alex Deucher, an AMD Linux engineer, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The HDMI Forum has rejected our proposal unfortunately. At this time, an open-source HDMI 2.1 implementation is not possible without running afoul of the HDMI Forum requirements.”
This development marks a sad day for open-source GPU drivers, as the lack of a solution for safely implementing HDMI 2.1 functionality within open-source display drivers persists. AMD’s efforts to collaborate with the HDMI Forum and find a resolution have not yielded the desired outcome.
The inability to incorporate HDMI 2.1 functionality into AMD’s open-source Linux graphics driver has implications for users who rely on open-source software for their computing needs. It means that individuals using AMD graphics cards on Linux systems will not be able to take advantage of the latest HDMI 2.1 features, such as higher resolutions and refresh rates.
While this limitation is unfortunate, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding legal requirements and the need for compliance with industry standards. AMD’s engineers have worked diligently to explore possibilities and find a way to provide HDMI 2.1 support within the confines of open-source development. However, the current roadblock imposed by the HDMI Forum prevents them from achieving this goal.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen if there will be any changes in the HDMI Forum’s stance or if alternative solutions will emerge. In the meantime, AMD users on Linux systems may need to explore other options or consider using proprietary drivers to access HDMI 2.1 functionality.
In conclusion, the inability to implement HDMI 2.1 functionality in AMD’s open-source Linux graphics driver is a significant limitation for users seeking the latest display capabilities. Despite AMD’s efforts and collaboration with the HDMI Forum, the current legal requirements prevent the provision of open-source implementations of HDMI 2.1. The open-source community and AMD users will have to wait for future developments to determine if a resolution can be found.
