HDMI 2.1 has been touted as a must-have for new TVs and monitors because its 48 Gbps bandwidth allows for up to 10K resolution and 120 Hz refresh rates for high frame rate gaming. Variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) options are also attractive, especially for Xbox Series X and PS5 owners.

But in at least some cases, all of this is a bit of a lie: TFTCentral reports that HDMI 2.1 is actually an upgrade of HDMI 2.0 (the more common port version on many TVs and monitors), not but rather a complete replacement of HDMI 2.0.

That doesn't sound like a reason to worry. After all, the technology often succeeds and replaces older versions. [However, TFTCentral pointed out to the HDMI Licensing Administrator that the HDMI 2.1 monitors Xiaomi sells do not support HDMI 2.1 functionality. It was expected that this would raise a stink, but in fact it is not a problem at all. [The HDMI Licensing Administrator is not upgrading HDMI 2.1, but allowing HDMI 2.1 to replace HDMI 2.1, thereby paving the way for TV and monitor manufacturers to label their screens as HDMI 2.1 2.1 compatibility, even if they do not have any of the desired features.

"Products can no longer be certified for 2.1 with 2.0 alone, and popular features like 4k120, ALLM, and VRR are not mandatory because 2.1 features are optional to implement," HDMI LA Vice President of Marketing and Operations Brad Bramy told Ars Technica. Manufacturers can simply implement eARC, for example, and claim that the device is 2.1 compliant."

If you're smelling the brown stuff here, we can't blame you. The port standard is already complex enough, as we can see from how many different things USB-C can support, but not necessarily do.

HDMI is no easier, especially for those who are not tech savvy. For example, to get the benefits of HDMI 2.1 on an Xbox Series X or PS5, you need to make sure you are using the HDMI cable they are shipped with. Furthermore, it is possible that devices labeled HDMI 2.1 may not actually support the full set of standards for connectivity, and we are looking at a thick soup of potential confusion.

Currently, manufacturers wishing to use the HDMI 2.1 standard need to clarify what features the HDMI 2.1 standard supports, as required by the HDMI Adopter Agreement. And the advent of an HDMI 2.1a standard that supports source-based tone mapping will cause even more headaches. But this too will do little to help squash the potential for confusion.

So what is the solution? Ideally, in the near future, the rules and requirements for what is called HDMI 2.1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 will be made more stringent by standards bodies.

But that may be wishful thinking. So our suggestion is to read the fine print of the product you are about to purchase and double-check to make sure you are getting what you expect from an HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor.

At the risk of sounding forward, you may want to consult Tom's Guide, which has a wealth of TV and monitor reviews, including the Best HDMI 2.1 TVs, Best Gaming TVs, Best Monitors, and Best Gaming Monitors The list includes. We also have lists of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs, gaming TVs, monitors, and gaming monitors.

If nothing else, feel free to contact us for our advice and guidance. Email the appropriate editor or writer or tweet us @tomsguide.