This is a great topic—and one that really deserves a deeper explanation, which is why we put together this FAQ.

Since the launch of Tide16, one of the most common questions has been: “Why didn’t you include an 8K HDMI 2.1 module? You already had HDMI 2.0, so isn’t it just a simple relayout?”


It’s a fair question, but the reality is more nuanced.

Before diving in, it helps to restate the module specs from the datasheet:

  • 3 x In, 1 x out HDMI switch, HDMI 1.4/2.0b compliant
  • Resolution: 4k60Hz UHD, 18Gb/s input/output capable, 24/25/30/50/60fps
  • 4k to 1080 conversion for HDMI1.4 compliance
  • HDMI 2.1 EARC/ARC compliant
  • HDMI 2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
  • HDCP 2.3 compliant / Dolby Vision Compatible


There’s quite a bit to unpack:

  • Yes, the spec list mixes HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 features. That’s because HDMI is a bundle of different capabilities, and we support some HDMI 2.1 functions (like eARC and VRR) but not bandwidth‑heavy ones such as 8K60 or 4K120. Those require a different class of chipset.

  • The first major challenge was chipset availability. Accessing true HDMI 2.1 switching chipsets is far from straightforward—the supply chain hurdles are real. If we had waited for them, Tide16 wouldn’t exist today. Choosing a mature HDMI 2.0b platform (which still supports select HDMI 2.1 features) allowed us to build something stable and ship it. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

  • The second challenge was certification and licensing. HDMI 2.1 is significantly more complex to validate, test, and certify. Rather than delay the entire product, we prioritized delivering a reliable, feature‑rich solution at a price point where nothing comparable exists.

And if you do have an 8K TV/Projector and want 120Hz, you’re still not out of options. You can integrate Tide16 into your system and add a single HDMI 2.1 input for as little as $249 using an HDFury Arcana at the front end. If you need four additional 8K HDMI 2.1 ports, pairing with an HDFury Vroom achieves that as well.


Hoping this explanation is a starter and we hope to grow the Tide16 with more features in the future.