The new Apple TV 4K 2022 will gain HDMI 2.1 QMS compatibility through a tvOS update later this year. No TVs support QMS at this time.
- "The third-gen Apple TV 4K has another bit of future proofing up its sleeve: later this year, a software update will add support for what’s known as QMS VRR," reports The Verge, and corroborated by TechCrunch.
HDMI 2.1's QMS is a derivate of VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) but not the same. Here is the HDMI organization's description: "Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates".
Paired with the Match Frame Rate function, QMS will allow Apple TV 4K to seamlessly match frame rates for output in 23.976Hz, 24.00Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz etc. without any black screens (so-called HDMI bonk) or picture interruptions on the TV.
How QMS works. Illustration: HDMI organization
QMS does not eliminate the blackout when switching between dynamic range modes; HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
It is unclear if earlier version of Apple TV 4K will also get HDMI 2.1 QMS.
At this time, no TVs support QMS. You can see which HDMI 2.1 features are supported in which TV models on FlatpanelsHD's up-to-date list here.
HDMI 2.1 QMS will be added with a tvOS update later this year which suggests that it will be included in the public version of tvOS 16.2.
FlatpanelsHD will soon publish our in-depth review of the Apple TV 4K 2022.
- Source: TechCrunch, The Verge
