FlatpanelsHD can exclusively report that Samsung now supports HDMI 2.1's Quick Media Switching (QMS) on select TV models, including the S95D QD-OLED flagship.
After years of waiting and an eventual change to the QMS specification under HDMI 2.1a, LG became the first TV maker to roll out support for QMS, with the launch of the 2023 OLED TVs (C3, G3 etc.).
QMS ensures that a TV, together with compatible HDMI media player (currently only Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen from 2022), can seamlessly switch refresh rate without black screens, the so-called HDMI bonk. This ensures judder-free playback when viewers jump between movies (24fps), TV programmes (25, 30, 50 or 60fps) and other types of content. QMS does not eliminate black screens when switching between SDR/HDR10/DV.
QMS support in Samsung TVs
When FlatpanelsHD tested Samsung S95C last year, we discovered that the groundwork for QMS had been laid, although it did not work, likely due to the change in the QMS specification with HDMI 2.1a. It is now officially called QMS-VRR, as it relies on VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
While reviewing the 2024 Samsung S95D QD-OLED (read our in-depth review here), FlatpanelsHD discovered that QMS now works as intended, despite Samsung not having made any announcement.
Here is QMS in action on S95D. Notice that with QMS enabled, no black screens appear when switching refresh rates. However, once QMS is disabled, the black screens return, just like on other TVs.
Note that QMS does not work on the S95D if the Game Mode setting has been set to 'Auto' (it can be set individually for each HDMI port).
Other Samsung models
FlatpanelsHD has heard, but not yet confirmed, that it also works with last year's S95C QD-OLED following a firmware update. We have asked Samsung if they can provide a full list of models compatible with QMS, but have yet to hear back.
FlatpanelsHD's TV Database has been updated to reflect the fact. With search filters, you can easily check which TV models from major brands support QMS and other features.
Also read: Guide: What is HDMI 2.1 QMS and which TV models support it?
It is not known when QMS will make its debut in TV models from other major brands, such as Sony, TCL, Hisense, Panasonic and Philips.
Samsung TVs with HDMI 2.1 QMS
FlatpanelsHD
