JBL SDR-35 AVR and JBL SDP-55 AV – HDMI 2.1 Video Board

HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard for audio and video in the home cinema segment. More and more solutions are available with it, and some can be upgraded to this standard, including selected solutions from JBL Synthesis such as the JBL SDR-35 AVR and JBL SDP-55 AV.

For suppliers in the AV segment, it is essential that their solutions are always designed to meet the latest audio and video standards. That’s why Harman International Industries has announced that it will be offering upgrades to HDMI 2.1 for the JBL Synthesis branded solutions from the Harman Luxury Audio Group, the JBL SDR-35 AVR and JBL SDP-55 AV surround processor preamplifiers.

To date, the JBL SDR-35 Class G Immersive Surround Sound AVR and JBL SDP-55 Immersive Surround Sound Processor are capable of handling content over HDMI 2.0 at 4K UHD.

The new HDMI 2.1 video boards for the JBL SDR-35 AVR and JBL SDP-55 AV systems are scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter of 2021.

HDMI 2.1 Video Board – Ready for 8K Content

To meet the requirements of the new 8K video standard, the JBL Synthesis development team has created a new HDMI 2.1 video board that can be retrofitted to all current models.

The new video board can be installed by any authorised JBL Synthesis service centre. After the upgrade, the AVRs will have all the features of HDMI 2.1 on all inputs and outputs.

HDMI 2.1 is considered the latest standard for Audio/Video connectivity and has additional features of the existing HDMI 2.0 standard. With HDMI 2.1, the bandwidth extends to 48 Gbits – as opposed to 18 Gbits with HDMI 2.0. In addition, resolutions of up to 10K and frame rates of up to 120 fps are supported.

In addition, the new standard retains the same physical connectors and is compatible with existing HDMI 2.0 components. However, new ultra-high-speed HDMI cables will be required to take advantage of the full features of the new HDMI 2.1 standard.

Many new 2021 TV models already have at least one HDMI 2.1 input, while some high-definition gaming platforms also already support the new standard.

“With the announcement of the upcoming HDMI upgrade, we are giving our customers peace of mind that their AVR will remain at the forefront of audio and video compatibility and support future 8K video products. We’re working closely with our global dealer and distributor partners to make the upgrade process as quick and smooth as possible.”

Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio

Despite the quick and easy installation of the new HDMI 2.1 video board, the upgrade must be carried out professionally by an authorised JBL Synthesis service centre due to the PCB circuit boards used. Further details and pricing information on the HDMI 2.1 Video Board will be announced by the company prior to market launch.

Getting to the point

Above all, manufacturers in the premium segment of the AV sector offer solutions that retain their value for many years. While more and more manufacturers in the home cinema sector have to invest in a new generation of AV receivers almost year after year in order to keep up with technical developments, in the premium segment, upgrades for existing products are available, as is now the case with the JBL Synthesis brand around HDMI 2.1 and support for content in 8K through a new HDMI 2.1 video board in the JBL SDR-35 AVR and JBL SDP-55 AV systems.