AMD submits open-source HDMI 2.1 FRL patches for the Linux kernel

Category: Linux/Kernel
Status: developing
Sources: KitGuru, HN
Summary: AMD submitted the first set of kernel patches adding HDMI 2.1 Fixed Rate Link (FRL) signalling to the open-source AMDGPU driver, after years in which the HDMI Forum's licensing requirements blocked an open HDMI 2.1 implementation, an effort reportedly helped along by Valve. FRL replaces the legacy TMDS mechanism used in HDMI 2.0 and has passed representative compliance testing; other HDMI 2.1 features such as Display Stream Compression and Variable Refresh Rate remain in testing. If approved, the code targets the Linux 7.2 kernel.
Why it matters: It closes a long-standing gap that capped open-source AMD HDMI output below the 4K120 and 8K modes HDMI 2.1 enables, affecting Linux desktop and handheld users on AMD graphics.
Follow-up: Track HDMI Forum approval, the merge into the 7.2 window, and DSC and VRR support landing.