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UHD730 graphics come with Intel Core i3 processors since 12th generation. HDMI 2.0b is natively integrated and doesn’t require a LSPCON any longer.
However, HDMI 2.0 actually no longer exists. According to the HDMI Licensing Administrator Incorporated manufacturers must specify their devices according to the latest version and should no longer refer to HDMI 2.0. The features of HDMI 2.0 are now a subset of HDMI 2.1. Features of the HDMI 2.1 specification are optional for labeling. Manufacturers should specify which HDMI 2.1 functions a device supports. Intel therefore describe their processors as “HDMI 2.1 TMDS” in the technical specifications. TMDS = Transition Minimized Differential Signaling, a technology that was/is used up to (obsolete) HDMI 2.0b specification for a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps.
HDMI technology required to achieve more than 18 Gbps is called Fixed Rate Link (FRL). Current graphics interfaces built into Intel processors do not support this signal mode natively. It is said that this will be the case starting with the 14th Gen processors. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) like Gigabyte, however, have control of what they offer their customers. This may go in both directions: More or less. The Intel base technology is specified as follows:
Gigabyte as an OEM is responsible for integration of this base technology and may add or cap features matching with their individual product business case. According to Gigabyte your motherboard is able to do this:
As you can see, Gigabyte here decided to cap DisplayPort at 4096 x 2304 whereas Intel processor could do 7680 x 4320. That doesn’t mean that your system can’t go higher than specified by Gigabyte, but this is no guaranteed property by the vendor (who is Gigabyte but not Intel). As a system integrator, Gigabyte determines which of the Intel component properties will finally be available to the end user. Cost decisions are very demanding here. It is not done using an appropriate processor because signal way to the port on the back is also a cost factor for motherboard manufacturers.
On the other hand, Gigabyte offer a product, where they say that it is capable of doing 8K over HDMI which requires the formerly mentioned FRL technology. That can't be done by the processor natively but "natively" from the customer's point of view by Gigabyte adding an additional chip to the motherboard which is quite the same procedure you mentioned about your old system in 2015. Intel's discrete Arc graphics cards do the same to provide HDMI 2.1 FRL. For the linked 8K Mini PC Gigabyte then is responsible to deliver firmware and driver software that is able to operate this combination of components. That’s why it is always recommended to stick to the drivers provided by the OEM, in your case Gigabyte. The Intel drivers are only generic ones without customizations done by OEMs.
Your issue is actually weird. The required bandwidth is significantly defined by the video properties of the signal to be transmitted.
- 4K 60 Hz RGB 4:4:4 10-bit HDR is not possible via TMDS. A bandwidth of 20.05 Gbps would be required. TMDS delivers a maximum bandwidth of 18 Gbps. Intel therefore uses “8-bit with Dithering” in combination with RGB at a clock frequency of 594 MHz on the HDMI line. In this way, the available bandwidth is used up to maximum capacity and also PC related text is kept on screen as best as possible. That is the “worst case" for bandwith demands. But this “worst case” works for you, if I understand correctly?
- Pixel-perfect text rendering is not important for videos, so using chroma subsampling is appropriate to reduce bandwidth requirements to enable advanced color depth and High Dynamic Range (HDR) to be displayed within high-quality videos. The chroma subsampling makes it possible to reduce the bandwidth requirement to 11.14 Gbps. With 4K 60 Hz YCbCr 4:2:0 10-bit HDR, the HDMI clock is reduced to 371 MHz. With 12-bit to 445 MHz (13.37 Gbps). So your audio is not working with this less demanding bandwidth for TMDS transmission? Have I understood that correctly?
- 4K 30 Hz RGB 4:4:4 10-bit HDR also requires 11.14 Gbps (371 MHz TMDS). With this lower requirement your audio does't work properly either?
If I've summarized it correctly, bandwidth isn't the problem here. HDMI 2.1 FRL, however, will never work with this motherboard. That is not possible with this processor, and neither with the motherboard.
You should try to get this system to the references defined by Gigabyte (BIOS firmware, component drivers). Gigabyte says in the above link:
This must work. Otherwise, you can ask your dealer for refund.
Of course, I cannot rule out the possibility that there is a need for improvement with Intel drivers. However, the latest version does not automatically mean that everything will be fine.
The platform manufacturers only offer updates after testing with their own products and if it is absolutely necessary for compatibility and security. This gives the impression that you will not be up to date. I am aware of that. But maybe just try it once with the Gigabyte driver, you can undo it again. The driver you need is of course the graphics card driver, as this also contains the HDMI audio driver. It will appear as "Intel Display Audio" in the device manager.
You don't have a NUC, but maybe these hints will help as well.
https://www.intel.com/content/www/ca/en/support/articles/000006796/intel-nuc.html
Using 8-bit and HDR, meta data is correctly transmitted as my devices show. Source is Intel Iris Xe in 11th Gen Core i7-1185G7, NUC11TNKv7 (Tiger Lake-UP3 - GT2). Click to enlarge:
This is the output on Windows 11 22H2 Desktop. It changes when video is processed through DirectShow following the video source's parameters.
|
4K60 |
resolution and refresh rate |
|
594 MHz |
TMDS clock frequency (max. HDMI 2.0 = 600 MHz) |
|
RGB |
color model |
|
L |
Limited = Output Level 16 - 235, this is normal HDMI video range, 16 being pure black and 235 being pure white |
|
8b |
8 bits per component (bpc / "bit") |
|
HDR |
High Dynamic Range |
|
SMPTE |
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers |
|
ST 2084 |
standard for transfer function used by HDR content |
|
LUM |
luminance; peak luminance 1499 [nits], black level: 0.01 [nits] |
|
maxCLL |
Maximum Content Light Level 1499 [nits] |
|
maxFALL |
Maximum Frame Average Light Level 799 [nits] |
|
AUD |
Audio signal coming through HDMI cable. HBR bitstream 192 kHz is the maximum possible. HBR = high bit rate, 192 kHz is the sampling frequency. This is the result of using "Dolby Atmos for Home Theater" within the Windows sound settings. This can be done after download and installation of "Dolby Access" app which can be found in the Microsoft Store |
For comparison. Click to enlarge:
4K @ 60 Hz using chroma subsampling YCbCr 4:2:0
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