KEY POINTS

  • Xbox Series X features 4K/120 fps
  • A new bug in HDMI 2.1 port affects AV receivers including Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series and Xbox Series X
  • The bug could cause a blank screen, which could make the Xbox Series X's feature useless

Several HDMI 2.1 chipsets from Panasonic are affected by a bug that seemingly prevents 8K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps HDR on Xbox Series X and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, according to a new report.

German publication Heise Online revealed in a recent report that these chips are in the latest Yamaha, Marantz and Denon HDMI 2.1 receivers. This bug reportedly prevents passthrough from certain graphics cards including those found on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. The compatibility issue could cause a blank screen making the technology useless.

One of the major selling points of Xbox Series X is allowing players to experience playing in 4K/120 fps and with the HDMI 2.1 port preventing this to happen, it could be very disappointing. Fortunately, the issue is limited to those who connect the Xbox Series X to a new AV receiver with the bug. Most of these HDMI 2.1 receivers advertise that their product is compatible with the next-generation gaming console.

Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X. Microsoft/Official

This issue is a major let down considering that the release of next-generation gaming consoles is just a few days away. The site also reveals the brands and models affected by this issue. This includes Denon X-series range (AVR-X2700H, AVC-X3700H, AVC-X4700H, AVC-X6700H), the Marantz SR range (SR5015, SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015) and the Yamaha RX-V4A and RX-V6A.

For those who own any of the models mentioned, Audioholics shared some workarounds. Future Xbox Series X owners could use this reference. The most practical solution is to simply plug the Xbox Series X directly into the display while using the audio to AV receiver through the HDMI.

Another solution is to change the video output of the Xbox Series X to 4K/60Hz instead of using 4K/120 Hz until a solution is available. This step would ensure that a reliable communication between the display, AVR and the source is maintained. The default output setting is set at 4K/60Hz, which means, if nothing is changed out of the box, then nothing is required to be done. It is worth noting that the HDMI 2.1 issue does not affect Sony’s PS5.

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