New HDMI 1.4 specifications
Imagine that you've finally gotten all your gear properly wired and working in your 1080P home theater and have everything upgraded to the latest HDMI 1.3 spec gear...this next bit technological info is going to KILL you - the new HDMI 1.4 specifications.
Notice some of the "fine print" - a new even smaller connector, audio "returns", and FIVE, count 'em, five cable types.
If I had a job doing trouble-shooting HDMI issues for a scaler, cable, or display firm I'd consider the latest HDMI version a form of job security.
So here ya go fans - read 'em and weep...
HDMI Licensing, LLC Announces Features of the Upcoming HDMI Specification Version 1.4
Enhancements Include Networking, Audio Return Channel, 3D Capability, Improved Performance and New Connectors
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced the features that will be incorporated in the upcoming HDMI 1.4 specification. This latest version of the HDMI specification will, among other advancements, offer networking capabilities with Ethernet connectivity and will add an Audio Return Channel to enable upstream audio connections via the HDMI cable. The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download on the HDMI LLC website no later than June 30, 2009.
The HDMI 1.4 specification will offer the following enhanced functionalities:
HDMI Ethernet Channel
The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application.
The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.
Audio Return Channel
The new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.
3D Over HDMI
The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.
4K x 2K Resolution Support
The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:
3840x2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
4096x2160 24Hz
Expanded Support For Color Spaces
HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of reproducing more accurate life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.
Micro HDMI Connector
The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.
Automotive Connection System
The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufactures will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.
“The HDMI specification continues to add functionality as the consumer electronics and PC industries build products that enhance the consumer’s HD experience,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “The 1.4 specification will support some of the most exciting and powerful near-term innovations such as Ethernet connectivity and 3D formats. Additionally we are going to broaden our solution by providing a smaller connector for portable devices and a connection system specified for automobiles, as we see both more and different devices adopting the HDMI technology.”
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Comments
Damn, I was hoping HDMI would eventually fade away...I've been retailing audio since 1978 and high-end since 1982 and I've never seen a product create as much as a problem for consumers, retailers, cable companies, installers, and manufacturers. Handshaking issues, incompatable HDMI cables, and product releases based on speculative HDMI specs have cost us all huge amounts of time and money. I don't need to go into the horror stories, we've all heard them. Now we're finding out that the jitter levels of the audio datastream going though an HDMI cable takes it out of the realm of true high performance. All of this exists to protect the intellectual property of the movies studios. Personally, I believe they are entitled to protection but a system that has not worked from the get-go is not the answer. I shake my head when I consider that there is no reason 1080p couldn't have passed over component. I've often thought there should be a class action suit against the HDMI group.
I just want to second jackotz's comments. Totally bogus connection brought out prematurely. Ridculous screw job to consumers.
I don't have to imagine. I just did this! It's time for an open source spec with one cable for audio, video, and ethernet. Until then I may have to switch to DVI.
Five cable! the whole purpose of HDMI was to have one cable and one connector! Idiots!
I feel your pain...
As a "professional early adopter" I get exceedingly peeved at technological advances that throw early adopters to the wolves.
HDMI is becoming more and more of a curse than a blessing.
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
Have anyone have run a test to compare the perfomance levels between HDMI and for example aes/ebu digital connections or spdif?
My ears always believe that later formats are superior.
Since most players that have HDMI don't have AES/EBU an A/B test would be kind of tough to pull off (or on.)
When I have done such a comparison with a DAC or AV pre that has both input options I've preferred AES/EBU, but I've only been able to do this in a level playing field A/B comparison once (with the Lexicon RT-20 and Lexicon MC-12 B HD)
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
I AM STAYING WITH COMPONENT
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