HDMI™ – High Definition Multimedia Interface
HDMI is by now a well known and common place connectivity format throughout the global CE/AV industry. In fact it has become the accepted HD connectivity standard. As such there’s no real need for us to explain here what HDMI is, but even those ‘in the know’ may have many unanswered questions about the current state of HDMI.
HDMI 1.4
Since its official launch in 2002, HDMI has evolved through a few core versions, starting with 1.0, developing through to the current 1.4. In brief, each update represents a new or amended specification to the HDMI compliance test process – some were only minor changes, some more significant. Remember that if they did not continue to upgrade and refine the format, we’d all still be using 2002 HDMI technology today.
Some of the new (optional) features available with 1.4 devices are:
- Up to 4k × 2k resolution
- Support for additional color spaces
- Support for 3D over HDMI
- Support for Ethernet over HDMI
- Support for ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- ‘Micro’ HDMI connector
- Automotive connection system
Keep in mind all versions of HDMI are backwards compatible – so you can still use a 1.2 device with another 1.4 device for instance. You’ll just be limited in what features are available. When purchasing HDMI devices, it is best to look at what features are supported rather than the version number.
For further information visit our HDMI cables page or our various whitepapers on HDMI.
