HDMI v1.4: Taking HD to the Next Level

What makes 3-Dimension possible?

In 2002, the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) was born. HDMI has been manufactured with an evolving set of specifications, each released as a different version and assigned a version number with new specifications. The first version was HDMI 1.0, and since then there has been nine different versions. Each version has used the same hardware and cable, but has increased the speed or throughput and the types of information that can be sent through them. For example, HDMI 1.0 supported a maximum bitrate of 4.9 Gbps, while HDMI 1.3 supports 10.2 Gbps. Now introducing the newest and tenth version HDMI 1.4:

HDMI Ethernet Channel

• Enables high-speed, bi-directional communication
• Sends and receives data via 100Mb/sec Ethernet
• Allows internet enabled HDMI devices to share an internet connection via HDMI link
• Allows HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices

Audio Return Cannel

• Adds an audio channel that will reduce the number of cables required

3D (3-Dimension)

• Defines common 3D formats and resolution
• Standardizes the input/output portion of the home 3D system, facilitating 3D resolution up to dual-stream 1080p

4K Resolution

• Enables HDMI devices to support extremely high HD resolutions effectively four times the resolution of a 1080p device
• Transmits digital content at the same resolution as the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many movie theatres

Expanded Support for Color Spaces

• Supports color spaces, which enables more accurate color rendering when viewing digital cameras

HDMI Micro Connector (Type D)

• Significantly smaller 19-pin HDMI connector supporting up to 1080p resolution for portable devices, including cell phones, portable media players, and digital cameras
• 50% smaller than the pre-existing HDMI mini connector

Automotive Connection System (Type E)

• Provides a solution design to meet the rigorous and environmental issues found in automobiles such as temperature, vibration, and noise
• Car manufacturers now have a connection system for HD quality distribution within a vehicle

In conclusion, HDMI v1.4 added many specifications over the previous v1.3 that takes your HD viewing entertainment to the next level. Version 1.4 has raised the bar yet again with its new capabilities, including high speed Ethernet channel, 3D over HDMI, 4K Resolution, expanding support for color spaces, and the new automotive connection system.

Click Here to Download the HDMI v1.4 White Papers!