In the last two posts I have provided an overview of the new HDMI Version 1.4 standard.  In

this post I will focus in on what I see as a key future looking feature of the  standard, the “Ethernet Channel”.

With more and more entertainment devices IP enabled, having the ability to connect to the internet, cabling is becoming more and more and issue.  Currently each device that connects to the internet requires its own unique internet connection as well as a connection back to the viewing (TV) device.

The implementation of the HDMI Version 1.4 standard now allows HDMI Version 1.4 enabled devices to share the internet connection as well as traditional HDMI Audio / Video signaling in one cable.

This helps to further simplify your entertainment systems by eliminating the need for separate Ethernet cables.

To maximize the value of HDMI Version 1.4 and maximize your functionality you will need to make sure your devices are HDMI 1.4 Ethernet Channel capable.  Over the next year or so more and more devices will come designed to this standard as a matter of course, for now it is found in most high end devices.

Again the key benefits of the HDMI Version 1.4 Ethernet Channel are:

• Consolidation of HD video, audio, and data in a single cable
• Enablement of high speed bi-directional communication
• IP-based applications over HDMI
• Transfer speeds up to 100 Mb/sec

In my last post I introduced the different types of HDMI 1.4 cables supported by the new standard.  HDMI has managed to become the de facto standard for entertainment device connectivity for three main reasons: Performance, Simplicity and Reliability.  In this post I will cover some of the major changes in and advantages introduced in HDMI Version 1.4.

To sum it up Version 1.4 cables are backward compatible with 1.3 devices. However Version 1.4 allows you to be prepared for new devices with ever growing features. There are seven (7) significant areas of change addressed in the new standard.

• 4k Support – Allows for significantly higher resolutions of 4096×2160 vs the 1080i/p standard currently in place.
• 3D Support – Defines I/O protocols for 3D formats which will allow for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications.
• HDMI Ethernet Channel – Adds a High Speed (100mbps) Ethernet channel paving the way for IP enabled devices. (more on this in a future post)
• Audio Return Channel – Allows for upstream audio data to a surround sound system.
• Content Type – Real time signaling of content type between your devices allowing your system to optimize settings. (IE: picture size)
• Additionally, the standard allows for new “Mini HDMI” Connector Types and the addition of additional “Color Spaces” to support computer graphics and digital photography.

Keep in mind that your electronic devices must support these features adding the cable alone will not add them.

The latest revision to the HDMI specification is version 1.3.

Because the revision defines many new features, the HDMI organization is asking manufacturers and vendors not to use the phrase “1.3” by itself when describing products. Instead, descriptions should focus on the particular features that are supported.

The HDMI specification is maintained by seven manufacturers, known as the HDMI Founders. These companies (including Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic among others) have led the development of this high-definition digital interface that is now the de facto standard for connecting HD source equipment to HDTVs.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital connectivity technology designed for the A/V marketplace.  HDMI combines digital video and audio into a single connector, so that High Definition source equipment (such as satellite receivers, cable boxes, and DVD players) can connect to HD displays with just one cable. All HDTV manufacturers are using HDMI as their interface of choice, so anyone that is buying an HDTV is also probably looking for an HDMI cable.