Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: hdmi, hdcp, ethernet, htpc | Themes: Home Theater
Additional details regarding the upcoming High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 1.4 specifications were revealed today, listing several features that enhances the current video standard used by gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, and more.
HDMI was originally designed back in 2002, and over the years has adopted additional compatibilities including Super Audio CD support, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. With the latest version of HDMI (1.3c), the technology can generate imagery up to 2560x1600p75, and a maximum color depth of 48-bit/pix. On a single cable, HDMI currently provides high-definition, standard, and enhanced video outputs and up to 8 channels of audio.
The updated specs call for an impressive new data pipe--the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC)--that can actually replace a hardware Ethernet connection. In addition, HDMI 1.4 will also provide reverse-direction for sound called the Audio Return Channel (ARC), removing the need for a separate optical cable when sending compressed surround sound to a home theater receiver or other intermediary device. Outside the new data channel and ARC support, HDMI 1.4 will offer support for future resolutions up to 4096x2160, color spaces used by digital cameras, and even support 3D.
The big news surrounding HDMI 1.4 is the HDMI Ethernet Channel, enabling data transfers up to 100 Mbps between supported devices. This means that a HEC-enabled device--such as a broadband-connected television--can provide internet connection sharing with another HEC-enabled device such as a DVR or a future gaming console. There will be other future applications for HEC as well that may allow device-to-device content distribution through a home HEC-enabled network.
The drawback to the new HDMI 1.4 specs is that current HDMI cables aren't compatible. Consumers will need to purchase a new cable designed specifically for v1.4; unused wires found in current cable will be replaced with a twisted pair wire structure. As it is, current HDMI cables aren't exactly cheap, and to make matters worse, the upcoming HDMI 1.4 specs will come in two flavors: low-data rate and high-data rate. Hopefully, third parties will swoop in and provide cost-effective versions once HDMI 1.4 overtakes the market.
Despite the new cables however, the group reported that 1.4's Audio Return Channel support will not require the new 1.4 cables, working on existing cable setups. While the upcoming ARC feature eliminates the optical connection, end-users will not have access to DTS HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD formats, but rather all current lossy audio formats instead.
As previously mentioned, the new 1.4 specs will ramp up the output resolution, add color space used by digital cameras (for correct image presentation), and even provide future 3D support, all done through 1.4's Automatic Content Enhancement (ACE) feature. The HDMI group also said that a heavy-duty version of HDMI technology is heading to automobiles for high-def audio and video distribution. Called the Automotive Connection System (ACS), this version of HDMI will offer an inter-locking connector and cables built to withstand excessive heat, cold, vibrations, and other in-car conditions.
On a final note, Silicon Image has already announced that two upcoming HDMI parts will support the latest 1.4 features: the Sil9387 Port Processor and the Sil9334 Transmitter. The company expects to send out a round of samples by the end of spring, and ship HDMI 1.4 enabled products sometime next year.
HDMI Licensing LLC posted a press release today claiming that the information has not been confirmed by the licensing body and may change.
[Via Engadget]
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That's great but they've got to stop with these small upgrades. The whole point is that it's one cable, so that people stop calling asking which one they need, now we have to make sure they're using the right version.
*Sigh* A geeks job is never done
Would HDMI be in direct competition with the displayport standard?
WTF? i just bought a new HDTV and they make a new HDMI cable this sucks
WTF? i just bought a new HDTV and they make a new HDMI cable this sucks
It'll be another year before anyone has any 1.4 stuff out, no worries. Even if it's 1.4 capable, I bet it'll only use one or two of the new features at most.
Why not add some phone capibilities in there too, so I can shout at my TV to order pizza. And no one suggest online ordering or VoIP, that would be far too complicated
obviously somebody doesn't shop at monoprice
Mmmm, maybe I'm alone in that position, but I find the Ethernet idea completely stupid. It opens lots of possibilities and conceptually it's cool, but I feel it's just ma marketting rip-off so people will feel their equipment is obsolete and/or sell "convergence" devices at rip-off prices.
Why not just add an RJ-45 jack on TV equipment so you can interface with existing ethernet devices like wireless routers? You could use your iPod/iPhone as a Universal remote ... But now, you will have to buy a new home theater system which will cost probably 150-200$ more just because they bundled a "rewired" 20$ ethernet switch in it. Probably even old overmanufactured routers because now everyone would prefer to go Gigabit. Oh, and my guess is that in 1-2 years, they will either have a new version with Gigabit ethernet...
Internet on your television, isn't that what a computer is for? Internet on your phone, your laptop, your desktop, your TV, your MP3 player, your PSP, and now your dog! The next HDMI revision, 2.0 will include 8 channels of audio, hi-def video, ethernet, hard drive connectivity, its own virtual memory, an operating system, and power! Just hook up everything via HDMI. Who needs PCI-express, SATA, DVI, audio cables?? >_
Pretty silly calling it 1.4 when it isn't compatible.. they should call it 2.0.
They need to make a new cable with like 10 extra lines free in it for future expansion!!!
Don't get too worried, it will still be months (probably closer to a year) before 1.4 actually gets off paper, after that it will probably be a few years before they actually make use of the technology.
1080p high definition and bluray is finally starting to catch on with people just these last 2 years, selling an entire series of new super high definition TV's isn't going to be a cake walk when most people still haven't bought into the current tech.
Pretty silly calling it 1.4 when it isn't compatible.. they should call it 2.0.
Agreed.
I personally am all in favor of condensing cable clutter where possible. Even managing it well still ends up looking like a rats nest on the other side of the reciever.
I'm still waiting till i can hook up everything on my computer and tv with 1 super plug
i feel sad for having an hdtv with heavly outdated hdmi yet then again i don't 
what do i need it for 720p works i'm cool i just want new!
sounds cool. except for the audio return stuff, thats so u can send audio from your tv's tuner to your receiver right? if so, its a band aid solution, tv tuners should just be in the receiver.
if they are going to keep changing the spec, they should make it so we can get replaceable hdmi ports for our tvs/recivers ect, and this equipment should have completely upgradeable software, just so we don't need to buy a whole new tv
Upgradeable tv's now that be something although probably as frustrating as any laptop upgrade.
Would HDMI be in direct competition with the displayport standard?
HDMI already won. It is the HD standard for anything without an Apple on it.
Sounds like another way to try and make more money....new standard means new devices, means wasted money......at least give the current standard (HDMI 1.3) time to actually saturate in the market, all they are doing is shooting themselves in the foot, as people will just say....oh, there's a new standard coming, I better not buy something today, because tomorrow it'll be outdated. Whilst I'm aware we are talking tech here, and that this is common, at least if say I bought a computer a few years ago it still does everything i need it to and most likely can still find spare parts, because the standards are still supported.
Mmmm, maybe I'm alone in that position, but I find the Ethernet idea completely stupid. It opens lots of possibilities and conceptually it's cool, but I feel it's just ma marketting rip-off so people will feel their equipment is obsolete and/or sell "convergence" devices at rip-off prices.
Agreed. The fact of the matter is, while having multiple cords to various ports maybe a little hassle, it cuts down on price, increases usability and customization. Once you start including everything on a single cable, then you're hostage to the options given to you in a single cord. I don't need a 100 Mbps connection between my TV and my cablebox, so why should I have to pay extra when I just want good sound quality?
I just want a tv with DLNA support at a GOOD price, then I could get of the PS3 (only my kids play games, I need a PC!)
Also, the Ethernet idea is too little too late, everyone that wants hi def content needs a gigabit network, even a cheap crappy D-Link setup.
And I think I'll stick with all my optical audio cables, lower latency and all. Now they just need to get their heads out of their ass' and make a single optical hookup to carry everything. Use some cheap 1300-1500nm+ fibers between devices and you could get unlimited un-compressed...well....everything! Just need to get cheaper lasers for the devices....
Great... more business for monoprice and their quality hdmi cables on the cheap. No matter how great the "cable" standards are... I await for wireless component connection. Till then it's more tangled cables in the box.
^^^ wireless electricity ^^^ lol
@ michaelahess
Im with you there, for the all-in-one fiber-optic cable. that would be nice. But noooo some companies have to do things the complicated way. make the damn entertainment center filled with cables. UGGG.
It seems silly to me to add all these different options to HDMI. Why not just add USB to it, and then you can move whatever you want over the USB channel? (Ethernet, 2-way audio, more USB, data, etc).
i could give two shits and a baboon's wanker , about HDMI 1.4 it still wont change my buying habbits .. saving money right nwo to plop down on a 42" LCD hdtv and i'm ntoa bout to worrya bout some new stupid cable format , i mean shit don't we have enough formats already???? (coaxial , RCA, s-video , Component, HDMI-1.0-1.3) , and now whooopie HDMI 1.4!!! im so excited i can barely contain my yawn... yes i knwo im on3e of those giuys taht quite illogically tries to hold on to older tech as long as possible , hell im stil on an old widescreen CRT tv (aka standard old def) and I JUST NOW went out and graped myself my first componet cable for my 360 , and i've had the TV for about 6 years now LOL probably ue teh component calbe on the lcd im gonna get. damn new calbes are to dang expensive any way.
So next year a surround receiver must be able to deliver sound, video and ethernet over a hdmi cable? Hmm. My receiver's still only 5.1 and supports only composite video and no ethernet... but I probably won't replace it anyway.
@ michaelahess Im with you there, for the all-in-one fiber-optic cable. that would be nice. But noooo some companies have to do things the complicated way. make the damn entertainment center filled with cables. UGGG.
unfortunately there is a safety concern with the fiber optic cables - if you cut one open chances are you'll get hundreds of tiny pieces of glass stuck in your hand - too small for X rays to detect.
but then again, they could have fixed that problem already- you just never know these days....one day a problem...the next day fixed...or vice versa...
but DAMN do i hope they fix the problem quick...
Did they drop the hdcp bull$h1t? No one's going to copy over a cable...
This new specification will not have access to Dolby TrueHD but my current setup does? I know a bump up on resolution would be nice but when will anyone need that resolution on a television? They're just getting the 1080's out at prices most people can afford.
I'll keep my optic and nettop/htpc setup thanks.
This made me think of one facet though. Because of HDCP scrambling the signals, does this mean the Ethernet channel will be scrambled as well? :3
Wow. They barely even have media content that can do Deep Color and all the glory 1.3 promised, yet they already announced a new version. I'll stick with 1.3 for now. Besides HDMI cables are expensive and doesn't always work perfect. Hell, some recievers can't even transmit audio through it, especially if you bought one that is less than $400.
How about transmitting power through HDMI cables too? That way, I just plug one device in, say the TV, and inter-connect the rest using HDMI.
Technically speaking, fiberoptics is probably the only medium that could support the HDMI bandwith (~10Gbps I think), but I think it is also way too fragile for home use and the too "high-tech" to be able to manufacture it at low cost.
Technically speaking, fiberoptics is probably the only medium that could support the HDMI bandwith (~10Gbps I think), but I think it is also way too fragile for home use and the too "high-tech" to be able to manufacture it at low cost.
Way to fragile for home use???
Opposed to running miles of it underground to entire cities? Office buildings are wired with the stuff on a daily basis but your puny little home is too high-stress for this "fragile" technology? I guess someone needs to go inform Verizon that they need to stop FiOS. They will be sad to hear that it's to "high-tech" for us at home.