totalgenius

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.





By Kevin Parrish
HDMI 1.4 Includes Ethernet, 2-Way Audio - Tom's Guide

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Munkey

I can hear all the Deep Colour Full HD fan boys weeping in their pillows now.

cg010169

ffs lol
Still you would need a monster tele to get the full benefit of resolutions up to 4096x2160. your talking over 100inchs. You only get to enjoy Full HD on teles higher than 46in. Who in there right mind is gonna have the money or the space to buy them.

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vangogh

Good news totallygenius ... that puts hold to lot of my existing plans on HDMI . But again innovation is what keeps this industry alive . Cost is also a driving factor , people may still go ahead and buy current HDMI format because prices are beginning to go low.

thanks for the info.

VG

davidh

i have a 50 inch
(tele btw)lol

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Regards davidh


love one and other

Mairyhinge

Thats why I am happy with my 720p on my 37" Human eyes cant see the extra detail on anything less that 46" and i would even say 50" for the majority.

crackerchalk

Hi
The bit that got me was the 8 channels of sound
Theres already for a while been 7.1 sound
Are they hinting it cant get much better
As for the res. Well think of the big screens at live events
They are blurry normally
So this tec would deffo appy to them i would think

Munkey

I don't think that HDMI 1.4 will make blurry poorly set up screens any more clearer.

So far as the extra channels of sound go, the majority of discs are still mastered in 5.1 with 7.1 only possibly with Pro Logic IIx.


Displayport is already being used instead of HDMI, I'm going to be using HD SDI in my HT instead of HDMI where ever I can, it's just marketing crap and no real leap forward in connectivity.