HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. To transfer the digital video signal from a source to a TV, the source must convert the signal from digital to analog, this results in some information loss.
However, an HDMI output can transfer a digital video source signal (such as from a DVD player) digitally, without conversion to analog. This results in a pure transfer of all of video information from the digital video source to a HDMI or DVI (via a connection adapter) equipped TV. In addition, HDMI can transfer both video and audio signals.
HDMI Facts:
HDMI can pass video resolutions from 480i up to 1080p. However, each manufacturer determines the parameters for what is to be transferred via HDMI in their components.
HDMI can be implemented on Televisions, AV Receivers, DVD Players, Blu-ray Disc Players, HD-DVD Players, HD Cable Boxes, and HD Satellite Boxes.
HDMI also includes provisions for HDCP (High Definition Copy Protection). This allows content providers to prevent their programming from being illegally copied.
HDMI can be adapted to DVI (Digital Video Interface), via adapter cable or connector. However, the device that has the DVI connection must be HDCP enabled for the signal transfer to work.
There are several versions of HDMI that have been developed over the years. In each case the physical connector is the same, but the content characteristics have evolved. Depending on when you purchased an HDMI-enabled component (HDTV, DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, etc…) would determine what HDMI version you have. All newer versions are backwards compatible. You can still use newer versions of HDMI with components equipped with older versions, you just won’t be able to access the all the content features of the newer version(s).
HDMI 1.0 – HDMI 1.0 combines a digital video signal (standard or high-definition) with a two-channel audio signal over a single cable, such as between an HDMI-equipped DVD player and Television.
HDMI 1.1 – This version adds the ability to transfer not only video and two-channel audio over a single cable, but also added the ability to transfer Dolby Digital, DTS, and DVD-Audio surround signals, as well up to 7.1 channels of PCM audio.
HDMI 1.2 – This version of HDMI adds the ability to transfer SACD signals in digital form from a player to a receiver.
HDMI 1.3 – This version includes improvements in both audio and video capability. With the advent of Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD, version 1.3 adds the ability to transfer the digital bitstreams for the new high resolution audio formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD.
HDMI 1.3a – In addition to the above audio improvements, HDMI 1.3 and 1.3a increase the amount of video bandwidth that can be transferred from a source to a display. This means, that in addition to the standard 24-bit color depth we are used to, HDMI 1.3 and 1.3a have the ability to transfer color depths up to 48-bits, and can accommodate resolutions much higher than the 1080p resolution standard that is in use today.
HDMI 1.4 – HDMI version 1.4 adds practical enhancements for HDMI connectivity. If home theater components, such as HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players, and Home Theater Receivers, are HDMI 1.4 enabled, one or more of the following features can be implemented:
1. HDMI Ethernet Channel: This adds internet and home network connectivity to HDMI. In other words, both Ethernet and HDMI functions are available within a single cable connection.
2. Audio Return Channel: This may be the most practical application of HDMI 1.4. What this feature provides is a single HDMI connection between a TV and a home theater receiver that can not only pass audio/video signals from the receiver to the TV, but also pass audio originating from the TV’s tuner to the receiver. In other words, when listening to audio accessed by the TV’s tuner, you don’t need a separate audio connection going from the TV to the home theater receiver.
3. 3D Over HDMI: HDMI 1.4 is designed to accommodate 3D Blu-ray Disc standards, with the capacity of passing two simultaneous 1080p signals using one connection. NOTE: An update (HDMI 1.4a) also incorporates additional 3D TV Broadcast, Cable, and Satellite formats.
4. 4Kx2K Resolution Support: Although the current high definition standard for consumer equipment tops out at 1920×1080 (1080p), HDMI 1.4 can accommodate future 3840×2160 and 4096×2160 high definition pixel resolutions now in the planning stages.
5. Expanded Support For Color Spaces: This allows better color reproduction when displaying digital still photos from HDMI-connected Digital Still Cameras.
6. Micro HDMI Connector: Just as mini-USB is employed with portable digital devices, a new “Micro HDMI” Connector is much smaller connector that can still supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This is very practical for video camcorders, digital still cameras, and portable digital video playback devices.
7. Automotive Connection System: With the increase of in-car digital audio/video devices, HDMI 1.4 can handle the more demanding vibration, heat, and noise that may affect the quality of audio and video reproduction.
For consumers that have components that only feature HDMI versions 1.0 through 1.3, you won’t be able to access these added version 1.4 or 1.4a features, but you will still be able to use future 1.4 enabled components with your current HDMI 1.0 to 1.3 components, you just wont have access to the newly added features. In other words, don’t raise your arms in the air in frustration, fall into the depths of despair, or start planning a garage sale in order to get rid of your old HDMI equipment.
The Future of HDMI
As you upgrade and purchase new audio and video components, you will notice HDMI becoming more of a standard connection option with increasing capabilities. Eventually, the cable jungle behind your home theater system will disappear, as all the audio and video cables are reduced to one HDMI cable between each component for both audio and video. This is great news for consumers, but bad news for cable manufacturers. However, cable manufacturers seem to have an answer for this dilemma; have you noticed how much more expensive HDMI cables are?
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INFOCUS PLAY BIG X10 DLP PROJECTOR FULL HIGH DEFINITION HOME THEATER 1080p HDMI $855.00 |
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CCTV 16ch H.264 High Definition Network IP DVR D1 Real-time Playback HDMI VGA $735.03 |
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SONY HDR-CX560v HIGH DEFINITION 64GB CAMCORDER + 16GB HDMI BUNDLE $609.99 |
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Matrox MXO2MINIL Hi- Definition HDMI/Analog I/O Device $449.00 |
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Epson PowerLite W6 LCD Projector WXGA HDMI High Definition $429.00 |
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SONY HDR-XR160 HIGH DEFINITION 160GB CAMCORDER + 16GB HDMI BUNDLE $409.99 |
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NEW HDMI to Component Video Converter HDCP Compliant High Definition on 3 RCA $399.99 |
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4CH HDMI Ports 1080p High Definition CCTV Video Capture Card H.264 / MPEG-4 $367.99 |
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Haier L22C1120 High Definition LCD TV 22″ 60Hz 720p HDMI USB2.0 VGA RMS 6w Black $307.49 |
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High Definition HDD Player 1080 Media Network HDMI FM $299.00 |
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Mint Unlocked LG Optimus 2X Dual Core HDMI High Definition screen $275.08 |
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Haier L22C1120 High Definition LCD TV 22″ 60Hz 720p HDMI USB2.0 VGA RMS 6w Black $275.07 |
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New DreamLink HD V2 HDMI PVR High Definition FTA Free to Air Satellite Receiver $259.95 |
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1080P High-definition EP-WH3596 Wireless WHDI HDMI Audio Video TV PC Transmitter $249.00 |
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New Sony ES BDP-S1000ES Blu-Ray Disc / DVD Player HDMI 1080P High Definition $240.00 |
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New DreamLink HD V2 HDMI PVR High Definition FTA Free to Air Satellite Receiver $239.95 |
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Proximus High Definition HD Car DVR 720p 2.5″ LCD H.264 Night Vision LED HDMI $229.95 |
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1080P 1080 Hd High Hi Def Definition Digital Movie Video Camera HDMI Defenition $229.00 |
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1080 Hd High Hi Def Definition Digital Movie Video Camera Camc Professional HDMI $229.00 |
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Strong Signal High-definition digital Wireless HDMI AV Transmitter And Receiver $229.00 |
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New DreamLink HD V2 HDMI PVR High Definition FTA / FREE HDMI CABLE $225.00 |
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NEW DELL ST2420L 24″ 1080P HD LED LCD HIGH DEFINITION PC MONITOR w/ VGA DVI HDMI $214.99 |
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New Sony ES BDP-S1000ES Blu-Ray Disc / DVD Player HDMI 1080P High Definition $200.00 |
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NEW DELL ST2320L 23″ 1080P HD LED LCD HIGH DEFINITION PC MONITOR w/ VGA DVI HDMI $199.99 |
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New S10 HD PVR HDMI DVBS DBV-S2 Satellite Receiver Open-Box Mini High Definition $185.69 |
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HDV5200-1 High Definition Digital Camcorder with HDMI $182.70 |
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35mm Film Slide Negative Scanner Digitizer 9MP High Definition HD SD HDMI LCD $177.90 |
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TRIPP LITE P568-100-HD 100FT HIGH DEFINITION HDMI DIGITAL VIDEO GOLD CABLE $171.13 |
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TRIPP LITE P568-100-HD 100FT HIGH DEFINITION HDMI DIGITAL VIDEO GOLD CABLE $171.13 |
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PCI-E High Definition Video Grabber 720P HDMI YPbPr PS3 $169.99 |
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Full Hd High Hi Def Definition 1080 1080p HDTV HDMI 12mp 16gb SD Camcorder Pro $169.75 |
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High Definition Camcorder with 3 Inch Flip LCD (720P) – HDMI Output, Anti-shake $169.00 |
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Hd High Hi Def Definition Digital Movie Video Camera Camcorder Slim HDMI 5MP DVR $168.25 |
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PCI-E High Definition Video Grabber 720P/1080i HDMI YPbPr PS3 HDCP + HDMI Cable $164.99 |
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Apple TV 3rd Gen 1080pHD Vsion 5.0.1/above High-definition TVs HDMI MC572LL/A $163.00 |
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SD24 High-definition 720P video and HDMI Waterproof HD Action C $139.59 |
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High-definition HD HDD WIFI HDMI 1080P MULTI USB NETWORK MEDIA PLAYER HD2000 $132.63 |
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Openbox S9 Receiver HD High Definition HDMI Free to Air Satellite DVB-S2 Mpeg2-4 $129.95 |
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Lot of 7, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $117.25 |
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Lot of 7, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $114.99 |
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EP-WD3201 Wireless HDMI High-definition Audio Video TV PC Transmitter Receiver $105.00 |
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EP-WD3201 Wireless HDMI High-definition Audio Video TV PC Transmitter Receiver $105.00 |
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Lot of 6, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $101.99 |
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Openbox S9 Receiver HD High Definition HDMI Free to Air Satellite DVB-S2 Mpeg2-4 $99.95 |
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Lot of 5, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $86.99 |
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Lot of 5, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $86.25 |
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SONY HANDYCAM HDR-UX1 HIGH DEFINITION 1080i 4 mega pixel HDMI ASIS $79.99 |
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High Definition HDMI 5 Source Input & 1 Source Output $78.37 |
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High Definition Converter – VGA and Audio to HDMI Full $73.68 |
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Y-2701 USB2.0Turn to HDMI 1080P Commutator High Definition External Display Card $73.09 |
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Y-2701 USB2.0Turn to HDMI 1080P Commutator High Definition External Display Card $73.09 |
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PYLE PHDMSWR5 High Definition HDMI 5 Source Input and 1 $72.99 |
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New OpenBox S10 HD FTA Reciever Open Box Mini High Definition S9+FREE HDMI Cable $72.95 |
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High Definition Mini HDMI 1080P HD Media Player For TV Music USB HDD/SD SILVER $69.99 |
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High Definition Mini HDMI 1080P HD Media Player For TV Music USB HDD/SD Silver $69.99 |
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Sony BDP-S360 High Definition Blu-Ray Full HD 1080P HDMI Upscaling DVD Player $69.99 |
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VGA Audio switch to the HDMI high-definition audio and video converter $68.99 |
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High Definition HDMI 3 Source Input & 1 Source Output $67.10 |
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Lot of 4, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $66.99 |
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High Definition HDMI 5 Source Input & 1 Source Output Wireless Operated Switcher $66.61 |
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HIGH DEFINITION HDTV CABLE KIT WITH 2 HDMI CABLES FOR DVD & BLU RAY PLAYER NEW! $66.00 |
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NEW HDMI 3×1 Switch High Definition Display 1.3 Compliant TV Auto Sensing Input $64.99 |
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Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player BD-D5100 HD High Definition 1080P HDMI DIVX USB $62.99 |
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High Definition HDMI 3 Source Input & 1 Source Output Switcher w/Remote $61.90 |
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LKV325 USB2.0 To HDMI HD TV Projector High Definition For PC Laptop $61.29 |
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LKV325 USB2.0 To HDMI HD TV Projector High Definition For PC Laptop $60.59 |
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LKV325 USB2.0 To HDMI HD TV Projector High Definition For PC Laptop $60.19 |
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Sony BDP-S360 High Definition Blu-Ray Player 1080P HDMI $59.99 |
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High Definition Digital Camcorder Waterproof w/HDMI TV-out HDV1000 HDV1000 red $59.99 |
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Philips Blu-ray DVD Disc Player BDP7200 HD High Definition 1080P HDMI $59.99 |
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Sharp TU-GA1U-S Tuner Box AVC System HDMI DVI PC Card for High Definition TV $59.99 |
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50Ft V1.4 HDMI Male Male Digital Video Cable for 3D High Definition 1080P HD $59.95 |
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LKV325 USB2.0 To HDMI HD TV Projector High Definition For PC Laptop $59.69 |
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LKV325 USB2.0 To HDMI HD TV Projector High Definition For PC Laptop $59.59 |
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Mini 1080P High Definition Media Player for TV (HDMI, USB, SD, AV) $59.00 |
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High Definition HDMI 4 Source Input and 1 Source Output $56.26 |
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High Definition HDMI 3 Source Input and 1 Source Output Switcher $56.17 |
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HDMI to VGA Video Converter adapter DC high definition&brightness&image quality $56.00 |
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HDMI to VGA Video Converter Adapter DC 5V Plug and Play High definition Convert $56.00 |
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new Motorola Xoom Speaker HD Dock HDMI High definition 89445N $54.99 |
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NEW JK07 1080P High Definition Media Player with USB/SD/YPrPb/AV/DC/HDMI/VGA BL $54.99 |
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Lot of 3, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) to HDMI Converter: Gender Changer $53.25 |
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High Definition Digital Camcorder Waterproof w/HDMI TV-out HDV1000 HDV1000 Blue $49.99 |
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4 WAY HIGH DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE HDMI SWITCHER $49.99 |
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10pcs, HDMI-1.3 To HDMI High Definition Plasma Cable $49.99 |
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GSI GHDMISWR4 – High Definition HDMI 4 Source Input and 1 Source Output Wireless $49.99 |
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Pyle Home PHDMSWR5 High Definition HDMI 5 Source Input and 1 Source Output $49.99 |
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ENERGY Ultra High-Definition HDMI 4-Port Switcher with Remote Control 3D Support $48.00 |
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NEW Mini 1080P High Definition Media Player for TV (HDMI, USB, SD, AV) $47.00 |
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Openbox S9 Receiver HD High Definition HDMI Free to Air Satellite LOT with Parts $45.44 |
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PYLE PHCT85 HDMI(R) HIGH DEFINITION CABLE TESTER $41.54 |
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3 WAY HDMI SELECTOR/SWITCHER,3 IN/1 OUT,HIGH DEFINITION $39.41 |
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