1. What exactly is HDMI?
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) provides an all-digital connection solution in one cable, with the potential for the most incredible video picture ever seen, combined with full, uncompressed digital audio sound.
The HDMI connectivity standard came into being as a result of a combination of industry giants getting together to create a high performance digital connection. Sony, Hitachi, Thomson (RCA), Philips, Matsushita (Panasonic), Toshiba, and Silicon Image are the founders of HDMI.
HDMI is the consumer electronics industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. It delivers crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a **single** cable – dramatically simplifying cabling (just one, instead of up to five or more) – and helps provide consumers with the highest quality home theatre experience.
HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a DVD player, A/V receiver, or a set-top box and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.
HDMI supports any TV or PC video format, including standard, enhanced, or high definition video (up to 1080p), plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It is the only high-bandwidth connection capable of transferring uncompressed 1080p high-definition video in stunning "Deep Colour" (30-bit, 36-bit and 48-bit colour depth). HDMI is also the only way to enjoy the new generation of "lossless" 96k/24-bit surround sound formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD®.
High Definition as a format is advancing rapidly, and will probably pale in comparison with the video of tomorrow. The new buzz words and talk will be about "Deep Colour," "x.v.Colour," higher refresh rates, and higher resolution displays. Driven by advances in computer, display, and source technologies that will enable consumers to experience a more lifelike video experience, HDMI has updated its versions to reflect an increase in data capability, hence some of the confusion over HDMI cables.
There have been no less than five versions of HDMI since its inception in 2002. The latest version provides for a superhighway of data for products that will come in the near future. Evolving technologies in video displays (1080p, 1440p and beyond), new sources such as Blu-ray Disc, HD DVD, next generation gaming consoles, and content (such as the latest in HD movies in 1080p, and 10bit/12bit and greater colour depth) all need more advanced cable technologies.
The most recent version, HDMI 1.3, more than doubles the bandwidth of the signaling from 4.95Gbps to 10.2Gbps. This increase in bandwidth enables support for even greater colour depths (up to 16-bit per component), higher screen resolutions (1440p or WQXGA) and faster refresh rates (up to 120 Hz). Additionally, HDMI 1.3 supports the new xvYCC colour space, adds support for the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio standards, provides a mini-connector for use with portable devices (camcorders and digital still cameras), and supports the ability to automatically and accurately adjust the audio to maintain lip-sync with the video image.