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HDMI 1.4

You may find it strange that I (and others) would write about and make such a big deal about new cable standard specifications; however, the new HDMI 1.4 standard is a lot more than just another cable. The specifications tell us a lot about what is to come in the future of television and entertainment in general. To keep the article short I will introduce the major key points of the new specification and then briefly explain each of them.

The key features of HDMI 1.4 are as follows:

• 3D over HDMI
• 4K x 2K Resolution Support
• Audio Return Channel
• Automotive Connection System (Type E)
• Expanded Support for Color Spaces
• HDMI Ethernet Channel
• Micro HDMI Connector (Type D)

3D over HDMI may be one of the most interesting of the seven features and promises to be the next big thing in home entertainment. It allows for full high definition 1080p 3D which can be viewed in many different methods including: frame alternative, line alternative and field alternative methods Side by side methods (both full and half) and 2D plus depth methods, all of which are supported by the HDMI 1.4 specifications. Before too long we will be able to watch Hi-Def 3D TV shows and movies at home. By the middle to the end of the year there will be 3D content airing on networks. ESPN is planning on launching ESPN 3D, its 3D network that will feature 3D sporting events starting in June 2010 with the World Cup in South Africa. The channel will only be “live” (on) when ESPN is covering and broadcasting a major sporting event in 3D. During the other times the channel will be “dark” (off). DirecTV will also be launching three 3D channels this June. The three channels consist of a 24-hour pay-per-view channel focused on movies, documentaries, and other programming, a 24-hour video-on-demand channel, and a free 3D sampler channel featuring event programming such as sports, music and other content (most likely similar to The 101 but in 3D). The Discovery Channel in conjunction with Sony and IMAX are also planning on launching a 3D channel in 2011. For more information on 3-D check out our 3-D HDTV section. While it is recommended that you use a High Speed HDMI 1.4 cable for use in 3D systems quality HDMI 1.3 cables can support 3D over HDMI. You can try your old HDMI cable before buying a new HDMI 1.4 cable for your 3D TV, and don't worry it can't hurt your TV or anything else.

4K x 2K Resolution Support enables HDMI cables to support the transfer of ultra high HD resolutions. 4K is four times the resolution of 1080p boasting 4096x2160 at 24Hz. This allows for content transmission at the same resolutions as many of the digital movie theaters currently display their movies. In other words new HDTVs should eventually support HD resolutions at more than 4 times what todays HDTVs currently support. It will be quite some time before these become common place in many consumers homes though, since a 56” currently costs over $57,000.

Audio Return Channel is to allow audio move both upstream and downstream. In other words it will allow the audio to flow from your home theater receiver to your TV as normal and also “return” from your TV to your stereo receiver which would then only require one cable to listen to the audio received from the TV when receiving a digital broadcast for example.

Automotive Connection System will be created for the future use of connecting external devices in automobiles. These connections will need to be more rugged than standard connections so that bumps in the road will not jostle the connections lose. The cables will also need to protect from EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) and engine noise with adequate cable shielding.

Expanded Support for Color Spaces has been encompassed into the specifications specifically for digital still cameras, enabling more accurate color rendering when viewing digital photos.

HDMI Ethernet Channel was introduced to provide an easy way to connect HDMI devices to the internet while cutting down on the need for extra cables. HDMI Ethernet channel allows for a bi-directional shared connection via a 100 Mb/sec connection and allows HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices.

Micro HDMI Connector was introduced in order to easily connect smaller handheld and portable devices such as phones and video cameras eliminating the need to use the large sized plug currently used for HDMI connections. This will allow devices to use a smaller connector, thus allowing the device itself to be smaller.

One thing that needs to be pointed out is that manufactures are free to choose which features they want to implement. So, just because a device is HDMI 1.4 compliant doesn’t mean that it will include all of the above features. For example, a new HDTV could be HDMI 1.4 compliant to include the 3D over HDMI (at 1080p) feature but still is not Internet enabled or capable of displaying resolutions of 4096 x 2160 or 3840 x 2160. Therefore, you will need to be sure to check for the features you want or require when buying your next HDMI 1.4 device.

Your next question might be will my current cables work with the new specifications? Well… yes and no. Current HDMI 1.3 cables will work with HDMI 1.4 devices but will only provide their existing HDMI 1.3 level of support. For example, your HDMI 1.3 cable that is connected to your PS3 to watch 1080p Blu-rays will continue to display your Blu-rays on a new HDMI 1.4 enabled TV but most likely will not display 3D 1080p movies in 3D, and definitely will not work for shared internet connections. In order to straighten out all of the cable confusions here are the different types of HDMI cables:

• Standard HDMI Cable – Supports data rates up to 1080i/60
• High Speed HDMI Cable – Supports data rates beyond 1080p including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specifications.
• Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – Same as Standard HDMI cable but with Ethernet support
• High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – Same as High Speed HDMI Cable but with Ethernet support
• Micro HDMI Connector - Same as High Speed HDMI cables above except one side of the cable has a smaller connector (smaller than a micro USB connection).
• Automotive HDMI Cable – Allows for the connection of external HDMI enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.