Jul 5 Podcast #590: HDMI 1.4a and Beyond
We have been talking about HDMI for pretty much as long as we have been doing this show, that’s more than six years. Every now and then we do a deep dive on the latest specification which currently sits at 1.4a. On today’s show we’ll look at what current specification supports and what’s on the horizon.
| Download this Episode. |
Listen to the show
Today's Show:
News:
- Toshiba will launch 84-, 65- and 58-inch 4K TVs in August, prices start at $4,999
- Lower prices — not wiz-bang features — sell large TVs
Other:
- Punishment of the Gods, an epic fantasy novel by Jake Yaniak
- Time Warner Cable, Microsoft set TV deal for Xbox 360
- Sony puts Ultra HD media player on the market
- USA Network now lets you watch past episodes on its iOS app
- Rumor: Boxee acquired by Samsung for about $30 million
Amazon Prime:
Sign up for Amazon Prime and enjoy:
- Free Two Day Shipping!
- Instant Streaming of TV Shows and Movies
- Instant Access to thousands of Kindle Books
- The HT Guys gratitude!
HDMI 1.4a and Beyond
We have been talking about HDMI for pretty much as long as we have been doing this show, that’s more than six years. Every now and then we do a deep dive on the latest specification which currently sits at 1.4a. On today’s show we’ll look at what current specification supports and what’s on the horizon.
HDMI Ethernet Channel
In our rooms we have at least three devices connected to the receiver and when you include the TV and receiver you have five devices that need internet access. Yes some of them will use wifi and that does reduce wires but if you want fast internet access wired is the way to go. In our situation that means we have an eight port switch and a bunch of Ethernet cables running behind the TV.
With devices that support HDMI Ethernet channels all that goes away. Only one device needs to be connected to the network and the other devices receive the network connection through the HDMI Ethernet Channel. Nice and clean. A couple of things to look for. One, you will need a cable that explicitly states that it supports Ethernet. Two, the device’s port needs to support Ethernet. HDMI Licensing has recommended that manufacturers label those ports “HEC” but it is not required. Rocketfish has a 6 foot high speed cable that is rated for in-wall that sells for less than $10 (Buy Now).
Audio Return Channel
In years past if you watched TV over the air and you wanted to listen to Dolby Digital audio decoded by your receiver you had to connect an additional cable. With the audio return channel you no have that capability built into the cable! Unlike the Ethernet channel you don’t need a special cable for this functionality. All HDMI cables support this. HDMI Licensing has recommended that manufacturers label those ports “ARC” but like “HEC” its not required.
Content Type
This feature allows the display to auto select modes based on the type of content being displayed. Content Type supports content profiles for gaming, movie, photograph, and text viewing modes.
3D
Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications.
4K Support
Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theatres
Additional Color Spaces
Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics.
HDMI Micro Connector
A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p.
Automotive Connection System
New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality.
What’s Next?
What does the future hold for HDMI? It looks like there will be one more revision to version 1.4 bringing it to version 1.4b. Version 1.4b adds support for 1080p video at 120 Hz. Also, all future versions of the HDMI specification will be made by the HDMI Forum that was created on October 25, 2011.
There won’t be a version 1.5 instead the HDMI Forum’s first specification will roll out with version 2.0 which essentially is more of the same only faster and more bandwidth. The HDMI Forum is looking to improve support of mobile devices and better control functionality. Beyond that there isn’t much in the way of new features. At least as of today.
Reader Comments (4)
One thing every forgets as far as subscriptions go on these different boxes; the content providers. If they are getting $1.01 for every subscriber on cable or satellite, they are not about to charge less just to be on another box. Plus, they don't want to have to install a system of keeping track with subscribers, dealing with credit card numbers, cyber-security and troubleshooting. To quote Sugar, "Ain't nobody got time for that!". A clearinghouse that will collect fees, take care of all that comes with dealing with the public and maintaining infrastructure already exist. It is the cable and satellite companies.
Love the show, been around since day 1!
John Burton
I thought I'd let you guys know, there is a replacement for HDMI, it's Display Port. It's capable of 4k, it's backward compatible, it carries audio, it has a lock so it doesn't fall out, and it's been available for several years in the computer industry. As far as ethernet in my HDMI cable, who cares? I totally agree that the ethernet cables make a mess, but the 'features' of new HDMI require all of the devcies to have them, and checking for HDMI 1.4 on the box means nothing when it comes to what features are supported. Having a real ethernet switch in my receiver is the better idea, or in my power conditioner would be good, The ideal solution would be a surge protector that is stackable, feautures a ethernet switch, and 5v and 12v DC outputs with a supply of tips to get rid of all the wall warts. I personally find wall warts more offensive than the ethernet cables. Another possibility would be to have power line networking built in to everything. I just can't help but think if it's HDMI, it's just going to be a disappointment. Is the networking using a switch, or hub? Is it boing to be 10, 100, or gigabit? It might just be easier and more reliable to not integrate everything in to the receiver. Maybe it's time some of the other devices learned a few new tricks(yeah, I'm looking at you Monster and APC).
Hi! So, are there any current products that support HDMI Ethernet Channel? I'm looking to upgrade my man cave from a 50" Samsung plasma to a 60" Panasonic plasma and HDMI Ethernet Channel would be right up my alley! However, when I go to websites, there's no mention of the technology in the specs. Is this something I'll have to wait until next year to use? Are there Blu Ray devices with that capability?
Hi Quincy
I can't find any either. We'll try to ask on the next show.
Ara