• HDMI Ethernet Channel
The HDMI 1.4 specification adds a data channel to the HDMI cable and enables high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature are able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application. The HDMI Ethernet Channel allows an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. This feature also provides the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.
• Audio Return Channel
This specification adds an Audio Return Channel that reduces the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.
• 3D over HDMI
The 1.4 version of the specification defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification standardizes the input/output portion of the home 3D system and specifies up to dual-stream 1080p resolution. Buy these 3D HDMI cables here.
• 4K x 2K Resolution Support
This specification enables HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K allows the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include: – 3840×2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz – 4096×2160 24Hz
• Expanded Support For Color Spaces
HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices are capable of reproducing more accurate life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.
• Micro HDMI Connector
The Micro HDMI Connector introduced in HDMI version 1.4 is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.
• Automotive Connection System
The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification provides a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufactures will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.
Consumers will also see new HDMI cables introduced to the market. In order to take advantage of the HDMI Ethernet Channel, consumers will need to purchase either a Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, or a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet. Consumers connecting an external device to an in-vehicle HDMI-enabled HD system will need the new Automotive HDMI cable. Consumers can expect to see new HDMI 1.4 cables introduced to the market when new HDMI 1.4 devices are available, and should have a choice of the following 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 specification
- Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
- High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
- Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.
The HDMI standard continues to grow in the marketplace with now over 850 adopters worldwide. The growing adoption of the HDMI specification by both consumer electronics and PC manufacturers further strengthens its position as the worldwide standard for high-definition digital connectivity. According to market research firm In-Stat, over 394 million HDMI-enabled devices are expected to ship in 2009, with an installed base of 1 billion devices. By the end of 2009 100% of digital televisions are expected to have at least one HDMI input. Of course Leads Direct will follow the developments and as always we will try to introduce these new cables and accessories as fast as possible. As usual we always indicate which version we supply.
If you are looking for products meeting the HDMI 1.3 standard, don’t bother, HDMI 1.4 is backwards compatible! You can find these by searching for HDMI 1.4 in our e-shop.
