Call Us Now:
0345 193 0615
HDMI Wiring
What is HDMI?
The acronym HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and the HDMI standard defines a digital data transfer interface intended to permit the transfer of uncompressed digital video and other data from compliant HDMI equipped devices such as Blu-Ray players and recorders, DVD players and recorders, computers, and tablets, to other devices and displays such as AV receivers, computer monitors, televisions, projectors, and other similar devices.
HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video as well as multichannel digital audio all carried over a single cable. It is independent of the various Digital TV standards such as ATSC, DVB(-T,-S,-C), etc. which are decoded and output as uncompressed video data, which may or may not be high-definition. This video data is then encoded into TMDS format for transmission over HDMI. HDMI also includes support for 8-channel uncompressed digital audio and with effect from version 1.2 supports up to 8 channels of one-bit audio (as used on Super Audio CDs).
The new HDMI 2.0 specification is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI specification. It significantly increases bandwidth up to 18Gbps and adds key enhancements to support continuing market requirements for enhancing the consumer video and audio experience. The list of new features and functionality includes:
- 2160p resolution, also known as 4K@50/60, (2160p), which is 4 times the clarity of 1080p/60 video resolution
- Up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience
- Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity
- Simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen
- Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (up to 4)
- Support for the wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio
- Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams
- CEC extensions provide the ability to command and control devices via a single control point
The HDMI 2.0 specification does not define any new cables or connectors, since existing high speed HDMI leads and cables (Category 2 or higher) are already compatible with the new specification – this is a large part of the reason why HDMI leads are no longer normally referred to by their version number, so now the terms High Speed and High Speed With Ethernet are used instead of versions 1.3 and 1.4. The HDMI3D range of HDMI cables sold by Leads Direct are all capable of carrying the increased bandwidth and are directly compatible with all HDMI versions up to 2.0.
Leads Direct supplies a huge range of HDMI leads and cables – feel free to browse the selection in our online shop or contact us for advice and assistance.
HDMI Connectors
Following the release of the HDMI 1.4 specification there are now six different types of HDMI connector. The HDMI standard requires that all connectors are over moulded, that is to say that a moulding machine has to be used to manufacture HDMI cables and there are no rewireable connectors generally available to allow the manufacture of individual custom HDMI cables in unusual lengths or formats.
Making Your Own HDMI Leads
Because of the requirements of the specification and the fact that there are no rewireable connectors generally available, making your own HDMI leads is not really a practical proposition. The shells are available, but without the over moulding there is no way to provide strain relief or shielding at the point of connection. However, having custom leads made for you is a possibility as long as you need large quantities.
Custom HDMI Leads
Custom HDMI leads and cables would have to be made in a specialised factory using very expensive machinery that takes a lot of time and skill to set up for each run, and therefore there is typically a large MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) of between 1,000 and 10,000 pieces to allow for that cost to be spread over the cable run. The alternative is a VERY expensive custom cable! HDMI cables are typically manufactured in the Far East, and at the time of writing there are no manufacturing facilities for these cables within the EU, so the lead time for custom cables is typically 8 to 13 weeks.
If you are interested in investigating the possibility of having custom HDMI cables made to your own specification please see our Custom Leads page or contact us for advice and assistance.
HDMI Connector Types
Six types of HDMI connector are defined in the latest specification, allowing for the connection of a huge range of devices. Types A and B were defined in the initial specification, Type C was introduced in version 1.3 and Type D, Type E and the A Relay connector were added in version 1.4. The details:
| Type | Version | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | 1.0 |  |
The Type A connector has 19 pins. The outside dimensions of the type A plug (male) connector are 13.9 mm × 4.45 mm, and the receptacle (female) connector inside dimensions are 14 mm × 4.55 mm. The connector carries three differential pairs to allow for high resolutions up to 1080p (1920 x 1080). The connector is electrically compatible with single-link DVI-D, allowing HDMI to DVI cables and adaptors to be manufactured and sold. |
| Type B | 1.0 | The Type B connector has 29 pins on a larger connector that measures 21.2 mm × 4.45 mm. The connector carries six differential pairs instead of three, for use with very high-resolution displays that the developers expect to be released in the future such as WQUXGA (3,840×2,400). The connector is electrically compatible with dual-link DVI-D, but at the time of writing has not yet been used in any commercially available products. However, the use of the extra three differential pairs for this purpose was reserved as of the 1.3 specification. | |
| Type C | 1.3 |  |
The Type C connector (also known is Mini) is smaller than the type A plug, and is intended for for use with portable devices. The male plug has the same 19-pin configuration as the A connector but measures 10.42 mm × 2.42 mm. Mini HDMI cables using the type C connector can be connected to a type A connector allowing portable devices to be be connected to large screens and projectors. |
| Type D | 1.4 |  |
The Type D connector (also known as Micro) connector was introduced in the HDMI 1.4 specification. It keeps the standard 19 pins used in the Type A and Type C connectors but shrinks the dimensions to 2.8mm x 6.4mm allowing even smaller portable devices to directly support HDMI using Micro HDMI to HDMI leads. Note: The pin assignment is different on all connector types – see below for more information. |
| Type E | 1.4 |  |
The Type E connector (also known as the Automotive Connection System) has a locking tab to keep the cable from loose due to vibration and a shell to help prevent moisture and dirt from interfering with the signals. A Type A relay connector is available for connecting standard consumer cables to the Type E automotive connector. |
| Type A Relay | 1.4 |  |
The Type A relay connector allows the connection of standard Type A cables to the Type E Automotive Connection System. Because converter cables and adaptors are freely available for Type A, Type C and Type D connectors this connector allows the connection of everything from tablets and mobile phones to laptops to a Type E connection fitted in any vehicle. |
HDMI Pin outs
HDMI Type A Pin out
Below are the details of the pin connections used in the standard HDMI A connector compatible with Single Link DVI:
| Pin 1 | TMDS Data2+ |
|---|---|
| Pin 2 | TMDS Data2 Shield |
| Pin 3 | TMDS Data2− |
| Pin 4 | TMDS Data1+ |
| Pin 5 | TMDS Data1 Shield |
| Pin 6 | TMDS Data1− |
| Pin 7 | TMDS Data0+ |
| Pin 8 | TMDS Data0 Shield |
| Pin 9 | TMDS Data0− |
| Pin 10 | TMDS Clock+ |
| Pin 11 | TMDS Clock Shield |
| Pin 12 | TMDS Clock− |
| Pin 13 | CEC |
| Pin 14 | HDMI 1 – 1.3c: Reserved HDMI 1.4 on: Utility/HEAC+ for HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel |
| Pin 15 | SCL (I²C Serial Clock for DDC) |
| Pin 16 | SDA (I²C Serial Data Line for DDC) |
| Pin 17 | DDC/CEC/HEAC Ground |
| Pin 18 | +5 V (max 0.05 Amp) |
| Pin 19 | HDMI all versions: Hot Plug detect HDMI 1.4+: HEAC- for HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel |
HDMI Type B Pin out
Below is the pin out for the Type B connector which supports much higher resolutions compatible with Dual Link DVI:
| Pin 1 | TMDS Data2+ |
|---|---|
| Pin 2 | TMDS Data2 Shield |
| Pin 3 | TMDS Data2- |
| Pin 4 | TMDS Data1+ |
| Pin 5 | TMDS Data1 Shield |
| Pin 6 | TMDS Data1- |
| Pin 7 | TMDS Data0+ |
| Pin 8 | TMDS Data0 Shield |
| Pin 9 | TMDS Data0- |
| Pin 10 | TMDS Clock+ |
| Pin 11 | TMDS Clock Shield |
| Pin 12 | TMDS Clock- |
| Pin 13 | TMDS Data5+ |
| Pin 14 | TMDS Data5 Shield |
| Pin 15 | TMDS Data5- |
| Pin 16 | TMDS Data4+ |
| Pin 17 | TMDS Data4 Shield |
| Pin 18 | TMDS Data4- |
| Pin 19 | TMDS Data3+ |
| Pin 20 | TMDS Data3 Shield |
| Pin 21 | TMDS Data3- |
| Pin 22 | CEC |
| Pin 23 | Reserved |
| Pin 24 | Reserved |
| Pin 25 | SCL |
| Pin 26 | SDA |
| Pin 27 | DDC/CEC Ground |
| Pin 28 | +5V |
| Pin 29 | Hot Plug Detect |
HDMI Type C Pin out
Below is the pin out for the Type C Mini HDMI connector:
| Pin 1 | TMDS Data2+ |
|---|---|
| Pin 2 | TMDS Data2 Shield |
| Pin 3 | TMDS Data2- |
| Pin 4 | TMDS Data1+ |
| Pin 5 | TMDS Data1 Shield |
| Pin 6 | TMDS Data1- |
| Pin 7 | TMDS Data0+ |
| Pin 8 | TMDS Data0 Shield |
| Pin 9 | TMDS Data0- |
| Pin 10 | TMDS Clock+ |
| Pin 11 | TMDS Clock Shield |
| Pin 12 | TMDS Clock- |
| Pin 13 | CEC |
| Pin 14 | Reserved (N/C on device) |
| Pin 15 | SCL |
| Pin 16 | SDA |
| Pin 17 | DDC/CEC Ground |
| Pin 18 | +5V Power |
| Pin 19 | Hot Plug Detect |
HDMI Type D Pin out
Below is the pin out for the Type D HDMI connector:
| Pin 1 | Hot Plug Detect/HEAC- |
|---|---|
| Pin 2 | Utility/HEAC+ |
| Pin 3 | TMDS Data2+ |
| Pin 4 | TMDS Data2 Shield |
| Pin 5 | TMDS Data2- |
| Pin 6 | TMDS Data1+ |
| Pin 7 | TMDS Data1 Shield |
| Pin 8 | TMDS Data1- |
| Pin 9 | TMDS Data0+ |
| Pin 10 | TMDS Data0 Shield |
| Pin 11 | TMDS Data0- |
| Pin 12 | TMDS Clock+ |
| Pin 13 | TMDS Clock Shield |
| Pin 14 | TMDS Clock- |
| Pin 15 | CEC |
| Pin 16 | DDC/CEC/HEAC Ground |
| Pin 17 | SCL |
| Pin 18 | SDA |
| Pin 19 | +5 V Power |
HDMI Type E Pin out
This pin out will be added as soon as possible
Notes
The following abbreviations are used in the pin out tables above:
- TDMS: Transition Minimized Differential Signalling
- DDC: Display Data Channel
- CEC: Consumer Electronics Control
This article is still under development, please call back again as it develops, or Contact Us if you need specific technical information not yet provided within this article.
Leads Direct makes great efforts to provide accurate and complete information. However, portions of the information contained in this website and any documents viewed on it or downloaded from it may be incorrect or not current. Any errors or omissions should be reported for investigation and correction. The information provided in any documents whether on our website or otherwise is provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from computer virus, is given.
