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HDMI1_4.pdf

Introducing HDMI Specification Version 1.4a

The HDMI standard continues to evolve, with new capabilities designed to push the boundaries of the HD experience, both in the home and on the go. Here is an overview of some of the major enhancements introduced in Versions 1.4 and 1.4a of the HDMI specification that were released in June, 2009 and March, 2010, respectively:

HDMI 1.4a 소개

1. HDMI Ethernet Channel

HDMI Ethernet Channel technology consolidates video, audio, and data streams into a single HDMI cable, combining the unmatched signal quality and convenience of HDMI connectivity with the power and flexibility of home entertainment networking. It incorporates a dedicated data channel into the HDMI link, enabling high-speed, bi-directional networking at up to 100 Mb/sec.

HDMI 이더넷 채널 기술은 홈 엔터테인먼트 네트워킹의 힘과 유연성과 HDMI 연결의 최고의 신호 품질과 편리함을 결합, HDMI 케이블로 비디오, 오디오 및 데이터 스트림을 통합하였으며, 100MB 까지의 고속 양방향 네트워킹을 사용가능, HDMI 링크에 전용 데이터 채널을 포함한다.

With networking capabilities now available in a wide range of IP-enabled home entertainment devices, from TVs and gaming consoles to DVRs and more, adding an Ethernet channel is a big step forward in the evolution of the HDMI standard. Consumers can enjoy all the benefits of Ethernet connectivity via HDMI, and further simplify their systems by eliminating the need for separate Ethernet cables.

• Accommodates current and future IP-based networking solutions for consumer electronics, including DLNA, IPTV, LiquidHD, and UPnP.
• Allows multiple connected devices to share an Internet connection.
• Enables native-format content distribution between connected devices, including recording and playback across a networked system.
• Provides a true one-cable solution for all your home entertainment needs, offering HDMI’s world-class quality and reliability plus all the benefits of home entertainment networking in one powerful connection.

How to Ensure HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality in your Home Theater System

• Look for devices that include HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality.
• Be sure to connect devices with one of the new cables designed to support HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality, either the Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet or the High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet.
• Connect your devices through HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled HDMI ports. HDMI Licensing has strongly recommended that Adopters label all HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled HDMI ports with the letters "HEC" for easy identification, but does not require manufacturers to do so. Please check with your manufacturer to determine which HDMI ports (if any) will support HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality.

2. Audio Return Channel

The Audio Return Channel in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasing user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection.

TVs have always been able to receive multi-channel audio through an HDMI connection, and this is still a typical use-case, with the TV positioned “downstream” from content sources and any connected audio equipment. However, if a user had a TV with a built-in tuner or DVD player, and wanted to send content “upstream” from the TV back to the audio system, a separate connection had to be installed, typically an S/PDIF cable.

• An Audio Return Channel-enabled TV can either send or receive audio via HDMI, upstream or downstream, depending on system set-up and user preferences.

• LipSync functionality, introduced in HDMI 1.3, ensures that the audio stays matched to the video, automatically compensating for any processor delays whether the audio is traveling upstream or downstream.

How to Ensure Audio Return Channel functionality in your Home Theater System

• Look for devices that feature Audio Return Channel functionality.
• All HDMI cables will support Audio Return Channel functionality when connected to Audio Return Channel-enabled devices. You can use your existing HDMI cables or choose a different cable type.
• Connect your devices through Audio Return Channel-enabled HDMI ports. HDMI Licensing has strongly recommended that Adopters label all Audio Return Channel-compliant HDMI ports with the letters "ARC" for easy identification, but does not require manufacturers to do so. Please check with your manufacturer to determine which HDMI ports (if any) will support Audio Return Channel functionality.

3. 3D

The latest version of the HDMI standard establishes critical infrastructure for implementing 3D video in the home, defining input/output protocols that will allow 3D displays and source devices to communicate through an HDMI link. It’s a major milestone on the path to bringing true 3D gaming and 3D home theater to the mass market, supporting resolutions up to 1080p in 3D.

3D technology is evolving rapidly, with several competing approaches under development, so the HDMI 1.4 specification establishes protocols for a number of popular 3D display methods, including:

• Frame, line, or field alternative methods
• Side by side methods (full and half)
• 2D plus depth methods

A complete list of the supported 3D formats can be found in the HDMI 1.4 specification.

How to Ensure 3D in your Home Theater System

• Look for devices that include 3D functionality.
• All High Speed HDMI cables will support 3D when connected to 3D devices. You can use your existing High Speed HDMI cables or choose a different cable type.

4. 4K Support

The HDMI 1.4 specification adds support for extremely high video resolutions that go far beyond today’s 1080p systems. 4K is shorthand for 4,000 lines wide by 2,000 lines high, or roughly four times the resolution of a 1080p display. The term actually covers two formats, both supported in the HDMI 1.4 specification:

• 3840 pixels wide by 2160 pixels high
• 4096 pixels wide by 2160 pixels high

4K displays will put high-end home theater systems roughly on a par with the state-of-the-art Digital Cinema projectors used in many commercial movie theaters. Staying true to its commitment to future-readiness, the HDMI standard can now support these systems with the extremely high bandwidth connectivity they will require.

How to Ensure 4K functionality in your Home Theater System

• Look for devices that support 4K functionality.
• All High Speed HDMI cables will support 4K functionality when connected to 4K devices. You can use your existing High Speed HDMI cables or choose a different cable type.

5. Content Type

The HDMI Specification Version 1.4 enables simple, automated picture setting selection with no user intervention. The Content Type feature enables a display to auto-select the correct viewing mode to match the content type it is currently receiving from a source device, and to switch modes when a new content source is selected. Content Type supports content profiles for gaming, movie, photograph, and text viewing modes.

6. HDMI Micro Connector

In addition to the three connector types already defined in previous versions of the HDMI standard, the HDMI 1.4 specification introduces a new "Type D" connector designed for cell phones, pocket cameras, and other portable devices where space is at a premium. Roughly the size of a Micro USB connector, it packs all the power and functionality of an HDMI link into a tiny form factor. Featuring a full nineteen-pin array like other HDMI connectors, the HDMI Micro Connector can handle video signals up to 1080p, bringing state-of-the-art HD resolutions to the realm of handheld devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.

7. Automotive Connection System

Automotive video systems are increasingly popular, and car manufacturers have been asking for a way to incorporate HDMI connectivity into their vehicles. The HDMI 1.4 specification answers that need with a new, robust automotive connection system, specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the road while delivering true HD video to a seatback or dashboard display.

The new automotive connection system consists of two elements:

• A new type of Automotive HDMI cable, designed for connections within a vehicle and tested to perform under the unique stresses of the motoring environment such as vibration and temperature extremes.
• A new category of locking HDMI connector, known as the Type E connector, designed for securing internal connections within a vehicle.

Owners of HDMI-equipped vehicles will be able to easily enjoy HD video from their personal media players, HD camcorders, and other digital sources while on the go.