HDMI 1.4 Spec Docs Released

[Blu-Dog]

The press release for the new spec is here:

http://www.hdmi.org/press/press_release.aspx?prid=119

In part:

The document available for download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification. The HDMI Consortium intends to release a 1.4a version of the HDMI Specification shortly which will include updates to the 3D portion of the Specification. As soon as the 1.4a version of the Specification is published to Adopters, an update to the 3D portion of the document, available for public download, will also be published.

”The HDMI Consortium recognizes the importance of standardized 3D formats for movies, gaming and broadcast content and the need for non-adopter companies and organizations to have access to that portion of the HDMI Specification,” says Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “As the mainstream adoption of 3D is gaining momentum and content providers define and expand their 3D roadmaps, HDMI is ready to support this major market development.”

I don't know if I'm reading this right, but it appears that there will be multiple approaches possible to the 3D specification. It also appears that this isn't finalized.

Then, from

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/hdmi_1_4/3d.aspx

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.

Blu 3D has a spec...maybe written in stone, maybe not. Can't tell from the HDMI press release.

But games, and broadcast, may (and in the case of broadcast, still stuck at 1080i max res, probably will) have different specs or methods.

I'm wondering when this will get nailed down. I doubt if it will happen in 2010.