HDMI 1.4 with Ethernet is Coming

[DonRSD]

http://www.electronichouse.com/artic...net_is_coming/

May 28, 2009 | by Julie Jacobson
HDMI 1.4 delivers two big features that earlier specs lacked: data and bi-directional audio. The new capabilities could eliminate the need for extra Ethernet and audio cables—a single HDMI can do the trick.

Two-Way Data
With transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, the HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) will enable countless IP-based applications that previously required a dedicated Cat 5 cable connected to the home network.

Now, instead of running Ethernet to every component in an A/V stack, only one device needs to be connected to the network via Cat 5+. The rest of the devices get their IP connectivity over HDMI.

Internet connection sharing is one of the “clear” applications that will come out of the new feature set, according to Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing LLC. “But I honestly think we don’t know all of the applications people will come up with.”

The HDMI group itself is not creating applications for the Ethernet channel. The functionality will come from UPnP and other providers, Venuti says. “This is pure pipe.”

Research firm Instat reports that 24 percent of all consumer electronic devices will require Ethernet in 2009. All game consoles and digital media adapters will be networked in 2009, along with 80 percent of Blu-ray devices and 72 percent of PVR/DVRs, Instat estimates.

Assuming all of those devices are also connected via HDMI to other components, consumers could eliminate that many Cat 5 cables from the clutter.

HEC requires much more than a firmware update or other quick fix. The solution will need to be implemented in HDMI cables as well as the components.

The architecture of the cable changes little. “The difference in cable is not visible to the naked eye,” Venuti says. “but you will need a cable that says ‘high-speed with Ethernet.’”

Upgrading devices to HDMI 1.4 will take some effort. Manufacturers will need a new chip and possibly some kind of Ethernet switching mechanism.

The group anticipates that some TV and set-top box manufacturers may “go all out,” Venuti says, possibly with built-in processors and software to stream content to and from other sources.

Two-Way Audio
As long as you’re losing an Ethernet cable, why not drop the audio cable as well? HDMI 1.4 provides for an audio return channel (ARC) that enables upstream audio over HDMI.

“What if you have a built-in tuner at the TV?” Venuti says. “How would you get the audio back to the receiver? You would need a separate cable like an S/PDIF.”

Not anymore. HDMI 1.4 can handle the audio both upstream and downstream … along with HD video and two-way data.

HDMI 1.4 Roll-out
The spec will be available for download by the end of June and and we’ll probably see some compatible products in time for CES in January 2010.

In addition to Ethernet and upstream audio, HDMI 1.4 supports:


HD resolutions up to 4096x2160
3D up to 1080p definition
“Real-Time Content Recognition” (adjusting video settings automatically based on connected device)
Additional color spaces, especially for digital still cameras
Micro connectors
Automotive connectors
What a development! HDMI 1.3 didn’t bring anything discernible to the everyday TV viewer.

“1.3 was more about bandwidth, more of the same,” says Venuti. “This, I think, is a whole new paradigm. It gives us a whole new ability to do things we’ve never done before.

[cajmoyper]

So to summarize, anything relevant to the consumer: 1080P 3D.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by cajmoyper

So to summarize, anything relevant to the consumer: 1080P 3D.

The HDMI audio return is also sweet, along with the Ethernet capability. I'd get a lot of usage out of both of those features right now in my current home theater.

It sucks that they're already out with a new one, though...in the sense that I'm pretty much all set with the gear I have (except speakers, which are irrelevant to this article).

[b0bby]

how does the ethernet work in this? hypothetically, will i get internet connections on my ps3/360 via 1.4 hdmi instead of using wireless and worrying about signal issues?

or is this design for those new fancy tv's with live updates from crap info i could care less about.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by b0bby

how does the ethernet work in this? hypothetically, will i get internet connections on my ps3/360 via 1.4 hdmi instead of using wireless and worrying about signal issues?

or is this design for those new fancy tv's with live updates from crap info i could care less about.

Both, as I understand.

Also, you could see components utilizing the HDMI connection in a whole new way. For example, TVs or standalones could now come with actual computers in them, eliminating or reducing the need for computers in a home theater. Remember WebTV? Well they could really run with that now that the technology is about ready to support it correctly.

[b0bby]

"Upgrading devices to HDMI 1.4 will take some effort. Manufacturers will need a new chip and possibly some kind of Ethernet switching mechanism."

sucks its not a simple firmware fix. this means my 3 devices that matter (ps3/360/receiver) will all need to be upgraded. good thing i didn't spend tons of money on that 'future-proof' receiver. at this point im more excited about the next gen USB.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by b0bby

"Upgrading devices to HDMI 1.4 will take some effort. Manufacturers will need a new chip and possibly some kind of Ethernet switching mechanism."

sucks its not a simple firmware fix. this means my 3 devices that matter (ps3/360/receiver) will all need to be upgraded. good thing i didn't spend tons of money on that 'future-proof' receiver. at this point im more excited about the next gen USB.

I hear that. I do not have any funds for upgrading everything so that it's compliant with the new connectivity.

New USB is gonna be cool, though.

[DonRSD]

Originally Posted by b0bby

"Upgrading devices to HDMI 1.4 will take some effort. Manufacturers will need a new chip and possibly some kind of Ethernet switching mechanism."

sucks its not a simple firmware fix. this means my 3 devices that matter (ps3/360/receiver) will all need to be upgraded. good thing i didn't spend tons of money on that 'future-proof' receiver. at this point im more excited about the next gen USB.

if something better comes out, ill buy it IF IT IS WORTH IT.

as the 360 & ps3 have shown......never buy things when they 1st come out, the failure rate is thru the roof.

BTW my receiver is good to go.
ill build a pc and set it next to the tv and then have everything i need right there

its like waiting for a 2020 car and saying 'glad i didnt waste my money on a 2009 model as im saving my money for what i want'

[Uxi]

lol PS3 failure rate is not through the roof.

I'm happy with my hybrid mix of HDMI 1.1 (receiver and HDTV) and 1.3 (PS3). I remember buying into HDMI with great trepidation... especially for the Denon 4306, but it's all been flawless. <3 PCM

[beefytwinkie]

HD resolutions up to 4096x2160

I know TVs now are 1920x1080 and 1080p so what does it mean if the resolution is now 4096x2160? 2160p? I know this is probably a dumb question but I don't understand. Any chance one of you fine people can explain if I'm wrong? I'm not very savvy with all the technical terms.

[crxvtec]

as the 360 & ps3 have shown......never buy things when they 1st come out, the failure rate is thru the roof.

Did I miss something? I have never seen a high failure rate with the PS3, any variation of them. I have not read an article that has mentioned over 3 or 4 percent failure, and even that is high. The 360, well, yea.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by beefytwinkie

HD resolutions up to 4096x2160

I know TVs now are 1920x1080 and 1080p so what does it mean if the resolution is now 4096x2160? 2160p? I know this is probably a dumb question but I don't understand. Any chance one of you fine people can explain if I'm wrong? I'm not very savvy with all the technical terms.

I believe that is 4K, or cinematic resolution. Pretty serious.

Sharp came out with a 4K monitor a while ago, and I think there are others out there now.