HDMI 2.0 Upgrade Path: Where do the manufacturers stand?

[PaulGo]

HDMI 2.0 Upgrade Path: Where do the manufacturers stand?

If you really want an Ultra HD 4K TV this year, how will it handle HDMI 2.0?

Currently, there are over two dozen Ultra HD "4K" TVs available or imminently available. The problem is, only one is fully compatible with the upcoming HDMI 2.0 standard.

So we asked all the companies making 4K TVs, what's their planned path for upgradability to the new standard?

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7...cturers-stand/

[DavePS3]

On HDMI.ORG, it states the 2.0 is 'ready' but also states the following (read last 2 lines):

Overview
About HDMI Forum, Inc.

The HDMI Forum, Inc. is comprised of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, personal computers, mobile devices, cables and components. An open trade association, The HDMI Forum’s mission is to foster broader industry participation in the development of future versions of the HDMI specification and to further expand the ecosystem of interoperable, HDMI-enabled products. The HDMI Forum currently has a membership of over 80 companies.

HDMI 2.0 was developed by the HDMI Forum’s Technical Working Group.

For more information, please visit http://www.hdmiforum.org.

HDMI 2.0, which is backwards compatible with earlier versions of the HDMI specifications, significantly increases bandwidth up to 18Gbps and adds key enhancements to support continuing market requirements for enhancing the consumer video and audio experience. New functionality includes:

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 provides expanded command and control of consumer electronics devices through a single control point

HDMI 2.0 does not define new cables or new connectors. Current High Speed cables (Category 2 cables) are capable of carrying the increased bandwidth.
Want to contribute?

The HDMI Forum is looking for those companies who want to contribute to the next version of the HDMI specification.

“With the publication of the HDMI 2.0 specification, we are now soliciting input and proposals from member companies for the next HDMI Forum specification. We also encourage new members to join and participate in the development of the next HDMI specification.”
- Arnold Brown, Chairman of Board of Directors, HDMI Forum, Inc


-Panasonic says their 4K LED is 2.0 compliant but since the standard has barely been set, Pana's panel is more 'fully 2.0 ready' IMO. Samsung's EVO kit which can be swapped out, will have 2.0 once things are settled they say. There are some technical things still to be sorted out apparently. In the 2.0 FAQ, HDMI.ORG states:

When will the HDMI 2.0 Compliance Test Specification be available?
The HDMI 2.0 Compliance Test Specification (CTS) is expected to be released before the end of 2013