HDMI Specification 1.4 - 4K by 2K resolution, Ethernet-equipped, 2-way audio

[Got2LoveGadgets]

Due for publication by the end of June, the HDMI 1.4 spec's key elements are integrated networking, support for bigger screen sizes, 3D friendliness and a new, more compact connector.

The addition of networking is specifically the addition of a 10/100Mb/s Ethernet data channel through the HDMI cable. Since plenty of HDMI-equipped devices already sport Ethernet ports, the addition of networking is arguably redundant, but it should make for reduced cable clutter - you'll need a new cable with the extra, Ethernet-exclusive wires - and give HDMI a feature rival display interconnect technology DisplayPort lacks.

Speaking of rivalry, HDMI's adoption of Ethernet also takes into the zone occupied by Firewire - doubly so given HDMI 1.4's interest in automotive in-car entertainment connectivity. As Firewire has been pushed further out of the PC market by USB, it's supporters have taken to pitching 1394's suitability for automotive apps. Now HDMI's going there too.

HDMI 1.4's support for resolutions greater than 1080p will stretch to 3840 x 2160 at 24Hz, 25Hz or 30Hz, and 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz - the digital cinema spec. That's resolution enough to transmit two 1080p images, allowing the technology to support stereoscopic 3D. Handy that.

The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately half the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector, introduced in 2006 when HDMI 1.3 was rolled out.

With an eye on the digital camera arena - hence the micro connector - HDMI 1.4 will support camera-friendly colour spaces sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, the better to ensure the telly shows the colours encoded within pictures on a connected camera.

HDMI 1.4 will have extra wiring for two-way audio, again with the intention of reducing cable clutter

[dobyblue]

Official press release is here - http://hdmi.org/press/press_release.aspx?prid=101

HDMI LICENSING, LLC ANNOUNCES FEATURES OF THE UPCOMING HDMI SPECIFICATION VERSION 1.4


Enhancements Include Networking, Audio Return Channel, 3D Capability, Improved Performance and New Connectors


SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 27, 2009 – HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface® (HDMI®) specification, today announced the features that will be incorporated in the upcoming HDMI 1.4 specification. This latest version of the HDMI specification will, among other advancements, offer networking capabilities with Ethernet connectivity and will add an Audio Return Channel to enable upstream audio connections via the HDMI cable. The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download on the HDMI LLC website no later than June 30, 2009.


The HDMI 1.4 specification will offer the following enhanced functionalities:


HDMI Ethernet Channel
The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP-based application.


The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.


Audio Return Channel
The new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.


3D Over HDMI
The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.


4K x 2K Resolution Support
The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:

3840x2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
4096x2160 24Hz


Expanded Support For Color Spaces
HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of reproducing more accurate life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.


Micro HDMI Connector
The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly smaller 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.


Automotive Connection System
The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufactures will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.


“The HDMI specification continues to add functionality as the consumer electronics and PC industries build products that enhance the consumer’s HD experience,” said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC. “The 1.4 specification will support some of the most exciting and powerful near-term innovations such as Ethernet connectivity and 3D formats. Additionally we are going to broaden our solution by providing a smaller connector for portable devices and a connection system specified for automobiles, as we see both more and different devices adopting the HDMI technology.“


Consumers will also see new HDMI cables introduced to the market. In order to take advantage of the HDMI Ethernet Channel, consumers will need to purchase either a Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet, or a High Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet. Consumers connecting an external device to an in-vehicle HDMI-enabled HD system will need the new Automotive HDMI cable. Consumers can expect to see new HDMI 1.4 cables introduced to the market when new HDMI 1.4 devices are available.


Consumers will have a choice of the following HDMI cables:


Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60;
High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification;
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.


The HDMI standard continues to grow in the marketplace with now over 850 adopters worldwide. The growing adoption of the HDMI specification by both consumer electronics and PC manufacturers further strengthens its position as the worldwide standard for high-definition digital connectivity. According to market research firm In-Stat, over 394 million HDMI-enabled devices are expected to ship in 2009, with an installed base of 1 billion devices. By the end of 2009 100% of digital televisions are expected to have at least one HDMI input.


The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download at http://www.hdmi.org no later than June 30, 2009.

About HDMI Licensing, LLC
HDMI Licensing, LLC is the agent responsible for licensing the HDMI specification, promoting the HDMI standard and providing education on the benefits of the HDMI specification to adopters, retailers and consumers. The HDMI specification was developed by Hitachi, Panasonic Corporation, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba as the all-digital interface standard for the consumer electronics and personal computer markets. The HDMI specification combines uncompressed high-definition video and multi-channel audio in a single digital interface to provide crystal-clear digital quality over a single cable. HDMI Licensing, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, Inc. For more information about the HDMI specification, please visit www.hdmi.org.


Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the HDMI 1.4 technology and its anticipated advantages, growth, market, adoption, consumer demand, and anticipated shipments and product introductions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks associated with the claims made regarding the HDMI 1.4 technology, as well as those risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Silicon Image’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These risks and uncertainties could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.


HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the Unites States and/or other countries.

[Blu-Runner]

Just when I thought I was ready to buy a Kuro, guess I'll save up for a future 2160p HDTV.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by Blu-Runner

Just when I thought I was ready to buy a Kuro, guess I'll save up for a future 2160p HDTV.

And the same folks who insist 720p sets look like crap today will be insisting 1080p sets look like crap in the future....

[ryoohki]

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

And the same folks who insist 720p sets look like crap today will be insisting 1080p sets look like crap in the future....

Well since you need to sit at less than 12 feet of 107' to appreciate 1080p (going by the distance vs resolution chart), i guess you'll need to sit at 6 feet

[ewwgurt]

so will i have to change out my monster 1000hd's for newer versions? mine are supposed to be future proof, at least in terms of data transfer speed which i know isnt part of the upgrade of 1.4. man i got over 300 bucks in my hdmi's this would stink like fresh fallen poo!!

[CasualKiller]

Your cables are fine.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by ewwgurt

so will i have to change out my monster 1000hd's for newer versions? mine are supposed to be future proof, at least in terms of data transfer speed which i know isnt part of the upgrade of 1.4. man i got over 300 bucks in my hdmi's this would stink like fresh fallen poo!!

You really needed to read-up on HDMI cables on this site before being ripped-off by Monster. Live and learn.... You cables will be fine for a long time too come.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Blu-Runner

Just when I thought I was ready to buy a Kuro, guess I'll save up for a future 2160p HDTV.

You might as well "save up" for a 4K display. Everyone know 2160p is crap! LMAO! Oh ya and so is 1080p! LMFAO!!!! Kuro's suck anyway!!!

[Trix]

Originally Posted by Sonny

You might as well "save up" for a 4K display. Everyone know 2160p is crap! LMAO! Oh ya and so is 1080p! LMFAO!!!! Kuro's suck anyway!!!

Hey Sonny, isn't 2160p the consumer version of 4k (roughly 4000 horizontal lines, by anywhere from 1700 to 2100 vertical lines, with 2160 giving you a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, close enough to 16:9 HDTV format)? Just asking I just want to know how many days before my Kuro is as useful as my kitchen counter!

[DetroitSportsFan]

And just how big will the screen have to be and how close will you have to sit to see any difference?