(High-Definition Multimedia Interface) A digital interface for audio and video that provides a single-cable solution for home theater and consumer electronics equipment. Introduced in 2002, one HDMI cable commonly replaces from two to five cables, and in some cases even as many as 11 cables, when connecting devices such as TVs, DVD players, set-top boxes and A/V receivers.
HDMI supports eight channels of 24-bit uncompressed audio at 192kHz and video resolution up to 4096x2160 (HDMI 1.4). It also provides encryption (see HDCP), equipment control (see HDMI CEC), 5 volts of power and is compatible with the video-only DVI interface that preceded it (see HDMI-DVI compatibility).
HDMI Connectors
These 19-pin plugs are the most common. Type A connects TVs and monitors, while camcorders and cellphones use Type C and D. There is also a 29-pin Type B for future resolutions and a 19-pin Type E for vehicles.
HDMI Version 1.3
Introduced in 2006, HDMI 1.3 supports 2560x1440 HDTV resolution, 48-bit "deep color," the xvYCC color space and high-definition surround sound (TrueHD and DTS-HD). HDMI 1.3 also added cable categories: Category 1 cables are used for 720p and 1080i TVs, while Category 2 cables are required for 1080p TVs. See deep color and xvYCC.
HDMI Version 1.4
Introduced in 2009, HDMI 1.4 added 4K resolution, support for 3D and major enhancements for home theaters (for details, see HDMI 1.4).
For more information, visit www.hdmi.org. See HDMI switch, HDMI audio, HDMI-DVI compatibility, DisplayPort, HDTV, Blu-ray and UDI.
HDMI
Version Year Features
1.0 2002 4.95 Gbps bandwidth; 165MHz
165 megapixels/sec (24-bit)
1.1 DVD-Audio
1.2 SACD audio
1.3 2006 10.2 Gbps bandwidth; 340MHz
340 megapixels/sec
2560x1440 resolution
48-bit deep color, lip sync
xvYCC color space
TrueHD and DTS-HD audio
1.3a Technical improvements
1.3b Strict compliance with spec
1.4 2009 4096x2160 resolution (4K)
3D, Ethernet sharing
CableCARD audio return
See HDMI 1.4.
An HDMI Switch
HDMI switches let several HDMI sources plug into a TV with only one HDMI input. This 3x1 (3 in, 1 out) unit from Oppo Digital switches three inputs. See HDMI switch. (Image courtesy of Oppo Digital, Inc., www.oppodigital.com)
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