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| DataPro Tech Info > HDMI Interface FAQ |
HDMI Interface FAQ |
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WHAT IS HDMI ?
HDMI stands for (H)igh (D)efinition (M)ultimedia (I)nterface.
In a constantly changing industry, HDMI is the current
standard of an all-in-one, standardized, universal
connector for audio/video applications. Featuring a modern
design and backed by the biggest names in the electronic
industry, HDMI is attempting to finally unify all digital media
components with a single cable, remote, and interface.
HDMI is built with a 5 Gbps bandwidth limit, over
twice that of HDTV (which runs at 2.2 Gbps), and is
built forwards-compatible by offering unallocated
pipeline for future technologies. The connectors are
sliding contact (like FireWire and USB) instead of
screw-on (like DVI), and are not nearly as bulky as
most current video interfaces.
HDMI 1.3 further increases the bandwith limit to 10.2 Gbps,
to allow for the video and audio improvements of the upgraded
standard.
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WHAT DOES HDMI REPLACE ?
The screaming bandwidth of HDMI is structured around
delivering the highest-quality digital video and audio
throughout your entertainment center. Capable of all
international frequencies and resolutions, the HDMI
cable will replace all analog signals (i.e. S-Video,
Component, Composite, and Coaxial), as well as HDTV
digital signals (i.e. DVI, P&D, DFP), with absolutely
no compromise in quality.
Additionally, HDMI is capable of carrying up to
8 channels of digital-audio, replacing the old analog
connections (RCA, 3.5mm) as well as optical
formats (SPDIF, Toslink).
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WHAT IS HDMI 1.3 ?
HDMI 1.3 is an improved specification for the HDMI
standard, with upgrades to each of the HDMI components.
HDMI 1.3 offers a higher video throughput, at 340Mhz, to
allow for higher resolution displays, Deep Color (up to 48-bit
RGB or YCbCr color depths), and the new Dolby standards
for lossless compressed high-definition audio.
HDMI 1.3 uses a smaller connector than the original HDMI connector.
They are both similar in appearance, but the HDMI 1.3 plug measures
about half the size.
HDMI 1.3 is expected to appear in commercial products by the end of the
year, starting with the release of the Sony Playstation 3. Models of
DVD players, high-definition displays, and AV receivers released in 2007
are also being designed with HDMI 1.3 connectors.
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WHAT CAN HDMI BE USED WITH ?
To function as an all-inclusive interface, HDMI
is being implemented in virtually all multimedia devices,
from HDTV's and DVD players to computers and stereo
receivers. It is compatible with DVI products and can
be converted with a simple adaptor plug.
HDMI and HDMI 1.3 are also entirely cross-compatible, and
can be easily connected with a mixed-connector cable.
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WHEN WILL HDMI BE AVAILABLE ?
As with all new technologies, HDMI is slowly being
introduced on high-end audio and video devices, and is available
in stores now. Virtually every high-end television, receiever, and
DVD player built today supports HDMI, and most mid-range
products as well.
Although the interface is still relatively new, it is worth looking
for. If you plan in investing in a new high-definition TV or top-of-the-line
DVD player, make the effort to pick up an HDMI or HDMI 1.3 compatible model.
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Written by Anthony van Winkle
for DataPro International Inc.
Unauthorized duplication strictly prohibited.
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