High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

HDMI is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio and video interface.

HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a satellite or cable TV box, DVD player and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a plasma or projector.

HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, ie Dolby 7.1, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements. It has 5Gbps of data bandwidth, plenty enough for future expansion so even when HDMI is carrying high definition video with a 6.1 soundtrack it is using less than half of its bandwidth.

The HDMI connector is sometimes referred to by its full name of 'HDMI type A'.

HDMI is retro compatible with the video only DVI-D because they both use they same video protocol; you just need a physical adaptor to convert between them.

The quality of HDMI video is identical to that produced by a DVI-D system, with the result that, as with the DVI system, any weaknesses in poor quality DVD hardware and software will be shown up.

For HDMI switchers, click here.

HDMI evolution

Most equipment and HDMI cables available at the moment are HDMI 1.1, 1.1a or 1.2.

HDMI 1.2

HDMI 1.2 devices and equipment support One Bit Audio format, such as SuperAudio CD's DSD (Direct Stream Digital). This specification offers better support for current and future PCs with HDMI outputs, including the use of HDMI Type A connectors for PC sources and displays with full support for PC video formats.

HDMI1.3

The next step in the evolution of HDMI is HDMI 1.3. This will enable the next generation of HDTVs, PCs and DVD players to transmit and display content in billions of colours with unprecedented vividness and accuracy.

The HDMI 1.3 specification more than doubles HDMI’s bandwidth and adds support for Deep Colour technology, a broader colour space, new digital audio formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio) and automatic audio/video synching capability (“lip sync”).

The launch of HDMI 1.3 will also see the introduction of a new 'mini HDMI' connector intended for use with personal photo and video devices. The first equipment with this system is the Sony PS3.

All Tech+Link HDMI cables are HDMI 1.3 compliant in sizes up to 3 metres.

Click here for a full explanation of HDMI 1.3. or download this HDMI 1.3 summary. (PDF: 68KB)