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As high-definition audio/video technology continues to advance, the specification for HDMI equipment and cabling is occasionally modified to ensure broad compatibility and maximum performance. Version 1.4 is the latest iteration of the HDMI spec, as issued by HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Per the HDMI specification, only four HDMI cable types exist: Standard Speed, Standard Speed with Ethernet, High Speed, and High Speed with Ethernet. The HDMI organization has put in place a rule that requires all HDMI cables to be marketed in this manner. Therefore, you will not see our cables marketed as HDMI 1.4 cables. Keep in mind that installing a cable supporting HDMI 1.4 features does not give your existing devices of previous HDMI specifications the ability to experience 4K x 2K resolution, 3D, audio return or Ethernet. New A/V equipment supporting desired features is required in order to experience the newly specified features.
Do you carry HDMI 1.4 cables?
Our existing line of HDMI cables will support devices with HDMI 1.4 features such as 4K x 2K resolution, 3D and audio return channel. Devices that have the HDMI with Ethernet feature will require an HDMI High Speed with Ethernet cable which is not currently available. When devices using HDMI with Ethernet features become available to the market, we will extend our product offering to support those products.
Keep in mind that installing a cable supporting HDMI 1.4 features does not give your existing devices of previous HDMI specifications the ability to experience 4K x 2K resolution, 3D, audio return or Ethernet. New A/V equipment supporting desired features is required in order to experience the newly specified features. For example: A 3D Blu-ray® player will be unable to display 3D video on an existing HDTV with previous HDMI features. A new HDTV with 3D support will be required in this scenario in order to experience 3D video playback.
What is HDMI v1.4?
As high-definition audio/video technology continues to advance, the specification for HDMI equipment and cabling is occasionally modified to ensure broad compatibility and maximum performance. Version 1.4 is the latest iteration of the HDMI spec, as issued by HDMI Licensing, LLC.
When was HDMI v1.4 released?
This version of the specification was released to the public on June 5, 2009.
What is new with HDMI v1.4?
Following is a summary of the highlights of the new spec:
What has not changed with HDMI v1.4?
Following is a brief summary of important things that have NOT changed with the new spec:
Will HDMI v1.4 be backwards compatible?
Yes. The connector will not change, and core capabilities will remain consistent. To take advantage of the new Ethernet communication feature, a HDMI standard/high speed with Ethernet cable must be used.
Will the physical construction of the cable be different?
We expect minor modifications to the construction of the cable. The pin count should stay the same, but the configuration of wires and shielding will likely change slightly to accommodate the performance enhancements. Formal test specifications have not yet been released, so we do not know the exact cable construction required for certification.
Must a new cable be installed to enjoy the new HDMI v1.4 features?
The HDMI Ethernet Channel feature will require a new cable that supports this functionality. All other features defined in HDMI v1.4 will be compatible with existing cables. (Note: Equipment using the new HDMI Micro Connector or Automotive Connection System will of course require new cables, because these form factors do not exist today.)
When will equipment be available to perform at HDMI v1.4 specifications?
The first HDMI v1.4 devices where introduced at CES in January 2010, Current forecasts suggest availability as soon as the summer of 2010.
Must new equipment include support for all HDMI v1.4 features?
No. Manufacturers can implement the features that are best suited to their applications, and they will be expected to identify for the consumer which features are supported.
What application is the HDMI with Ethernet feature intended for?
The new HDMI with Ethernet feature can be implemented into devices that have a need for internet access for routine updates and entertainment features. Devices such as blu-ray players, displays, surround sound receivers, satellite and cable TV receivers and game consoles, will likely use this feature. With this new feature, devices can be connected to a network without the need for a Cat5e/6 patch cable connected to each one. A single network connection can support multiple devices.
What application benefits from the audio return feature?
Displays receiving off-air content will benefit the most from the new audio return feature. Instead of connecting an audio cable from the display to the surround sound receiver, The HDMI connection already in place from the receiver to the display can be used to carry audio information for surround sound.
How is the 3D supported with HDMI 1.4 different from 3D of the past?
3D images are traditionally created by superimposing images in the video with off-set color information. Glasses with unique color filters on each eye are used to complete the illusion of 3D. Although the effect is simple and does require unique features from AV equipment, the resulting quality is less than satisfactory for the HD experience. To improve quality, alternative techniques can be used such as a frame alternative, line alternative and full side-by-side just to name a few. The use of these techniques requires AV equipment which can handle specific requirements such as increased frame rates or increased video information.
How is the extended color feature of HDMI 1.4 different from the previous specification?
The extended color feature of the HDMI 1.3 specification (xvYCC) offers more realistic color representation with video content. The new color feature of HDMI 1.4 focuses on three spaces used with digital still cameras, sYCC601, AdobeRGB and Adobe YCC601. Displays with this feature will be able to reproduce more accurate results.
Because the HDMI micro connector is half the size of the mini connector does that mean that the connector has fewer pins than the mini or standard connector?
No, although the new connector is physically smaller in size, the connector and cable has the same characteristics of its full size counterpart.
How will the new HDMI 1.4 cabling be marketed?
HDMI cables meeting the requirements of the 1.4 specification are not to marketed using version numbers. Instead four names will be used to identify cabling products supportive of the specification:
If the equipment that I purchase advertises the HDMI connection as version 1.4, will I receive all of the features such as Ethernet, audio return, extended color and 4k x 2k? No, a device may indicate HDMI version 1.4, however this does not indicate that all features are supported by the device. When purchasing equipment, it is recommended that you purchase and match devices based on desired features and not the advertised HDMI version number.