HDMI Versions Explanations and Comparison
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a cutting-edge data transfer standard on the frontier of technological innovation. HDMI is mostly used for audio and video connections, but the newest HDMI version 1.4 even includes an ethernet channel. HDMI transports data in a digital (lossless) format, preserving audio, video, and data in its purest form. By combining different types of media into a single connector, moving information over a single cable, HDMI is more space efficient than other multimedia connection mediums. Over the years, HDMI's specification has evolved many different versions, and their similarities and differences is essential for wise purchasing decisions. Therefore, we will compare and contrast HDMI versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2a, 1.3, 1.3a, 1.3b, 1.3b1, 1.3c, and 1.4.
This is the next generation HDMI standard. It became available on May. 28, 2009. Unlike previous HDMI versions that transfered only audio and video, version 1.4 includes an additional ethernet channel for high-speed bi-directional communication at 100 Mb/s. This allows IP-capable HDMI devices to connect with the internet or other network without needing a separate ethernet cable. HDMI 1.4 also includes a new audio return channel to reduce the number of cables required for audio transfer. Other new features introduced in version 1.4 include 3D Over HDMI, for transfer of 3D formats and resolutions between HDMI devices, resolution support up to 3840x2160p at 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz and 4096x2160p at 24Hz, color space support for sYCC601, Adobe RGB, and Adobe YCC601, a new Micro HDMI connector, which is 50% smaller than the HDMI Mini connector, and the Automotive Connection System for HD content delivery inside vehicles.
HDMI 1.3
Version 1.3 was released on Jun. 22, 2006. Compared to version 1.2, this version included a faster 10.2 Gb/s. single-link bandwith and supports Deep Color, 30-bit/36-bit/48-bit xvYCC, sRGB, YCbCR, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and auto A/V syncing. Furthermore, HDMI 1.3 created two categories of cable classification, with Category 1 and Category 2 qualifications of 74.25 MHz and 340 MHz respectively. HDMI Type C connectors, for use with portable devices, was also introduced at this time.
Version 1.3a became available on Nov. 10, 2006. This revision of version 1.3 included minor modifications to the Type C connection and slight changes to specifications on certain data. The most notable change in this version is the addition of CEC timer controls and audio control commands.
HDMI 1.3b, HDMI 1.3b1, and HDMI 1.3c were released on Mar. 26, 2007, Nov. 09, 2007, and Aug. 25, 2008 respectively. Compared to previous versions, they only included newer testing and compliance requirements.
HDMI 1.2
Version 1.2 was released on Aug. 08, 2005 and provided support for Super Audio CD's, computers, and low-voltage sources. For SACD, HDMI 1.2 could carry eight channels of One Bit Audio. For computers, HDMI 1.2 included a new Type A connector and could support both sRGB and YCbCr color spaces.
Version 1.2a was released on Dec. 14, 2005 and included support for Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) signals for control of HDMI devices over HDMI connections.
HDMI 1.1
Version 1.1 is an enhanced version of 1.0 with added support for DVD audio. This version came out on May. 20, 2004.
HDMI 1.0
Version 1.0 is the first consumer-ready version of HDMI and became available on Dec. 09, 2002. It combines audio and video channels into a sinlge cable. HDMI 1.0 can use TMDS to transfer data up to 4.9 Gb/s. and can deliver video up to 3.96 Gb/s. This verison of HDMI supported 1080p/60 Hz (UXGA) video and 8-channel LPCM/192 kHZ/24-bit audio.