New version of HDMI coming out!

HDMI LLC, the company which licenses HDMI standards has announced the features that HDMI 1.4 will include. The latest HDMI will sport an HDMI Ethernet Channel to provide data transfer of up to 100 Mbps. It also features a bi-directional connection, which creates compatibility between the Internet functions of a broadband TV and a, HDMI 1.4 connected device, such as a gaming console.

HDMI 1.4 also includes an Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for additional cables when broadcast audio is being directly received by HDTVs and streamed to an external amp for processing. It includes Automatic Content Enhancement, which supports future 3D technologies, dual stream 1080p resolution, and content recognition to automatically optimize output based on the content that is connected to your HDTV.

The new specification also supports resolutions 4 times the resolution of 1080p. The 4K x 2K support will allow transfer of content at the same rate as digital theaters. It can transmit 3840x2160 at 24Hz, 25Hz & 30Hz as well as 4096x2160 at 24Hz. Color space support has been increased to allow for digital cameras, specifically DSLRs.

HDMI LLC is also rolling out Micro HDMI connector support for portable devices. The 19-pin connector is 50% smaller than the size of the current HDMI Mini connection. The full specs will be available to download starting June 30th on the HDMI LLC website, with the list of products supporting HDMI 1.4 to be released shortly thereafter.

For more details, see below:

Features of version 1.4:

• HDMI Ethernet Channel - HDMI gets a data channel with “high-speed bi-directional communication”. Expect to see speeds of up to 100Mb/sec. Internet sharing from one HDMI device to another will be possible as well.
• Audio Return Channel - this means you won’t need an extra cable for upstream audio transfers
• 3D Over HDMI - 1.4 “define[s] common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices”, up to 1080p.
• 4K x 2K Resolution Support - huge resolution HD is not now supported, including 3840×2160, 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz, and 4096×2160 24Hz
• Expanded Support For Color Spaces - “now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras” like sYCC601, Adobe RGB and AdobeYCC601. This means better color on your television.
• Micro HDMI Connector - this is a smaller connector, about half the size of a standard 19-pin HDMI connector
• Automotive Connection System - a system better suited for in-vehicle use.

Confused yet? The new spec has five cable types (from the release):

• Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60
• High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification
• Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
• High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
• Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.