High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the first choice for connecting audio and video sources. HDMI is loved by Hollywood film studios because of its powerful HDCP copy protection function, which affects the best of HD disc players (such as Blu-ray (and the now-defunct HD DVD format)) to send 1080p HD video and HD audio the way. , Through DTS Master Audio and/or Dolby True HD.
Today's best receivers and AV preamplifiers have multiple HDMI inputs and can receive the latest HDMI signals including high-definition audio and video.
In order to keep pace with the times and/or confuse consumers, electronics manufacturers and audio-visual installers, HDMI has undergone several changes to its format since it was released to consumers in 2003.
HDMI 1.0 is the first version of the acclaimed HDMI single-cable, copyright-protected connection system designed to convert high-definition content from audio and video sources to a way of video display and audio playback systems. The HDMI 1.0 specification has a maximum TMDS bandwidth of 4.9 Gigabits, and supports up to 3.96 Gigabits of video bandwidth (1080p video at 60 Hz or UXGA) and eight channels of LPCM / 192 kHz-24 bit audio.
The HDMI 1.1 version of HDMI was released on May 20, 2004, helping to increase support for the now obsolete DVD-Audio format.
The HDMI 1.2 version of HDMI released on August 8, 2005 adds many elements to the HDMI function, including:
• Support DSD or one-bit SACD source
• Type A connector for computer (PC) source
• Support low-voltage equipment
• Synchronization of home theater-oriented video and computer screen
The HDMI 1.2a version of HDMI released on December 14, 2005 has added functions for complete consumer electronics control (CEC) functions and testing.
The HDMI 1.3 version of HDMI released on June 22, 2006 adds the following content to the HDMI function:
• Increase the bandwidth to 340 MHz
• Support 30-bit, 36-bit and 48-bit color deep color (optional), which is a great improvement over the past standard
• Audio synchronization
• Optional support for Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio decoding in external receivers and AV preamplifiers.
• Approve the use of C-type miniature connectors
The HDMI 1.3a version of HDMI released on November 10, 2006 adds the following content to the HDMI function:
• Improvements have been made to improve the connectivity of the miniature connector (type c)
• Signal source termination guide
• Modified the CEC capacitance limit
• Clarified the SRGB video range
• More audio command options
•Conformity test specification
The HDMI 1.3b version of HDMI was released on March 26, 2007, and it was hyped, but only the test of the HDMI standard was added. For consumers, the connection method is basically the same as HDMI 1.3a.
In the early HDMI function, HDMI switcher is very important, because most AV preamplifiers and receivers do not have any HDMI input at all. The switcher allows the system to accept multiple HDMI inputs and switch them directly to the video display device. Early switchers were two-input and one-output units. Larger 4x2 units became popular.
The switcher can still be used in traditional systems with a receiver and preamplifier without HDMI input. However, these switchers cannot pass audio formats on the same cable. For example, a Blu-ray player may output 1080p video through HDMI video, but output analog audio that requires 5.1 or 7.1 PCM audio to the AV receiver or AV preamplifier. Most older traditional AV preamplifiers do not have a 7.1 analog input.
Not all HDMI cables are the same. Although digital cables are inherently higher quality, HDMI cables can provide better connectivity, thereby reducing "handshaking" issues.
Most audio/video cables are made of copper, and HDMI is no exception. HDMI is stable and reliable, up to three meters long. At longer lengths, in addition to the best quality copper cables, if there is no amplification "obstacle", the copper HDMI cable will not work properly.
For very long 1080p (or higher resolution) video information, it is important to treat fiber optic cables as a more expensive but stable alternative. Fiber optic cables can handle higher bandwidth data transmission than copper cables.
Nothing irritates consumers and home theater installers more than HDMI’s frightening handshake problem. The overall design of HDMI has always been a nightmare. Due to frequent software/firmware changes, lack of communication between developers and AV companies, and other negative issues, it should have led to some form of public uprising.
In theory, HDMI should provide a perfect single-cable connection for all AV devices that send high-definition audio and video over affordable, high-performance cables. It should be so simple and reliable that every consumer and retailer/installer happily accepts the fact that content sent via HDMI is often protected by copyright. In fact, the HDMI compatibility version of the audiovisual equipment is different, so you can connect the HDMI 1.1 first-generation Blu-ray player to the HDMI 1.2 version AV receiver, and then plug it into the new HDMI 1.3b video display device. The system may work on the first try, but because of these copy protection issues, you may later discover that there are intermittent issues (or no issues at all). These are due to handshake issues.
Note: Non-HDCP copy-protected components (such as DVD video players with HDMI or satellite receivers) rarely suffer from HDMI handshaking issues. The newer copyright-protected components are also better than the first-generation players with serious flaws.
1. Restart the gear. Surprisingly, this works. I hate the Indian guy who sounds like a cable company call center, but your home theater system is more and more like a computer, but it doesn’t restart as often as it used to. Sometimes, just a simple power cycle can solve your problem.
2. Update the firmware. As HDMI compatibility issues prevent audio-visual manufacturers from working late at night, they need to download new firmware to solve the problem. A spinning DVD burned from a computer can make things perfect all at once.
3. Not all cables are equally divided. For long-distance operation (more than one or two meters), please use only high-quality HDMI cables. Some people are better than others.
4. Keep the system simple. Adding switchers and extra junk to HDMI-based systems will make things more likely to fail. Run audio and video from Blu-ray and other sources via HDMI to the HDMI input on the receiver, and then run from the receiver to the video display.
5. If there is a long HDMI cable between your receiver and the video monitor, please use an optical fiber cable. It is the best solution for performance and bandwidth, as well as for certain connection problems.
Deep Color is a future technology built into the HDMI specification. On HDMI 1.3b, 32-bit or even up to 48-bit video can be allowed through the HDMI cable. Note: There is currently no HDTV signal source that supports Deep Color.
