updated High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is hailed as the next generation of audiovisual cabling. Simply put, HDMI is an all-digital connector that can carry high definition video and several digital audio channels all on the one cable. HDMI was first officially unveiled in 2003, but it's only now that we're starting to see widespread support for the standard. Is it something you should be seeking out?
1. How does it work? | 2. Differences from analog | 3. HDMI advantages | 4. Is it better than DVI? | 5. Is it compatible with DVI? | 6. HDMI products | 7. HDMI cables | 8. What do the different versions mean?In order to watch video content you need to enable javascript and install Flash player version 8 or above.
1. How does HDMI work?
HDMI is essentially a very fat pipe that can pump out a massive amount of digital information between two sources. HDMI cables have 5Gbps worth of bandwidth available (and up to 10Gbps with the newest version), meaning that it has more than enough capacity to carry a high definition video signal as well as up to eight channels of 24-bit high quality audio, all uncompressed. This means that there's no conversion of the signal (say, from digital to analog and then back again) or any compression that could possibly affect video or sound quality. And it does it all through one cable.
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 A HDMI connector from Monster Cable |
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2. How is it different from my current analog cables?
3. What are the advantages of going digital with HDMI?
Because of its digital nature, HDMI also works well with fixed-pixel displays such as LCD, plasma or DLP screens and projectors. A HDMI cable allows you to exactly match pixel-by pixel the native resolution of the screen with whatever source device you've got connected. HDMI systems will also automatically convert a picture into its most appropriate format, such as 16:9 or 4:3.
HDMI has some built-in smarts that allow you to control any device connected via HDMI through the one remote. Since the HDMI connection allows two-way communication between devices, it gives you basic universal remote-like functions which, for example, can tell a HDMI-linked system at a press of a button which components to turn on or off when you want to watch a DVD. 4. How does DVI fit into the equation? Is it better than HDMI?
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 HDMI connectors (right) are smaller than DVI plugs |
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The HDMI standard is actually based on DVI, so picture quality on both should be similar. Where HDMI has it over DVI is its audio capabilities - DVI can only carry video signals. HDMI cables can also be made longer than DVI - HDMI can go up to 15m in length. And from an aesthetic viewpoint, HDMI connectors are less bulky than DVI ones. HDMI connects like a USB device for PCs, while DVI still has screw pins on its connector.
5. I've got some gear with DVI connectors. Will they work with HDMI?
6. What products support HDMI?
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 A Pioneer screen with HDMI connectors |
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On the display side of the equation, most new screens, projectors and DVD players support the standard. Toshiba, for example, have come out with a full range of home entertainment gear all sporting HDMI connections (check out our First Take of the HDMI enabled Toshiba HDD-J35 set top box). Pioneer has long been a supporter of HDMI, with its plasmas some of the first to sport the new connector. Philips has also got in on the act, with its 50" plasma also sporting HDMI. Denon recently released a DVD player with HDMI, while Sony and Panasonic also recently debuted two affordable projectors with the new connector.
Things are a bit bleaker when it comes to audio, though. There are very few receivers that wholeheartedly support HDMI, with most sporting only two or less HDMI ports. The latest Blu-ray supporting receivers are due from mid-2007 onwards.
7. Where can I get HDMI cables?
8. What do the different versions mean?
The latest version of HDMI is up to 1.3b, but there are four main versions that most equipment will correspond to -- 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Notice that the versions correspond with the types of audio they can transmit, as all versions should be able to transmit HD video up to 1080p.
1.0 This is the first version of HDMI and it was ratified in late 2002. It will decode most versions of audio contained in DVD and digital TV signals, including Dolby Digital and DTS.
1.1 This version added DVD-Audio support, which means users with compatible disks and players can listen to 5.1 channel audio streams without the need for six separate audio RCA cables.
1.2/1.2a The main improvement on 1.1 is the addition of Super Audio CD (SACD) support, which means users no longer need to rely on iLink or analog cables to listen to SACDs. The standard also adds support for an as-yet unused Type A PC connector.
1.3/1.3a/1.3b Version 1.3 adds support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio which are used in Blu-ray and HD DVD players. As yet, the only device on the market that supports this standard is the PlayStation 3, but in the coming months most manufacturers plan to release compatible surround receivers. The standard also increases the bandwidth by a factor of two to 10Gbps.
GVA2
01/05/2006 11:36 PM
I can understand DVI connections to the display unit, but why HDMI? I want my audio to be directed to my AV unit, not my display. I would have thought HDMI from source, eg DVD to AV amp/receiver and DVI from AV processor to display. Am I missing something?
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reiserb
20/05/2006 02:33 PM
GVA2: Basically they're talking about a technology that aircraft have been using for a while. Basically, instead of having to have one cable (or 3 for component) going to the TV, and one going to the reciever from your DVD player you can connect one cable from the DVD player to the reciever, then another of the same cable to the TV, and you're done. That's where the "universal remote" and two-way communication it referenced came from. Basically this type of hookup should make for cleaner, less cluttered installs. And I haven't tested the "two-way/universal" stuff yet, but in theory even different brands would be able to communicate, and if you're watching TV and hit play on the DVD player, it would turn on the DVD player, change the reciever's source and play the DVD. Once again, in theory and as I understand it, will test as more products use this type of connection.
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Mogivite
15/10/2006 08:35 AM
I have a DVI STB and need to connect it to a hdmi lcd tv. the STB allows optical audio and composite audio but how will i get that to work on my hdmi tv, or is there a cable that will connect my sound and my dvi and turn it into hdmi? HELP! im not sure if my tv will play sound from the composite input while watching hdmi source. the tv only has an optical audio out
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Costas Sal
23/12/2006 11:14 PM
I have a DVD player Denon 1930.What HDMI connector sould be buy to watch on my HDTV Sony 32" the best picture?
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wayne
17/01/2007 01:49 AM
can you connect an xbox 360 to a hdmi connector on my sharp lc42xd1e (cause the tv has no rgb in ) thanks wayne
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MikeC
21/01/2007 09:26 AM
I have a LCD tv and i am going to get a new HDMI reciever for th tv. Why do i need such a good HDMI cable when the original cable cable that runs to my new reciever? Wouldn't this need to be converted also?
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Arthur_bx
20/02/2007 08:59 PM
Hi, will I be able to connect 4 LCDs to my PS3 so all gamers could use one monitor each? arthurmargab@yahoo.com
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Jman
03/03/2007 09:17 AM
This is a great explanation of HDMI cables
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Dave Murray
03/03/2007 03:27 PM
The reviews, comments and explanations of new technology are excellent and extremely useful when considering upgrades. Well done and keep up the good work.
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Sambuca
23/03/2007 06:50 PM
Hi, I have a new toshiba 32" LCD HD ready tv. I have just moved to Virgins V+ service. I have a HDMI cable linking the two but the V+ displays that my TV isnt capable of displaying HD signals. Am i missing some cables or is it likely i have a fault.
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mel_c1993
14/04/2007 03:55 AM
are you ment to use HDMI cables on ordinary t.v? or does the t.v have to be HD ready?
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grumpyhaggis
16/04/2007 07:19 PM
Why should I pay up to £90 for an HDMI cable? Is there REALLY any advantage of have these super-expensive cables over the cheaper alternatives? (An honest answer wold be appreciated!)
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gen_x
03/05/2007 08:30 AM
Grumpyhaggis, in general HDMI will only gain you benefits of resolutions 1080i or 1080p which most TV's do not currently support. At a resolution of 720p either composite, component or HDMI will be practically the same. I also believe that in some situations "upscaling" (taking old DVD's in a lower resolution of about 384p and digitally scaling it up to 720p) may be better on HDMI, but I am not completely sure on that one.
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Brandimarshall
29/05/2007 04:32 PM
why isint my hdmi cable for my ps3 not showing any picture on my t.v.
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jim treklis
19/06/2007 11:56 AM
I have an LG Plasma that has a DVI input port, I have now just purchased a panasonic DVD player that has HDMI output. I purchased a HDMI to DVI cable and connected it accordingly but do not get any picture. the error message on the DVD played says the device is not HDMI compatable. can anyone help?
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derve3
19/06/2007 08:23 PM
i have a Schaub Lorenz 55 inch LCD tv and i wanted to know what type of dvd player i need to get optimum picture quality, as at the moment the quality is average.
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turbofun1
20/06/2007 10:05 AM
I have a Gforce 7950 video card in my computer connected to my new 37inch olevia TV (720p). At first I had them connected with a s-video cable. The picture was poor. Text was blurred, and I could only reach resolutions of 1024 X 768. I bought a DVI to HDMI cable hoping to see some improvement. (the cable cost $60). The improvement was amazing. In fact I am browsing the internet on my tv right now. The picture and text is as clear as it would be on a LCD computer monitor. (of course at a greater distance from the screen - 2meters or so.) My resolution is running at my tv's max of 1366X768. For those who are looking at a similar setup, there is one setback. The refresh rate on my tv is 60Hz, which is not bad, (computer monitor is set to 75Hz). When watching dvd's from my computer on my tv I can see the refresh.(note, only a picky display enthousiast would notice something like this.) Possibly you could find a tv with a higher refresh rate. (I know I got carried away, but yes, in my case, the cable was worth it).
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jdholmberg
23/06/2007 12:42 AM
I have just bought a Toshiba 72CM9UA rear pro tv, and connected it through my topfield tf5000pvrt, with high quality Monster cabling, and an RG6 antenna cable. I am having trouble of what I call drop outs. The sound will drop out for a couple of seconds often when I am watching something I recorded earlier. Ocassionally my picture will pause, but the counter will still be running. I have to bookmark my place in the recording, stop the program, and start it over again, and jump to the place the program stopped.
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CW
12/07/2007 04:27 AM
I have a HDTV with DVI input. My satelite HD reciever has HDMI output. I have a converter cable for this. My problem is that the format is not correct. When sat. reciever is set to 16x9 1080 there is ALOT of missing picture that is cut off on all 4 sides of the screen. With the sat. reciever set to 16x9 480p there is less missing picture but not perfect, still missing some picture on all 4 sides. The TV is set correctly and is a wide screen HDTV so this is a problem with the converter cable I am guessing. I have had the satelite company come out and they replaced the converter cable AND the reciever, still no change. I am wanting to switch satelite companies but I am not sure that will fix the problem. Can you help me figure out what on earth is happening cause several satelite technicians have been out and they have no clue how to help.
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ralph w
13/07/2007 08:24 PM
does it harm a plasma panel tv if it is left on standby ??
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jean-claude zahner
08/08/2007 02:54 AM
Pregunta :Tengo un televisor Sony kdsr70xbr2 y un receiver con cable hdmi pero necesito un adaptador para el cable y el televisor cual es el adaptador requerido ?
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Dig4play
05/09/2007 01:00 PM
HI I'm using a expressview 9200, hdmi to a panasonic projector (785-u) dvi, but when I go to dvi on projector imput It will only give me pic if bell ird is set to 420p , just blue or black screen when bell hd set to 1080i or 420i or 720p , 420p put my picture aspect out of wack with my screen , How can I get to work @ 1080i which works on all the other projector imputs rgb, s vid, composite, please help?
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Apposile
08/09/2007 12:07 AM
Hi, I've got a Gigabyte 8800GTX and I'm running it out ot my Sony Bravia HD Panel (1366X768) But I have a scaling problem in Windows Vista Ultimate (Someone Shoot Me!) ... I can Scale up "Which is wonderful" BUT I cant scale down "I'm missing part of my Task Bar in Windows" Someone Save me from myself ... I'm irritating me so much with this oO, Storm "Apposile not Apossyle"
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bomb2007
25/09/2007 11:06 PM
I have a plasma that does not have hdmi.I want to buy a ps3 but will i be able to get the high picture and sound quality through dvi?will i get 1080p capabilities?
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mrr56
09/10/2007 03:49 PM
i am looking to buy a sony crt with hdmi and also a philips/sony/panasonic dvd player with hdmi. is it really worth it as this is not a lcd or plasma and will i see the difference?
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DrFun
31/10/2007 11:29 AM
I do not accept any of your comments as valid -your decsription / understanding of what types of signals the component cables transport: red - green - blue, is absolutely false (just google it) and shows a lack of technical understanding of the domain.
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Al Leach
02/11/2007 01:17 AM
Will HDMI transmit the signal back to a DVD recorder for recording> thanks al
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praveen
23/11/2007 07:14 PM
very very very good
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kouzen
28/12/2007 04:38 PM
Problems problems problems incompatibilities behind my right ear and disappointments behind my left. Just you wait until HDCP takes off - the imcompatibilities will skyrocket muhahahahaha. What will the future see? Video cards with only HDMI connectors, connecting to your HDMI only monitor? Integrated mainboards that only have one HDMI-out port, for both audio and video so you won't be able to connect your computer to an AV-receiver and a computer monitor at the same time? :P Or, better yet, your sister wants to watch tv with her wireless headset while you play soft music over your surround set, but you can't, because when you switch your receiver to the computer feed, it automatically switches your TV to the image feed of your GPU that is transferred over the same cable, disallowing your sister to watch tv at the same time because the system is tightly and bidirectionally coupled :P :P :P. Long live ease of use >-D.
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kouzen
28/12/2007 04:39 PM
Problems problems problems incompatibilities behind my right ear and disappointments behind my left. Just you wait until HDCP takes off - the imcompatibilities will skyrocket muhahahahaha. What will the future see? Video cards with only HDMI connectors, connecting to your HDMI only monitor? Integrated mainboards that only have one HDMI-out port, for both audio and video so you won't be able to connect your computer to an AV-receiver and a computer monitor at the same time? :P Or, better yet, your sister wants to watch tv with her wireless headset while you play soft music over your surround set, but you can't, because when you switch your receiver to the computer feed, it automatically switches your TV to the image feed of your GPU that is transferred over the same cable, disallowing your sister to watch tv at the same time because the system is tightly and bidirectionally coupled :P :P :P. Long live ease of use >-D.
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Macintosh
29/12/2007 08:35 PM
Are all HDMI signals the same no matter what? I have a TV I purchased in the US, and have now moved back to Australia. I have tried to connect an Australian DVD player to my TV by the HDMI connectors and all I get is a blank screen. Does this mean that HDMI is only universal as a cable type? Is the signal somehow encoded?
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Sil
21/01/2008 09:33 AM
I have a HP pavilion Laptop. And last week I bought a Sony Bravia 42inches. Now generally I view online channels on the laptop using my broadband connection. The problem now is that I have a HDMI IN on my LCD but no HDMI port on my Laptop.. So please can u suggest what can I connect both so that I can get a good picture quality???
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MEGPIE4
04/02/2008 08:41 AM
I AM PLANNNIG ON PURCHASING A SAMSUNG HIGH DEF TV, I CURRENTLY DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO A HIGN DEF CABLE, WILL A HDMI CABLE HELP WITH PICTURE QUALITY, I DO HAVE DIDGITAL CABLE.
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bilbo
14/02/2008 08:19 PM
I brought a Samsung plasma and I purchased a Sony reciever I have HDMI in both but when i select HDMI on the Plasma i recieve a blue screen but when i press PiP it has a smaller picture in the corner. Can you help me with this. Also can you tell me what the HDMI is suppose to do, i believe it is suppose to provide video and sound thank you.
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nels53
16/03/2008 01:06 PM
do you need a HD box or can you just use regular cable for this and if you need an HD box can you just get one without the company such as a rogers box but not paying for there services.
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SegaRolow
06/04/2008 04:29 AM
Do you know that HDMI cables will not cary Closed Caption unless the DVD player has a De-Coder in it. I found that out very fast. Ifyou need Closed Caption remember to look at the DVD player you get. And see if it has a De-Coder in it so you can Use the HDMI cable. Also I find that when I hook up my HDMI cable to my HD TV, the video is off by about 6". I lose about 6" of my pitcher??? Why I do not know.. Looking into it....
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