Currently we have to choose between several connectors when purchasing our devices, such as monitors or televisions, to know which one best suits our needs, in addition to the fact that these have different versions. The first installment in a series of four articles on connectors deals with HDMI. The most widespread currently and thanks to this article we will understand it a little better and we will know which one we need according to the use that we are going to give it.
No products found.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface (high definition multimedia interface), allows transmitting digital audio and video without the need for prior data compression. This connector also has the characteristic of transmitting encrypted data, thereby protecting copyright. It was born to replace the scart connectors and the composite video output, since thanks to the HDMI port, we can transfer video and audio through the same cable.
It has been developed by HDMI founders, a conglomerate of companies that came together to develop a joint video and audio transmission system in a simple way. The companies that joined in the development were Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Thomson (RCA), Toshiba and Silicon Image. Intel's subsidiary Digital Content Protection is responsible for the high-bandwidth digital content copy protection (HDCP) system. Large companies, such as FOX, Universal, Warner Bros and Disney, have been the large companies that from the beginning opted for this connector.
HDMI connectors
There are currently five versions of the HDMI connector. Depending on the type of connector, it has very specific characteristics:
HDMI Type A
This is the most used on the market and has 19 pins. It has dimensions of 13.9 × 4.45mm.
HDMI Type B (Not used)
It is rare, using 29 pins and allows the transport of twice the bandwidth of the previous connector. It has dimensions of 21.2 × 4.45mm
HDMI Type C
Technically the same as Type-A, but in a slightly more compact format. It has dimensions of 10.42 × 2.42mm.
HDMI Type D
This one also has 19 pins, but in this case it is often used for portable devices. It has a size of 5.8 millimeters.
HDMI Type E (Automotive)
Very rare and minority use, which has been designed to withstand high temperatures and movement. It is mostly used in the automotive industry.
HDMI compatibility
This HDMI connector is compatible with DVI and vice versa. We can connect an HDMI transmitter to a DVI receiver and a DVI transmitter to an HDMI receiver. This is achieved in two ways, with adapters or with special cables with both connectors. Through this system we will have neither sound nor the emission of signals by remote control.
HDMI cables have a wide range of prices on the market. The vast majority of times either will work for us and we are not going to use an extremely long cable either, since the devices will normally not be more than a couple of meters away, in the worst case. When we have problems is when we face long distances, like any cable. It was from the HDMI 1.3 version that two types of cables were developed:
- 1 Category: Let's say it is the common version and it is for any cable, which reaches 75MHz.
- 2 Category: This is high speed. It offers up to 340MHz and has been developed for long lengths.
HDMI CEC
Its most common use is to transmit audio and video, but HDMI also offers the possibility of sending information from the remote control. This functionality is curious, which allows us to control various devices with a single remote control and to connect via HDMI. It receives the name of HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and the vast majority of current devices are already compatible with this system.
The nomenclature of the manufacturers is not standard, or what is the same, according to the manufacturer, this technology receives a name. Sony has called it Bravia Sync Theater, Samsung has called it Anynet +, Panasonic has called it Bravia Link or EZsync, LG has called it SimpliLink and Pioneer has modified it a bit, calling it HDMI Control.
HDMI versions
HDMI 1.0
Single digital video and audio connection cable and a maximum transfer rate of 4.9Gbps. It supports resolutions of 1920 × 1080 pixels with a maximum frequency of 60Hz and 8-channel, 192kHz and 24bit audio.
HDMI 1.2
It implements One Bit Audio technology, used in Super Audio CD and has 8 channels.
HDMI 1.3
It has a bandwidth of 340MHz, which is equivalent to a data rate of 10.2Gbps. Support was added for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, which are the low-loss formats used in HD-DVD (they used rather, this format no longer exists) and Blu-ray Disc. A mini-jack version for camcorders was also added.
HDMI 1.4
It allows the delivery of high definition video and audio, as well as data and 3D video. This connector goes from FullHD to XHD (eXtended High Definition). Supports video up to 4096 × 2160 pixels at 24 images per second or 3840 × 2160 pixels at 30 images per second. In addition, it also has a system against vibrations, which allows it to be implemented in cars or public transport without the video signal suffering quality deficiencies.
HDMI 2.0
Latest revision of this connector with a bandwidth of up to 18Gbps that supports the latest technologies on the market, which allows users to improve the audio and video experience. Supports 4K resolution at 50 / 60Hz, has up to 32 audio channels for a total immersion experience, audio sampling of a maximum of 1536kHz with maximum sound fidelity, supports streaming of up to two videos simultaneously on the same screen , audio streaming for four users, aspect ratio 21: 9, dynamic synchronization of video and audio in streaming and extension of CEC commands.
HDMI 2.0b
Features are equal to the HDMI 2.0 standard, only support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) is added
HDMI 2.1
The bandwidth is increased, going from 18Gbps of HDMI 2.0 to 48Gbps of this new standard. Support for Game Mode VRR Technology is added, which is a variable refresh rate for virtual reality games. Resolution support is increased to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz. Support for eARC, a fairly advanced audio standard, is also added.
Conclusion
The transfer of audio and video through a single connector is a great advantage, since it saves on cables and being of high definition, a great advantage. HDMI CEC technology adds added value. For the industry, HDCP protection is a great advantage, as it protects creators from piracy. Perhaps as a great drawback is that it is simply a plug-in cable, which can be a drawback since it could be easily detached, while the traditional DVI or VGA offered more security in this regard, by being fixed and anchored.
