Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions

[admin]

HDMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned. Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products.


Discuss "Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions" here. Read the article.

[jhanley]

Another well written and concise article.
Much appreciated!

[Dezoris]

What are the different physical character differences between the cables?

As mentioned that HDMI 1.3 caused a problem with older cables not passing the bandwidth needed for 1080p transmission.

What makes them physically different?

[autoboy]

Most of us know this already, but you might want to clarify that HDMI 1.0 also passes regular DD and DTS just fine. You indicate that it only supports up to 8 channel PCM and that could lead to some confusion.

[Biggiesized]

I thought the PS3 is unable to bitstream DTS-HD. How can it be HDMI 1.3 compliant then?

[brulaha]

I thought the PS3 is unable to bitstream DTS-HD. How can it be HDMI 1.3 compliant then?

The PS3 is limited by hardware architecture to pass bitstream. The HDMI port is however a 1.3 port and is not the limiting factor. Manufactures can choose what parts of the HDMI spec they want to enable on a given product.

[autoboy]

Because the PS3 was the first product to feature HDMI 1.3 they used a preproduction HDMI chip that did not support HD bitstream audio. The regular production HDMI chips now feature bitstream, but the PS3 continues to use the proprietary chip.

[goodman]

So, if I'm shopping for a flat-screen tv, and I want it to support 8, 10, or 12 bit deep color, then it must be either 1.3 or 1.3a compliant, right?
Unfortunately, the only flat screens I know of that meet the spec are Sony XBRs. I really wanted a Panasonic plasma.
Does anyone know which displays are 1.3 or 1.3a compliant?

[davo]

As far as I know the top end Pioneer's are 1.3 compliant

[Clint DeBoer]

What are the different physical character differences between the cables?

As mentioned that HDMI 1.3 caused a problem with older cables not passing the bandwidth needed for 1080p transmission.

What makes them physically different?

This is how it works:

1. Organization A states that a flow of 3 gallons per minute of oil will go down a tube.

2. Company B builds a pipe to handle a flow of 3 gallons per minute

3. Organization A now decides that it will now send 5 gallons per minute down the tube.

Oops. Pipe has already been built, it just can't handle the additional oil flow.

That is what happened. New cables had to be made to handle more bandwidth, or existing ones had to be re-spec'd to state that they can't go as far with the higher speed signals.