When HDMI v1.4 was published, the Ethernet component seemed really loosely defined. I never found anything that clearly explained how they planned to implement it. Presumably, you need one HDMI v1.4 component that offers a network connection and a network hub/switch to support Ethernet over HDMI with other devices. Was that going to be the surround receiver (which some users might not have) or the TV (which anybody using HDMI will have)? Or was it going to be wherever manufacturers decided to put it, with some way to identify a "hub" device? I still haven't seen much on how this will be implemented, but if the details of the spec are as vague as they seemed from where I sit, I could see manufacturers electing not to invest engineering resources in it.
It doesn't do much for you in your search for equipment that supports it, but I've been skeptical of the actual value of Ethernet over HDMI. First reason I'm skeptical: does your TV need a network connection? Some are offering streaming service and stuff like Facebook and Twitter support, but we're also seeing streaming services supported in Blu-ray players and surround receivers. Second reason I'm skeptical: how eager are we to replace our entire signal path to help eliminate a network cable or two? Let's say your receiver, BD player, and TV all have network connections that you want to use (firmware updates, streaming services, and a way to tweet "I'm tweeting from my TV"). You can replace all three of those devices (two of which are going to be among the most expensive components in a typical home theater) and have a single network cable, or you can keep the three you already have and have three network cables.
