The HDMI Licensing Group unveiled HDMI 1.4, the latest specification update for the broadly adopted standard by the home-theater industry and recently the IT industry as well.

HDMI 1.4 includes many new enhancements that are set to revolutionize the way that it can be used in its respective markets. For instance, the new HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) feature will allow up to 100Mbps data transfers between HDMI 1.4 compatible devices. This could potentially allow broadband Ethernet or WiFi-connected HDTVs using HEC-enabled HDMI ports “to provide internet connection sharing with other HEC-enabled devices such as a game consoles or DVRs.”



Basically, there would be no need to connect both a HEC-enabled HDTV and a game console to a home network router because the display would route its internet connection to the console over HDMI. Likewise, an internet-connected gaming console might be able to provide the display with internet. The whole purpose of the technology is to get home theater setups online and ready for interactivity with Web-based content.



Another neat feature of the new spec update is Automatic Content Enhancement (ACE), which provides support for “future 3D video standards, increased resolution support (up to 4,096 x 2,160 “Quad-HD” resolution at up to 30Hz), and content recognition that promises to automatically optimize the TV's picture settings based on content type.”

Two weeks ago we wrote about several new HDMI “mini connector” prototypes that were set to be released before the end of June. It turns out that they are confirmed to be included in the new 1.4 specification. The HDMI group has stated that the micro HDMI connector utilizes the same wire count as standard HDMI cables enabling up to 1080p video support for a variety of portable electronic devices. According to the latest news, Silicon Image is expected to ship chip samples to manufacturers this quarter, with HDMI 1.4 capable products expected to arrive in 2010.



Several representatives of the HDMI group also mentioned an Automotive Connection System (ACS) that will bring a heavy-duty version of HDMI technology to the automotive environment for in-vehicle audio and HD video distribution. The ACS is expected to provide automobile technology integrators with an inter-locking connector as well as a cable specifically designed to tolerate excessive heat, vibrations, and other environmental hazards typical of an in-car environment.

More info can be found in the press release here.

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/13947/1/

Quad-HD already!? I'm just getting use to HD.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090527005265&newsLang=en

Consumers will have a choice of the following HDMI cables: 
Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60; 
High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification; 
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity; 
High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity; 
Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.

That's a lot of cable choices...

Electronics manufacturers aren't even using all of the features available in the 1.3 spec yet, but good to know that the technology is moving forward.

I think convergence is a good thing. Consolidating redundant items down to one or two parts is a very good idea.


However, I don't know why they chose to converge HDMI and Ethernet, as My HDMI cord goes from my Pc to my TV, and my TV doesn't need internet, nor will it in the future. :P

Ugh; more bloat. "Hey, big brother; can I get an authentication code quietly?"

Convergence is absolutely the wrong way to go technologically. A collection of specialized tools that combine in powerful ways will always be superior; the only con is having a few extra devices and that isn't even a valid concern.