HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

HDMI is short for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is an interfacing standard for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed/uncompressed digital audio data from a HDMI-compliant device ("the source device") to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device. The standard includes a physical connector, cabling as well as specifications on how the data is transferred between the devices.

HDMI is developed primarily for high definition displays in mind. Video signals with resolutions up to 1080p and up to eight 192kHz audio channels at 24bit resolution can be transferred over a single cable. Using an adapter DVI-D and DVI-I signals can also be transferred over an HDMI-cable.

Specifications

HDMI 1.0 is a single-cable digital audio/video connector interface with a maximum TMDS bandwidth of 4.95 Gbit/s. It supports up to 3.96 Gbit/s of video bandwidth (1080p/60 Hz or UXGA) and 8 channel LPCM/192 kHz/24-bit audio.

HDMI 1.1 added support for DVD-Audio.

HDMI 1.2 added support for One Bit Audio, used on Super Audio CDs, at up to 8 channels.

HDMI 1.3 increased the single-link bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbit/s). It optionally supports output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams for external decoding by AV receivers.

HDMI 1.4 increases the maximum resolution to 4K × 2K, i.e. 3840 × 2160p (Quad HD) at 24 Hz/25 Hz/30 Hz or 4096 × 2160p at 24 Hz (which is a resolution used with digital theaters); HDMI 1.4 supports several stereoscopic 3D formats; an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), which allows for a 100 Mbit/s Ethernet connection between the two HDMI connected devices so they can share an Internet connection; High Speed HDMI 1.3 cables can support all HDMI 1.4 features except for the HDMI Ethernet Channel.

HDMI 2.0: The HDMI Forum is working on the HDMI 2.0 specification.

Connetors

There are five HDMI connector types. Type A/B are defined in the HDMI 1.0 specification, type C is defined in the HDMI 1.3 specification, and type D/E are defined in the HDMI 1.4 specification.