 Here are the major enhancements introduced in the HDMI 1.4 specification:
- HDMI Ethernet Channel – Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled devices without a separate Ethernet cable.
- Audio Return Channel – Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio system, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable.
- 3D Over HDMI – Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications.
- 4K x 2K Video Support – Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems used in many commercial movie theatres.
- Additional Color Spaces – Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics.
- HDMI Micro Connector – A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p.
- Automotive Connection System – New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality.
With the release of the HDMI 1.4 specification, there are now five HDMI cable types to choose from, each designed to meet a particular performance standard. Here is an overview of the HDMI cable types, their capabilities, and how to tell them apart.
Standard HDMI Cable
The Standard HDMI cable is designed to handle most home applications, and is tested to reliably transmit 1080i or 720p video – the HD resolutions that are commonly associated with cable and satellite television, digital broadcast HD, and upscaling DVD players.
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the Standard HDMI Cable shown above (720p or 1080i video resolution), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled.
Automotive HDMI Cable
Designed for internal cabling of vehicles equipped with onboard HD video systems. Tested to a more robust performance standard, and capable of withstanding the unique stresses of the motoring environment such as vibration and temperature extremes.
High Speed HDMI Cable
The High Speed HDMI cable is designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and beyond, including advanced display technologies such as 4K x 2K, 3D, and Deep Color. If you are using any of these technologies, or if you are connecting your 1080p display to a 1080p content source, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, this is the recommended cable.
High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
This cable type offers the same baseline performance as the High Speed HDMI Cable shown above (1080p video resolution and beyond), plus an additional, dedicated data channel, known as the HDMI Ethernet Channel, for device networking. HDMI Ethernet Channel functionality is only available if both linked devices are HDMI Ethernet Channel-enabled
To simplify to understand the cable category and the supported functions, please see the table for the relation of the cable category and the supported functions as below:
Cable
Assembly |
Maximum Clock
Frequency |
Cable Adapters |
Marketing Name |
| Category 1 |
74.25HMHZ |
Type A - Type A/C/D
Type C - Type C |
Standard |
| Category 2 |
340HMHZ |
Type A - Type A/C/D
Type C - Type C |
High Speed |
Category 1
with HEAC |
74.25HMHZ |
Type A - Type A/C/D
Type C - Type C |
Standard with Ethernet |
Category 2
with HEAC |
340HMHZ |
Type A - Type A/C/D
Type C - Type C |
High Speed with Ethernet |
Category 1
Automotive |
74.25HMHZ |
Type E - Type E |
(only for Automotive
manufacturers) |
Type E - Type A Relay
receptacle |
| Type A - Type A |
Standard Automotive |
Standard HDMI connectors and applications are as follows:
HDMI
Connector |
Type A |
Type B |
Type C |
Type D |
Type E |
| Connector Shot |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pitch (mm) |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.4 |
0.2 |
0.75 |
| # of Pin |
19 Pins
placed in 2
rows (top &
bottom) in
interlaced
order |
29 Pins
placed in 2
placed in 2
bottom) in
interlaced
order |
19 Pins placed in
1 row |
19 Pins placed
in 2 rows (top
& bottom) in
interlaced |
19 Pins
placed in 2
rows (top &
bottom) in
interlaced
order |
Dimension of
Male (mm) |
13.9 x 4.45 |
21.2 x 4.45 |
10.42 x 2.42 |
5.83 x 2.2 |
21.9 x 9.8 |
Overmold or Boot
Dimension (mm) |
20.9 x 11.45 |
30.2 x 11.45 |
14 x 8.4 |
8.43 x 8.0 |
24.3 x 15 |
Min. Mated
Dimension of
Plug and
Receptacle
(mm) |
9 |
9 |
6.3 |
5.35 |
-------- |
Max. Diameter
of HDMI Cable |
No
requirement |
No
requirement |
<7.0mm |
No
requirement |
No
requirement |
| Applications |
Plasma TV
Projectors
Blue-ray player
SONY PS3 |
No
applications
(reserved for(reserved for
larger
bandwidth) |
Digital Camera
Digital Video
Cameras |
Pocket Projector
Smart PDA |
Automative |
Minimum
Recommended
Cable Bend Radius |
3.7x cable
diameter |
---------- |
3.7x cable
diameter |
3.7x cable
diameter |
6.4x cable
diameter
|
|
