Last time I covered when and why to use HDMI and some issues
to be aware of. This final installment
will explain the different versions of HDMI, then cover some purchasing
considerations.

HDMI Versions

Much like USB connections on your computer, multiple
versions of HDMI have been rolled out over the years. And just like USB, they’re
all compatible with each other, reducing to the lowest version sensed on either
side, so for essential functionality, you shouldn’t run into trouble if
anything in your home theater system doesn’t “match up.”

Newer HDMI versions add additional, optional features, and
manufacturers actually are not required to incorporate any features in HDMI 1.1
or higher, even if they are ranked as newer. Just because your new source
device says it has HDMI 1.3 doesn’t mean that it supports any of the features
listed below for 1.3, so make sure its box confirms support for a specific
feature that you may be interested in. Also, some features (like lip sync)
require that multiple devices in the HDMI chain have the same chipset and
feature support to use them.

Here is a list of the different HDMI versions and the
optional features they can support:

HDMI 1.0 (December 2002) Initial standard supports 1080p
video and multichannel audio (up to 8 channels of 192kHz, 24-bit)


HDMI 1.1 (May 2004) Added support for DVD-Audio


HDMI 1.2 (August 2005) Added additional support for PC
applications and SACD


HDMI 1.2a (December 2005) Added support for Consumer
Electronic Control (CEC) which allows components to communicate; when you power
on your high-def disc player, the connected receiver and display power on and
change to the correct input.


HDMI 1.3 (June 2006) Added support for additional bandwidth
to support future applications including Deep Color, Broader color space
(x.v.Color), Lip Sync, and HD lossless audio bit stream support.

Purchasing Considerations

While each installation or system is different, there are
some basics to consider before you purchase HDMI components. Look for products that support the HDMI
options you need, and don’t worry about the ones that don’t. When it comes to purchasing cables, I
recommend buying ones that are HDMI-certified.
Any cable bearing the HDMI logo is supposed to have been tested and
certified. There are two certification
levels for cables: Standard and High Speed.
Cables tested and certified as Standard must perform at speeds of 75Mhz
(the equivalent of 1080i video). Cables
tested and certified as High Speed must perform at 340Mhz which is the highest
supported HDMI speed. High Speed cables
are designed for 1080p and beyond.
Before you go hunting for High Speed certified cables, be aware that
almost all Standard certified cables will work fine with 1080p signals when you
keep your cables under 10 feet, and some will go further, so feel free to use
standard cables to connect your gear. If
you are installing an HDMI cable in the wall that is longer than 10 feet, I
recommend that you get one certified for High Speed. Since HDMI is digital, it either works or it
doesn’t. If you see “sparkles”, blinking
lines or no picture, try using another cable.

Most importantly, do not equate cable certification with
cost. Despite what some manufacturers
and retailers claim, you do not need to spend a lot of money on HDMI
cables. Some premium cable manufacturers
use their own speed ratings and marketing terms to justify premium pricing, but
there is no need to spend more money for an expensive, name-brand HDMI cable
when any HDMI-certified cable will do. --Adam

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