HDMI FAQ

As there is a lot of confusion surrounding the different HDMI revisions in regards to topics like bandwidth, features supported and version numbers etc., we have put together this HDMI FAQ which will provide answers to most questions in relation this topic.

This page will cover HDMI Cables and the relationship between version numbers, performance and certification standards. Other topics such as plans for future development are also covered within this page.

HDMI FAQ Navigation Menu

• Are The HDMI Cables Available Within The Space Hi-Fi Store Version 1.4?
• What Difference In Features Are There Between HDMI Versions?
• What New Features Are Available With The HDMI v1.4 Specification?
• What Is The Difference Between HDMI v1.4, HDMI v1.4a and HDMI v1.4b?
• If Version Numbers Are No Longer Used, How Do I Know Which HDMI Cable is Right For Me?
• Why Is There No Reference To HDMI v1.4 On The HDMI Cable I Just Received?
• If 10.2 Gbps Is The Highest Bandwidth, Why Are Some HDMI Cables Advertised With Higher Speeds?
• What About Your Wall Plates and Adaptors, Which HDMI Version Are They?
• What Is HDMI Certification and How Does This Relate To HDMI Cable Performance?

Are The HDMI Cables Available Within The Space Hi-Fi Store Version 1.4?

The short answer is yes, these HDMI Cables support every HDMI version 1.4 feature. However, to answer this directly as yes, these HDMI Cables are v1.4 would actually be against HDMI Licensing guidelines. The correct term that is compliant with HDMI Licensing guidelines for a HDMI Cable that can offer the full feature set of HDMI v1.4 is High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet.

HDMI Licensing has now stated (effective from 1st January 2012) that Manufacturers of any HDMI enabled devices or HDMI Cables may no longer make reference to version numbers on packaging and promotional materials for HDMI products. For further information, please see the HDMI Trademark and Logo Guidelines.

To comply to these guidelines and in strictly speaking terms means that essentially there is no such thing as a HDMI v1.4 Cable. However, we are very much aware that there are many stores offering HDMI Cables as v1.4. The online shopping platform seems to be a grey area in regards to these guidelines and the reference to version 1.4 seems to be the accepted term to use amongst online shoppers, despite HDMI Licensing guidelines.

It is a result of this commonplace mislabelling that we have felt compelled to create this HDMI FAQ and to also include a reference to v1.4 as part of our description or in brackets. If we didn't, it may seem that the HDMI Cables available within our online store do not offer all the features of HDMI v1.4 when in fact they do.

The HDMI Cables available within our online store have been HDMI ATC (Authorised Testing Centre) certified as High Speed with Ethernet (Category 2). This means that they have been tested and certified to offer every HDMI v1.4 feature including 3D, 4K Resolution (4096 x 2160p), Audio Return Channel (ARC), HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), Content Type, x.v.Colour, Deep Colour and Additional Colour Spaces, etc. This also means that these HDMI Cables have been tested and certified to perform at a bandwidth of 340 MHz or up to 10.2 Gbps.

These HDMI Cables are also 100% backwards compatible with previous HDMI versions such as v1.0, v1.1, v1.2 and v1.3 etc.

What Difference In Features Are There Between HDMI Versions?

HDMI version 1.0 was originally released on December 29th 2002. This was a direct evolution from DVI (Digital Visual Interface). This initial version could transmit a maximum TMDS bandwidth of 4.95 Gbps (1.65 MHz). HDMI v1.0 also included support for digital audio in compressed multi channel format (such as Dolby Digital or DTS) or 8 channel LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation).

HDMI offers a number of advantages over DVI. Besides the fact that HDMI offers a more compact design, DVI does not include support for audio. HDMI allows the use of a single cable for both High Definition Video and Audio which simplifies installation and minimises the amount of cables required.

Over time more and more features have been included with each revision. The most recent version being HDMI v1.4b which was released on October 11th 2011. This version added a few new features with one of the most prominent being support for 1080p video at 120 Hz (also enables 3D Frame Packing at 60 frames per second).

HDMI has evolved to now support a bandwidth of up to 10.2 Gbps (340 MHz) and offer features such as support for lossless audio compression (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), 3D, Audio Return Channel (ARC), 4K Resolution, HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), Content Type, Additional Colour Spaces and more.

HDMI version 2.0 is currently in development by the HDMI Forum.

For more information on the differences between HDMI versions, please refer to this HDMI Version section on Wikipedia.

What New Features Are Available With The HDMI v1.4 Specification?

The HDMI Cables that we offer within our online store offer complete support for HDMI v1.4 features such as 3D, Audio Return Channel (ARC) and HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) etc. These high quality HDMI Cables are also 100% backwards compatible with v1.3 (or lower) equipped devices. This means that you can use these cables with the devices you have right now without the need to upgrade your HDMI Cables again later.

With these extended features comes increased bandwidth demands. This means that the bandwidth requirement for HDMI Cables is now greater than ever. It is strongly recommended that a quality HDMI Cable is used to be able to meet these requirements. Our range of certified High Speed HDMI Cables with Ethernet will allow you to enjoy all HDMI v1.4 features.

HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC)

Many new devices and TV's being introduced into the market today include network enabled features such as IP TV, streaming capabilities and other (smart) interactive features. Having an Ethernet channel within the HDMI Cable itself means that with capable devices you will not need to connect separate Ethernet Cables or use Wi-Fi Adaptors for networking as the HDMI Cable will take care of this for you.

Audio Return Channel (ARC)

Previously to deliver digital sound from your TV back to your Sound System, a separate Optical Cable (Toslink) was required to be connected from your TV back to your AV Receiver (Amplifier) or Home Theatre System. The Audio Return Channel eliminates this as the digital audio is passed back through the common HDMI connection between your TV and Sound System. This means that it is possible to enjoy multi channel surround sound without the need for extra cables.

3D

This latest version of HDMI establishes the required infrastructure to support 3D Gaming and Home Theatre, supporting resolutions up to 1080p in 3D. With the introduction of 3D came increased bandwidth requirements for HDMI. By selecting one of our HDMI Cables, this will ensure that there is more than adequate bandwidth available to deliver an optimal 3D signal.

4K Resolution Support (4096 x 2160)

This is the resolution that the latest cutting edge Cameras record in and is also used in a few select Cinemas that employ the use of these Ultra High Definition Digital Projectors. The introduction of HDMI v1.4 paths the way for this increased resolution to reach our Living Rooms in the not too distant future.

Content Type

This is the protocol in which the source device intelligently communicates to the display to determine optimum display settings. This is completely automated and requires no user intervention. The display will automatically select the optimum viewing mode according to the type of content being received from the source device. The optimised modes include profiles for gaming, movies, photo viewing and plain text etc.

Support For Additional Colour Spaces

HDMI v1.4 introduced support for an expanded range of colour spaces. Devices like Digital Still Cameras require additional colour space support to ensure accurate reproduction of an image. HDMI v1.4 provides consumer level devices with support for sYCC601, Adobe®RGB, and Adobe®YCC601 colour spaces.

What Is The Difference Between HDMI v1.4, HDMI v1.4a and HDMI v1.4b?

These revisions refer to the Compliance Test Specification (CTS) and only have direct relevance with equipment. A HDMI Cable labelled as High Speed with Ethernet will offer every HDMI v1.4, v1.4a and v1.4b feature perfectly.

It is also important to note that a HDMI Cable labelled as High Speed with Ethernet is also 100% backwards compatible and will work perfectly with any device equipped with previous versions of HDMI technology (HDMI version 1.0 through to HDMI version 1.4b).

For more information on proposed future development beyond HDMI v1.4b, please refer to the HDMI Forum FAQ page.

If Version Numbers Are No Longer Used, How Do I Know Which HDMI Cable Is Right For Me?

HDMI Licensing has revised the previous version number system to now simply consist of 5 main categories for HDMI Cables. This means that HDMI Cables should now be labelled as one of the following:

Standard HDMI Cable, Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet, High Speed HDMI Cable, High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet or Standard Automotive HDMI Cable.

A Standard Speed HDMI Cable offers a bandwidth of up to 2.25 Gbps (75Mhz) and a High Speed HDMI Cable offers a bandwidth of up to 10.2 Gbps (340 MHz).

For more information on selecting the correct HDMI Cable, please refer to the HDMI Buying Guide.

Why Is There no Reference To HDMI v1.4 On The HDMI Cable I Just Received?

HDMI Licensing LLC have elected that version numbers should not be placed on the packaging of HDMI Cables any longer. Instead you will notice the term High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet on your packaging. This is the correct HDMI Licensing compliant term for a High Speed HDMI Cable that offers all the features of HDMI version 1.4 including HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC).

A HDMI Cable that has been tested and certified as High Speed with Ethernet is guaranteed to offer every HDMI v1.4 feature perfectly.

For more information on compliant labelling, please refer to our Looking to buy a HDMI v1.4 Cable? page.

If 10.2 Gbps Is The Highest Bandwidth, Why Are Some HDMI Cables Advertised With Higher Speeds?

10.2 Gbps is the highest bandwidth (speed) that a HDMI Authorised Testing Centre (HDMI ATC) can test and certify a HDMI Cable for.

We are aware that some HDMI Cable manufacturers or resellers are claiming that their cables support higher bandwidths such as 15.8 Gbps or 21.6 Gbps etc. However, these claims are unfounded and cannot be verified. The highest bandwidth that can be certified by a HDMI Authorised Testing Centre is 10.2 Gbps.

Note: The terms bandwidth and speed, when made in reference to HDMI Cables are the exact same unit of measurement.

For more information on the different HDMI bandwidths, please refer to this brief explanation on the HDMI Licensing FAQ page.

What About Your Wall Plates and Adaptors, Which HDMI Version Are They?

Our HDMI Wall Plates and Adaptors contain all the connection pins within the HDMI Specification. As a result of this they are compatible with all existing HDMI versions (including v1.4). This should also mean that these products will also be compatible with any new HDMI revisions that are announced.

Notes regarding DVI: As the DVI specification does not include audio, in most cases you will need to connect a separate audio cable to your TV or display.

However, some PC's feature non standard DVI outputs (via bridging the S/PDIF interface) which can actually transmit digital audio from DVI to a HDMI connection. This feature is supported by our adaptors providing your PC has this feature.

As DVI (Digital Visual Interface) also does not include HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) as part of its specification, this feature cannot be supported with any of our DVI Adaptors. However, our range of HDMI Wall Plates and HDMI Adaptors most certainly can offer every HDMI v1.4 feature including HEC (HDMI Ethernet Channel).

What Is HDMI Certification and How Does This Relate To HDMI Cable Performance?

Our HDMI Cables have been officially tested and certified to meet or exceed HDMI Licensing standards and as a result have been issued with HDMI ATC (Authorised Testing Centre) Certification.

HDMI ATC Certification is the procedure that HDMI Licensing has in place to ensure that HDMI Cables or HDMI enabled devices meet certain standards. We source all our products and cables from certified HDMI Adopters. This also means that we submit our HDMI Cables to a HDMI Authorised Testing Centre for compliance testing to ensure that they meet the strict quality guidelines.

After passing the stringent testing procedures, we receive certification to state that the HDMI Cables meet or exceed the criteria to be labelled according to the test performed. In this case our HDMI Cables have met the criteria to be labelled as a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet (Category 2).

This means that our HDMI Cables have been tested & certified to perform at a bandwidth of up to 10.2 Gbps (340 MHz). This is the highest bandwidth (speed) that a HDMI Authorised Testing Centre can offer certification for.

Please note that the HDMI Authorised Testing Centres offer the only official internationally recognised program for licensing and compliance. For further information please visit the HDMI Testing Policies web page.