HDMI 1.3 Spec to Handle Larger Bandwidth

High-definition television (HDTV) may not be as entrenched as other video technologies such as DVD or VHS, but it has gained steady acceptance over the past couple of years.

Manufacturers looking to build upon the success of HD have looked for new ways not only to improve the performance of their products, but also to make it easier for dealers and consumers to install and set up these complex technologies.

The most visible of these developments has been the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connectivity format, which in theory allows users to employ a single cable to carry audio and video data from a source component to a display device. The implementation of the HDMI has been limited, but it is growing nevertheless.

This past June, HDMI Licensing, which includes Silicon Image, announced the HDMI 1.3 specification to bolster the usage and meeting increasing demands.

Bigger Pipeline, More Capabilities

Among the features of the 1.3 specification is the format's bandwidth increase from 165 MHz or 4.95 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) to 340 MHz or 10.2 Gbps.

This, in turn, has also led to the specification's ability to support 30-bit, 36-bit and 48-bit RGB or YcbCr color depths, and the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio formats.

From a less technical perspective, the new bandwidth capabilities will facilitate the use of higher resolution video formats. "We will see with 1.3 that if [video-equipment manufacturers] claim 1080p, then it will be tested for 1080p," says Joe Lee, director of marketing for Silicon Image.

"To be able to achieve a higher speed they are putting an equalizer technology into the HDMI chips. If a cable can pass 165 MHz today then it should be able to pass 225 MHz because of the equalizer. However, they will need to be re-tested and they will have to pass these tests."

Termination Threatens Reliability

One problem that could hinder widespread use of HDMI and its new specification could be the format's lack of a locking termination solution. Reports from dealers and cable manufacturers claim that the cable can occasionally slip out of an input or output, which can result in a picture failure and a costly service call for a dealer.

Sympathizing with HDMI's developers and custom dealers is Joel Silver, president and co-founder of the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF), who says that successful installation information varies from job to job.

"HDMI interconnects are extremely problematic in the field if a dealer finds a report of no signal, loss of signals when switching and loss of signal through an A/V receiver. And cable lengths have made [HDMI] a tough launch," says Silver. "On the other hand, reports of superb HD DVD HDMI picture and sound quality from $500 are downright exciting."

Lee says that HDMI's developers are in the midst of finding a solution that will solve any problems dealers may encounter in the field. "It's an issue that has been recognized by HDMI," he notes. "The HDMI group is actively developing a new connector with a locking mechanism."

As for the other reports of the standard's reliability, Lee says that issues such as crosstalk and stability are probably due to a cable's lack of HDMI compliance or use of inferior materials.

Later this fall dealers should begin to see the first wave of HDMI 1.3 products, starting with Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming system. Lee adds that manufacturers should be exhibiting a variety of HDMI 1.3 products at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.