HDMI Connector
HDMI represents the most advanced connector on the market, carrying High Definition video as well as 7.1 audio. It is gradually becoming the standard for all high definition devices.
The HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a connector that simultaneously carries audio and video. Similar in size to a USB connector, this is the latest and most sophisticated connector in widespread use and is designed to carry up to 8 channels of digital audio (i.e. 7.1 audio) as well as High Definition analog or digital video. HDMI is the only consumer interface that can carry both uncompressed high-definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
HDMI components can communicate with each other, passing remote control instructions and other data to turn each other on and off, meaning you can control your multiple devices with the touch of a button. The HDMI signals carry information about the format of the video, allowing compliant TV's and projectors to automatically adjust the display to 16:9 and 4:3 format.
Created as an update to DVI technology (primarily to make the plug smaller for consumer devices), HDMI is backwardly compatible with DVI, so that HDMI and DVI connectors can be interchanged with an adaptor. Usually found on high end TV's, HDMI is becoming more common on cheaper items such as digital set-top boxes, etc. and is expected to become the standard connector for most digital media devices in the home.
The HDMI connector has two forms, a standard Type A HDMI connector with 19 pins, and a Type B version with 29 pins, designed to carry resolutions above 1080p or refresh rates above 165Hz. With a bandwidth of 4.9Gbps (gigabits per second) - more than twice the bandwidth required for a high-definition TV signal - for the Type A version, and 9.9Gbps for Type B, HDMI will likely be expanded to new applications in the future.
Advantages of HDMI
- Carries audio and video in the one cable - you now only need the one cable to connect to your TV.
- Supports high-definition digital video.
- Compatible component can exchange configuration and remote control information.
- Backwardly compatible with DVI connectors via an adaptor.
- Allows one touch control of multiple components in your home theatre set-up.
Disadvantages of HDMI
- Uses HDCP content protection, so that you may not be able to output a high definition signal if your TV or projector doesn't support HDCP.
- Most TV's don't support 5.1/7.1 channel audio, so if you want multi-speaker surround sound, you still need a separate audio cable to connect to your home theatre audio system.
- The connector on the HDMI cable isn't very secure and the HDMI cable can fall out.
- Generally only found on the latest home entertainment devices.
Want to know more?
To learn more, visit the HDMI organisation.
For more information about other connectors see here.