For a few years, and when the euro connector seemed to have won the game to the rest of the audiovisual connection systems, a type of new connection has managed to gain a foothold and even stay with the market of audiovisual connectors: the HDMI.
HDMI stands for ” High-Definition Multimedia Interface ” and is neither more nor less than a type of connector that allows an improvement of the display of DVD devices, Blu-ray, consoles, computers to televisions, monitors, video projectors and a long etcetera. The concept of this cable is the power to dispense with having to use several cables to connect audio and video signals from a computer or HD / DVD / Blu-Ray device to a TV or monitor. To give an example: a blu-ray player connected to our TV, using only a single cable that transmits audio and video simultaneously. Because the connections are digital, the audio/video quality is the best.
Several companies collaborated with the development of this type of connection, among others: Hitachi, Sony, Thomson, Toshiba, Silicon Image and Philips. Now practically all the devices come equipped with this connection, which little by little has been replacing the rest.
At this point, some readers may be wondering what is the difference between HDMI and DVI, since the latter is also capable of transmitting in digital because the first difference is easy to find since the DVI system does not convert audio signals requiring an extra cable to connect the audio. But this is not the only difference since HDMI allows resolutions that DVI does not yet have, and presumably will never transmit them. The DVI cable is intended for use with the PC or similar devices while the HDMI was developed to be used for any audiovisual device.
However, if something differentiates both systems, is the fact that the HDMI is equipped with a copy protection system popularly known as HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) , created by Intel, and with a high level of effectiveness, what has caused the support of this system not only of the audiovisual industry but also of film producers such as Fox, Universal, Warner Bros and Disney.
According to the specifications, of the HDCP 1.10, all HDMI equipment manufacturers must request an authorization code that will be withdrawn if at any time they manufacture equipment that allows copying as of that moment. HDMI equipment from other manufacturers will not transmit audiovisual content. If you need best HDMI KVM switch, then get it now from BuyTesSmart.
Types of HDMI
There are two types of HDMI connectors. The “type A” that has 19 pins and the “B type” of 29 pins created with the intention of carrying an expanded video channel for high-resolution screens with the 1080p format. The “type B” is not in widespread use while the use of the “type A” is extended to a high degree.
The HDMI “Type A” is compatible with DVI link, ie you can use a DVI source to an HDMI monitor. In this way, you can use a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, with the appropriate cable. Evidently, with this wiring, the audio functions will be unused since DVI does not carry audio.
Let’s review the evolution of the HDMI system and its rules over time since that distant 2002 when it came out.
19 pin HDMI connector TYPE A
HDMI 1.0
It was introduced in 2002 and consisted of a single digital audio/video connection cable that supported up to 165 Mpix / s in video mode (1080p 60Hz or UXGA) and 8-channel / 192 kHz / 24-bit audio.
HDMI 1.2
It came on the market in 2005 and had the support for One Bit Audio up to 8 channels added, but the most important thing was the compatibility with PC connectors.
HDMI 1.3
The output on June 22, 2006. In addition to the increase in the operating bandwidth and the increase in the data rate, support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, low loss audio formats were already included. However, the most important advance was the release of the mini connector for video cameras.
Devices that work with this type of cable are the PlayStation 3, the first one that hosted the 1.3, the Xbox 360 and some media players.
HDMI 1.4
With this standard comes 3D video and resolutions like FullHD and XHD, Extended High Definition, supporting resolutions such as 4096 x 2160 pixels at 24fps, 3840 x 2160 pixels at 30fps. In addition, improvements were made to the system of colors and improvements in the system for video cameras that allow high resolution in moving images, which makes it possible to use them in cars and public transport.
In addition, this standard already establishes an audio return channel, which makes it easier to have a surround sound system (4.1, 5.1, 7.1) connected to the TV. It is this advance that allows that when we have for example a blu-ray to our TV we can have an option that allows us to hear the TV through our sound system.
HDMI 2.0
The latest norm so far and that came into operation on September 4, 2013. The features of this norman include 4K @ 50/60 (2160p) video, up to 32 audio channels, up to 1536kHz audio frequency, simultaneous delivery of 2 video streams, for multiple users on the same screen, audio streaming for up to 4 users, 21: 9 aspect ratio support, dynamic streaming video and audio synchronization, CEC command extensions to control multiple devices from one point only.
Nowadays it is a reality that the most used audiovisual system is HDMI and the use of cabling for this system is increasingly frequent and more widespread. From computers to blu-ray players, to video cameras, HDMI cabling is common in homes and businesses around the world.
But first of all the main thing of our wiring is its quality. A cable of quality and that meets the standard that we need will save us headaches and of course the need to change it every 2 for 3 due to breakage or malfunction.
Types of HDMI connectors
There are four types of cables that we will enumerate below.
Type A
It is the most common HDMI connector and the one that is most commonly used. It is composed of 19 pins.
Type B
It is a version prepared for future screens, although its use has not yet been generalized. The type B connector has 29 pins.
Type C
It is a reduced version of the type A connector (Mini-HDMI) and is designed for portable equipment. (Video cameras, photos …). The type C connector has 19 pins.
Type D
It is a micro version of the type A connector (Micro-HDMI) and has been designed to support the most compact and innovative designs of mobile devices. (smartphones, etc.)
