HDMI Quick Reference Guide

HDMI has been on the streets, in some form, since 2002. Through these last few years, new versions of HDMI have been steadily releasing. This is a quick reference guide for the different versions of HDMI and what each version provides to the consumer.

What is HDMI?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface (connection). With HDMI all digital audio and video connections can now be handled via a single cable. HDMI provides a connection between any audio/video source (set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver) and a digital display.

You’ll find HDMI on everything but the kitchen sink these days. Most new DVD players, receivers and HDTV’s have at least one HDMI connection and in most cases, more than one.

HDMI 1.0
V1.0 was released in December 2002 and provided an uncompressed, digital audio and video connection for the very few pieces of hardware on the market actually that had HDMI at the time. Most people only used HDMI for video in those days…if anything.

HDMI 1.1
V1.1 was released in May of 2004 and added the ability to play DVD-Audio. This version allowed 7.1 audio through HDMI equipped receivers. This includes advanced audio, such as Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master, if you own an HD DVD and /or a Blu-Ray player. Although 1.1 can handle advanced audio, all of the decoding must be done in the players. If your receiver is 1.1 compliant and handles audio and video, you are in pretty good shape!

HDMI 1.2
V1.2 was released in August of 2005 and enabled SACD playback…pretty simple.

HDMI 1.2a
1.2a was released in December of 2005. 1.2a doesn’t really affect the consumer much. 1.2a compliant devices have been certified to meet higher standards of quality…which is always a good thing.

HDMI 1.3
V1.3 was released in June of 2006. We should start seeing receivers this summer that are 1.3 compliant. 1.3 adds the ability to view deeper colors from certain sources (new HD digital video cameras, PS3). With the ability to connect to the newer video cameras, a smaller connector had to be designed. 1.3 accommodates that need with a smaller version of the original HDMI connection.

Also with 1.3 we get to choose whether we want our receivers to decode any advanced audio (Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD Master) or our players (HD DVD and Blu-Ray).

There are very few components in the near future that will come 1.3 ready. Just remember in order to reap the benefits of 1.3 everything in your audio/video chain has to be 1.3 compliant. From source to receiver to display, if one piece of hardware is not 1.3, nothing is.

This guide is by no means definitive. For more in depth information, check out the HDMI FAQ at HDMI.org. Home theater technology is moving at the light speed these days, so make sure you have all the information you need before making any purchases. Good luck!