HDMI Information

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) was developed by the HDMI Working Group and first released in December 2002. Built on the HDCP-enabled DVI model, HDMI carries both uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio over a single cable, replacing up to 10 separate audio and video cables with one compact connector.

Key features include Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) for universal remote support, bi-directional device communication, and lossless transmission of high definition video without color depth loss or brightness changes. HDMI cables can run up to 15 meters (compared to DVI's 5 meter limit).

HDMI Connector Types

Type A — Standard 19-pin connector used in TVs, monitors, and consumer electronics
Type B — 29-pin dual-link connector for high-resolution PC applications
Type C (Mini HDMI) — Compact connector for portable devices and tablets (introduced 2006)
Type D (Micro HDMI) — Ultra-compact connector for smartphones and small devices (introduced June 2009)
Type E — Automotive connection system with locking mechanism

Version History

HDMI 1.3 (June 2006)

Increased clock rates from 165 MHz to 340 MHz (single link) and 680 MHz (dual link), raising maximum bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps. This enabled support for resolutions beyond 1080p and deep color (up to 48-bit). HDMI 1.3 is fully backwards compatible with all earlier versions.

HDMI 1.4 / 1.4a (March 2010)

Introduced several major features:

HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) — Allows IP-enabled devices to share an internet connection without separate ethernet cabling
Audio Return Channel (ARC) — Enables a TV to send audio upstream to a receiver, eliminating a separate audio cable
3D Support — Standardized 3D format for gaming and home theater
4K Support — Initial support for 3840x2160 (4K Ultra HD) at 30 Hz

HDMI 2.0 (September 2013)

Increased bandwidth to 18 Gbps, enabling 4K at 60 Hz, up to 32 audio channels, and dual video streams for multi-view applications.

HDMI 2.0a / 2.0b (2015–2016)

Added HDR (High Dynamic Range) video support and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) for HDR broadcast content.

HDMI 2.1 (November 2017)

A major leap in capability with bandwidth increased to 48 Gbps:

8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz support
Dynamic HDR — Per-scene or per-frame HDR metadata
eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) — Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) — Reduces lag and stutter for gaming
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) — Automatic game mode switching
QFT (Quick Frame Transport) — Reduces latency for interactive applications

HDMI 2.1a / 2.1b (2022–2023)

Added Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) allowing the source device to optimize HDR content for the connected display, improving HDR performance across a wider range of devices.