HDMI 1.3 FAQ

[Pirate]

This basic FAQ will hopefully help people understand HDMI 1.3 better. I have provided links at the bottom of the page for those who would like more technical information including detailed specs and charts.


1. What Is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed audio and video within a single cable. It’s the next step up from the Component (RGB) and DVI interfaces.



2. What Is HDMI 1.3?
Currently, the highest spec for HDMI is 1.2a. HDMI 1.3 is the next level. Below we’ll discuss the differences.



3. What Are The Benefits of HDMI 1.3?
• Increased Bandwidth
The highest current bandwidth of HDMI is 165MHz (about 4.9Gbps). HDMI 1.3’s bandwidth has been increased to 340MHz (about 10.2 Gbps). This increased bandwidth not only allows for the features below, it leaves room for future advances.

• Higher Resolution
HDMI 1.3 supports the future of HDTV. It can provide over 450% the resolution of 720p displays and over 225% the resolution of 1080p. This basically means that it can go beyond the current cutting edge of HDTV, thus providing room for advances and higher resolutions. As TVs get larger, this will assure the best possible image.

• Higher Refresh Rates
Higher refresh rates mean smoother images. I could not find solid data on what HDMI 1.3 will provide in terms of max refresh rates, but rest assured that it will be greater than current specs.

• Deep Color
Please see Question #4.

• Smaller Connector Option
HDMI 1.3 offers a smaller connector option (Type C). This will make connecting to portable devices easier.

• Improved Lip Sync
Video processing usually takes longer than audio processing and this can sometimes cause the audio and video to go out-of-sync. HDMI 1.3 corrects this problem with automatic audio synching capabilities.

• New HD Audio Formats
There are several new high definition audio formats such as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and more. Currently most HD-DVD and Blu-ray players will internally decode some of these formats and pass them through your receiver. At some point in the near future, HDMI 1.3-capable receivers will appear on the market and we’ll be able to have the processing done by a dedicated receiver.



4. What Is Deep Color?
"Deep Color" allows HDMI 1.3-capable HDTV’s and Projectors to go from millions of colors to billions of colors. HDMI 1.3 supports 30bit, 36bit and 48bit color depths. Previous versions of HDMI only supported up to 24bit color depths. "Deep Color" also eliminates on-screen color banding and increases contrast.

Standard Color


Deep Color

Images provided by Audioholics


5. Is HDMI 1.3 Backwards Compatible With My Current HDMI Components?
Yes. Despite the fact that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the new features like "Deep Color," HDMI 1.3 devices will work with your current HMDI-compliant HDTV’s, projectors, receivers, etc.



6. Will I Need A New Receiver To Take Advantage Of These New Features?
Yes and No. As stated before, the current available HD-DVD and Blu-ray players will internally decode some the new HD audio formats. However, if you want the decoding to be done by a dedicated receiver, you will have to purchase a new 1.3-capable unit.

Update: There is a very good post over at AVS that explains why you may not need an HDMI 1.3 to take advantage of the new HD audio formats. Take a look.


7. Will I Need A New HDTV To Take Advantage Of These New Features?
Yes. Currently, there are no 1.3-capable HDTV’s or projectors.



8. When Will HDMI 1.3-Compatible HDTV’s And Receivers Be Available?
Most sources indicate that we’ll start seeing 1.3-capable devices in mid to late 2007.



If you notice something I missed or see an error/discrepancy, please let me know and it’ll be corrected ASAP.

Thanks
-PH



Resources:
http://www.hdmi.org/resourcecenter/hdmi_1_3_faq.asp

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6678689-1.html

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/...ficationQA.php

[ganthc]

So is deep color not possible on hdmi 1.2a? Also, is color banding really that prevalent in hd films?

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by ganthc

So is deep color not possible on hdmi 1.2a? Also, is color banding really that prevalent in hd films?

According to everything I've read you need 1.3's increased bandwidth for "Deep Color." As for the banding, I've not seen much on HD films, but it does occur.

[Iguana Man]

Great sticky...thanks PH.

[Monster]

nice sticky that explained allot... so i might wait for 1.3 and for new HD and blueray dvd player to also to really shine with the 1.3

[Frankie]

Great explanation PH

How would I know which version the unit has?

Most receiver or TV specs only mention that it has HDMI but doesn't mention the version.

F

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by Frankie

Great explanation PH

How would I know which version the unit has?

Most receiver or TV specs only mention that it has HDMI but doesn't mention the version.

F

You may have to do some searching (AVS, etc.). Most receivers made in 2006 or earlier won't have 1.3. Onkyo and Pioneer are about to release a few new 1.3 receivers soon, so keep your eyes open for them. Another thing to keep in mind is that some of the older receivers can be considered "future proof." Check out this great post over at AVS for an explanation.

[Frankie]

To bad some of the early receivers etc couldn't upgraded somehow.

F

[furthest1]

excellent information... about to go pick up some cables this weekend.