3D Week: Is HDMI 1.4 Just About 3D?

We understand that chatting about A/V cables isn't particularly exciting, perhaps even less so when they're future cable specifications being discussed, but HDMI 1.4 is important for the new 3D technology to work properly...or is it?  Before getting in to that, here's a rundown of what's new with HDMI 1.4:

• 4Kx2K Resolution.  That's four times the current maximum HD resolution and according to HDMI.org, it's the same as you'll see in many digital theatres.
• Audio Return Channel.  You won't need two cables anymore, as this new channel sends audio over HDMI to your receiver along with video to your TV.
• HDMI Ethernet.  This will let you use a device as an Internet hub, sending a 100Mbps signal to every other connected device, so you won't need an Ethernet connection for each one.
• 3D Over HDMI.  Dual-stream 1080p signals and support for the various common 3D formats expected to be used.

Then we have some updates specific to HDMI on non-home cinema devices:

• Expanded Color Spaces Support.  Better colour support when using HDMI with a digital camera.
• Micro HDMI.  A smaller connector for use with small devices.
• Automotive Connection.  HD content in cars.  Wow!  Are we excited about that?  No.

Reading those specifications, you would be forgiven for thinking that '3D Over HDMI' means you're going to need an HDMI 1.4 spec machine and new cables to display 3D.  Well, it turns out this is not entirely the case and that HDMI 1.3a cables should be able to do everything but the HDMI Ethernet service.

This is because not all HDMI cables are born equal, as there are now five different specs available - HDMI Standard, HDMI Standard with Ethernet, HDMI Standard Automotive, HDMI High Speed and HDMI High Speed with Ethernet.  Provided your equipment and cables are HDMI High Speed compliant, you'll be able to send 3D to a 3D TV over HDMI 1.3a.  This appears to be the reason a PlayStation 3 will be able to display 3D content with only a firmware upgrade.  The difference between a 3D HDMI 1.3a image and a 3D HDMI 1.4 image will be a slight downgrade in quality - dual 1080i images instead of dual 1080p images from Blu-ray content.

So, HDMI 1.4 isn't essential for 3D playback, but your new 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player will likely have it anyway.  Just don't be fooled into thinking you have to buy a new and likely rather pricey full 1.4 spec cable, as just a High Speed HDMI will be fine unless you plan to use the new Ethernet feature.

Comments

[L3]

Not particularly exciting?!? This is huge!!!

Ethernet over HDMI sounds amazing!

Could you please elaborate on the Audio return channel concept? I don't follow...

[RMK]

Are you sure about this comment?

The difference between a 3D HDMI 1.3a image and a 3D HDMI 1.4 image will be a slight downgrade in quality - dual 1080i images instead of dual 1080p images from Blu-ray content.

[Andy Boxall]

@RMK

Yes, as far as I can tell, this is correct. The link to DVICE agrees, as does CNET, who state:

'(HDMI 1.4) The standard also supports 3D in full 1080p resolution — version 1.3 only supports 1080i — and resolutions up to 4K/2K (3840/2160p).'

Full article: http://www.cnet.com.au/why-hdmi-what-you-need-to-know-before-going-digital-240004563.htm

I didn't go into too much detail, mainly because it's a minefield of different bits of information with very little help in clearing it up from HDMI.org themselves. But from what I understand, 1.3a's ability to display only 1080i 3D comes from both speed issues with the cable and from the hardware using HDMI 1.3a.

Is this 100%? No, and I don't think anyone can be until they try both back to back with the right equipment.

[omar]

I am going to buy a new desktop PC for 3D mvie watching . in these days Arcsoft provided 3D BD player software and I am going to by a desktop high specs like Nvidia twin GTX480 , intel core i7 extreme , windows 7 - 64bit , 10x blu-ray disk player , Panasonic 3D Plasma 55 inch .

my plan comes with budget $10,000 .

m question Start buying products or waiting for HDMI 1.4 and another future products ?

thank you ,and right now i'll wait for 2 months to see what going on !