HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a licensable, all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams.

HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source such as a set-top box, a DVD player, a PC, a video game console, or an A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a high-definition television (HDTV).

There are five HDMI connector types, but only three of them are commonly used in computers and consumer-electronic products:

Type-A: Full-Size

The full-size connector found on many home theater/consumer electronics devices such as TVs and computers, HDMI Type-A uses a 19-pin with bandwidth to carry all HDTV modes.

Defined in the HDMI 1.0 specification, HDMI Type-A plug (male) connector's outside dimensions are 13.9mm × 4.45mm, and the receptacle (female) connector inside dimensions are 14mm × 4.55mm.

Type-C: Mini

Fully compatible with the full-size Type-A, HDMI Type-C Mini connector is smaller than the Type-A plug, measuring only 10.42mm × 2.42mm.

Defined in the HDMI 1.3 specification, the Mini HDMI connector has the same 19-pin configuration as the full-size HDMI Type-A connector, and is intended for use with portable electronic devices.

HDMI Type-C Mini connector can be connected to a full-size HDMI Type-A connector using a type A-to-type C adapter-cable.

Type-D: Micro

Fully compatible with both the full-size Type-A and the Mini Type-C, HDMI Type-D Micro connector is the smallest of the two, with its plug measuring only 6.4mm × 2.8mm (similar in size to the Micro-USB connector).

Intended for use with portable electronic devices, HDMI Type-D Micro connector keeps the standard 19 pins of types A and C, but the pin assignment is different from both. HDMI Type-D Micro connector was defined in the HDMI 1.4 specification.

Just as the Mini-HDMI, HDMI Type-D Micro connector can be connected to a full-size HDMI Type-A connector using a type A-to-type C adapter-cable.

Type-B (rarely used)

Defined in the HDMI 1.0 specification, the large HDMI Type-B plug is 21.2mm × 4.45mm in size and has 29 pins, carrying six differential pairs instead of three, for use with very high-resolution displays. From a video point of view it is electrically compatible with dual-link DVI-D, but has rarely been used in any products (and appears to be replaced in the market place by DisplayPort).

Type-E (for automotive applications)

Defined in the HDMI 1.4 specification, HDMI Type-E - the Automotive Connection System - has a locking tab to keep the cable from vibrating loose and a shell to help prevent moisture and dirt from interfering with the signals. A relay connector is available for connecting standard consumer cables to the automotive type.