HDMI 101

When discussing technology, acronyms get thrown around more often than they are understood--SCSI cable, LCD, IP, DVI, etc. Today, we’re going to examine HDMI: what it means and how it works. But first--imagine your ideal home theater system. Can you see all the tools and machines in place? Maybe a video wall? A few gaming systems? Custom surround sound, as well. Now, how do you connect all those audio-video devices efficiently? HDMI is your solution!

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface

The key points to note are the high definition aspect and the multimedia interface element. HDMI supports two-way, high definition video, audio, and network through a single, compact universal interface. Currently, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 both support 4k video.

TMDS stands for Transition Minimized Differential Signaling

The multimedia interface allows for multiple devices to be set up in series, rather than in parallel, to a central unit. For example, if you have an HDTV and a surround system connected with HDMI via a single plug and a single cable, you can then plug an additional device into another port on the TV and the audio will still be sent to the surround system. Vice versa, in your theoretical home theater, if you plug another device into a different port on the surround sound system, it can send video up the HDMI cable to the HDTV. HDMI uses another acronym, TMDS (transition minimized differential signaling) to move protected signal along the length of the cable, preventing degradation of the signal. This means clearer, crisper output, both visually and auditorily.

Built In Universal Controls

The series set-up has additional benefits. HDMI has universal controls built in, so any device with HDMI capacity will be able to interface seamlessly. Back in you theoretical home theater, HDMI allows your television to control your video game system or your surround sound system. HDMI allows all your devices to interact and cooperate, transmitting data without corruption. HDMI also uses HDCP (high definition copyright protection) as an authentication protocol to protect data.

Ultimately, HDMI allows all your devices to perform to their highest potential. If you aren’t fully utilizing the HDMI potential of your audio-visual equipment, you are leaving your data unprotected and transmitted through less efficient parallel systems.

KVM Galore is your source for tech solutions made easy. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we specialize in wireless, HD, digital, mobile, Ethernet, IP and professional-grade hardware solutions for Hi-Def home-theater, audio/video, digital-signage, KVM, environmental monitoring and power.

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http://kb.kvmgalore.com/hdmi-2-0/

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