The HDMI spec has been steadily updated since its inception, with the last major update, version 1.4, giving us 4K support for the first time over one cable. While that is useful for many applications, with more and more productions and live broadcasts eventually going to 4K (some even to 60fps), it's a major step for the spec. Read on for some of the other updates in the brand new 2.0 specification.
Some of what's new in the updated spec:
HDMI 2.0 significantly increases bandwidth to 18Gbps and includes the following advanced features:
- Resolutions up to 4K@50/60 (2160p), which is 4 times the clarity of 1080p/60 video resolution, for the ultimate video experience
- Up to 32 audio channels for a multi-dimensional immersive audio experience
- Up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency for the highest audio fidelity
- Simultaneous delivery of dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen
- Simultaneous delivery of multi-stream audio to multiple users (Up to 4)
- Support for the wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio
- Dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams
- CEC extensions provide more expanded command and control of consumer electronics devices through a single control point
Whether you'll need new cables:
No, HDMI 2.0 features will work with existing HDMI cables. Higher bandwidth features, such as 4K@50/60 (2160p) video formats, will require existing High Speed HDMI cables (Category 2 cables).
So while it's mostly backwards compatible, you'll still need the newer cables to take advantage of the higher specs, like 4K 60fps -- but thankfully all of these cables will work the other way around. Even though 60fps may not be necessary for on-set viewing in many cases, there are situations where it could definitely be useful. What is huge in the upgraded spec is the fact that so much can now be sent over one single cable, including sending multiple video and audio streams without needing additional cables. Since the cables don't feature a locking mechanism and they are generally less flexible, they haven't quite found their way into professional settings as much, but it's clear that the new HDMI spec is not messing around, as the 18Gbps (Gigabits per second, or 2.25 Gigabytes per second) maximum bandwidth now surpasses 3G and 6G-SDI by quite a bit (with the latter not even official yet).
You can read more about it over in the HDMI FAQ section.
Links:
[via Engadget]
Your Comment
20 Comments
I think we got this wrong. I has been announced and will perhaps be available in September... Some year... xD
September 6, 2013 at 10:57PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
is it made by Blackmagic Design or what? :D
September 7, 2013 at 1:04AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Or Digital Bolex. Or RED. Or whatever, it feels like it's common practice now.
September 7, 2013 at 2:55AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Can't wait to watch some 60p movies!
September 7, 2013 at 3:22AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
4k killed the moviestar!
September 7, 2013 at 6:04AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
What does this mean for clean HDMI out?
September 7, 2013 at 7:13AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
nothing
September 7, 2013 at 8:38AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Panasonic displayed a 4K HDMI 2.0/60 fps big screen TV in Berlin (with a live video off a prototype 4K camcorder, no less). It's pricey though.
September 7, 2013 at 8:06AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
4k was developed for hollywood, to bring people back to the theaters. cable still essentially broadcasts a heavily compressed 1080p which is more like 720p beccause of the limitation of bandwidth.. it's a marketing ploy folks. you'll never get 4k feed to your home for decades until they rewire the entire infrastructure.
September 7, 2013 at 10:38AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
It's called Docsis 3.1, supporting 10 Gbps downstream. It's a couple of years away.
http://www.multichannel.com/cable-operators/cable-tec-expo-docsis-31-bla...
September 7, 2013 at 12:00PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
this is many years away for the united states and will cost hundreds of billions if not trillions of dollars. 10-20 years maybe, and it will be scaled out gradually. foreign countries like singapore, japan and korea will adopt 4k broadcasts faster as infrastructure is already wired to handle it. 6 million americans are still on dial up internet.
September 8, 2013 at 11:48AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Docsis 3.1 is supposed to cost about $100 per household. All one really needs is a different/upgraded decoder/cable box at home and a new encoder at the transmitting source.
September 9, 2013 at 7:43AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
what is dial up internet
September 9, 2013 at 5:11PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Two tin cans and a string.
September 9, 2013 at 7:40PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Worse than that. Cable broadcasts 1080i not 1080p (which would be great). Heck 720p would probably even be preferable to 1080i
September 7, 2013 at 12:25PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
I hate even seeing "i" in a comment.
September 7, 2013 at 2:54PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Wide screen was meant for movie theatres but I bet you have one in your home now.
September 8, 2013 at 9:59AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
most do, but they're not 10 ft wide.
September 8, 2013 at 11:45AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Will this also support UHD with the Rec. 2020 video specs of 10 or 12 bit video and wider color gamut alone with everything else promised in the yet to be ratified UHD media specs.?
At the distances required for front projection systems (and large screens will be necessary to see the benefits), these HDMI (Cat 2) cables will be hard pressed to deliver what the organization promises re: UHD. These cables are all over the map in terms of cable distances vs. a clean, error-free signal.
And forget whole house distribution with HDMI.
The compression connectors and jacks are also extremely flimsy and cannot support the weight of these thicker gauge cables.
HDMI is a nightmare.
September 7, 2013 at 12:39PM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM
Thanks for sharing !
Presently i am using a Hdmi Cable and this one offering best transmission speed (10.2 Gbps)with better picture quality.
September 10, 2013 at 12:44AM, Edited September 4, 8:21AM