3. The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) or high definition multimedia interface, is designed for connectivity of modern audiovisual systems, replaces the scart that has become outdated with the advent of digital systems for audio and video.

HDMI is designed for transmission of audio signals and high resolution digital video and allow connection between devices such as Blu-ray, audio equipment, DTV, game consoles and personal computers (PC) monitors and digital TVs.

The system is equipped with HDMI HDCP (High bandwidth Digital Content Protection) or digital content protection high bandwidth, to protect copyrights of digital content.

Internal detail of a male HDMI connector.

3.1. HDMI Connector Pinout

A female HDMI connector.

There are two basic types of HDMI, the HDMI standard connector type A simple data link 19-pin (pin) and Type B HDMI connector with double bonds and 29 data pins (pins). Recently, the review adds HDMI 1.3 HDMI Type C mini connector pins and the same characteristics as type A but in a smaller size (10.42 mm × 2.42 mm). And the last review, HDMI 1.4 adds the D-type connector, micro connector size with measures of (2.8 mm × 6.4 mm).

The HDMI connector, like its counterpart has the TMDS DVI. (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) or Transition Minimized Differential Signal for transmission of audio and video. With four pairs of twisted wires for transmission of video signals in high definition, HDTV (1920 × 1080) at 60 Hz (165 MHz) for the HDMI-A, and higher resolution as HDTV (1920 × 1080) to 85 Hz or WQXGA (2560 × 1600) at 60 Hz (330 MHz) for HDMI-B connector (dual link), and 8 audio channels with sampling rates between 32kHz and 192kHz.

This connector also features the CEC (Consumer Electronics Contro l) or control for consumer electronics that uses a bidirectional serial bus AV Link protocol for remote control functions on devices. Widely distributed, each manufacturer appoints the bus with its own nomenclature and we find that Sony states (BRAVIA Theatre Sync), Philips (EasyLink), Samsung (Anynet), Sharp (Aquos Link), Pioneer (Kuro Link), LG (Simplink) Panasonic (VIERA Link) among others.

Remainder of pins (Pug & Play) are the same which incorporates the DVI connector with the exception of those for analog video. The HDMI does not have support for analog devices.

3.2. HDMI Versions

Comparative table of the versions of the HDMI with technological developments provided in each review.