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HDMI Connection Explained

In this article you will have a HDMI connection explained in a more simpler format that you can understand. HDMI is a new standard of High Definiton cables that attaches to the back of your TV or external monitor

What does HDMI stand for

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and connects the following high definition devices:

Blu- Ray Players

HD-DVD Players

and other High Definition input devices.

HDMI inputs started appearing on HD camcorders and digital cameras in 2006

How did HDMI begin

The HDMI cable was first designed in December 2002 by the HDMI Group, with the final specification finished on December 10th 2002. The HDMI Group consisted of major electronic companies such as Sony and Toshiba. By September 2003 at a CEDIA event show over 40 products had been released with the HDMI inputs.

There have been different version of HDMI:

December 2002

HDMI 1.0

May 2004

HDMI 1.1

August 2005

HDMI 1.2

December 2005

HDMI 1.2a

June 2006

HDMI 1.3

November 2006

HDMI 1.3a

June 2007

HDMI 1.3b (currently at testing specification)

How does HDMI connect to my High definition TV

You will need to look at the back of your TV for a socket that looks like this, it will be labelled with HDMI

Why can't I find a HDMI port on the back of my TV

HDMI ports are only found on TV's labelled "HD Ready", which means to receive the label the company has to put the "HD" inputs into the TV, whereas older TV's do not have this.

How does the HDMI cable make the picture look so great

Depending on your HD TV, a HDMI cable will produce either a 480p screen resolution or all the way up to a 1080p. Now to put that into context for you:

480p

This resolution means that 480 progressive lines are shown on the screen and is basically the equivalent of watching normal TV

720p

720p has resolution pixels of 1,280x720 and display HD content, however because there is only 720 progressive lines showing on the TV you won't receive what is called "Full HD"

1080i

1080i (i meaning interlaced) means that there is "1,920x1,080" pixels shown on the screen. Both 720p and 1080i are classed are "HD Ready"

1080p

1080p is the "Full HD" experience, however it is very hard to find cheap TV's which have 1080p in them. The picture displayed is the best HD experience you can get

What is the difference between the HDMI and DVI cables

HDMI carries both high definition audio and video channels in one port, whereas as depending on which version of the DVI cable you get a varied visual experience.

I hope this has cleared up any misunderstanding about HDMI and I hope you have become a little bit more knowledgeable about High Definition inputs


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