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Understanding HDMI
What is HDMI?
What is HDMI?
HDMI is the global standard for connecting high-definition Consumer Electronics and PC products. It’s an uncompressed, all-digital interface that delivers digital High-Definition video, multi-channel surround sound, HDCP (Digital Content Protection, or copy protection) and advanced communications and control data in a single cable.
Why do I need HDMI in my home?
Many people today view HDTV quality video signals through “component” cabling. Component video cabling is an analog video signal in which the luminance and chrominance is carried on three wires. Component cabling was the standard for High-Definition video connectivity before HDMI arrived, and many homes have whole-house HDTV video wiring utilizing component cabling schemes. Unfortunately at some point in the near future, content providers will restrict High-Definition viewing to displays connected only to an HDMI cable, primarily to prevent any unauthorized copying of HDTV content. Viewers connecting their High-Definition TV’s to any High-Definition source (like a Blu-Ray player or HDTV satellite tuner) using any other cabling method besides HDMI will be viewing a disappointing standard-definition signal!
How does this affect how I watch TV?
If you already have a HDTV display with an HDMI input and a HDTV source (like a Blu-ray player or High-Def cable box) with an HDMI output in a single viewing location, all you will need to do is connect a quality HDMI cable from the source to the display to enjoy a fantastic picture with multi-channel audio! If however, you want to create a house-wide video distribution system where multiple displays can receive the signal from a single cable box/DVR, or you want to discretely locate all of your source components in a centralized location and distribute them to any or all of your displays, a completely different wiring scheme is required.
The challenges of HDMI
There are many challenges to whole-house HDMI distribution.
- The largest challenge lies in processing and distributing the control signal embedded in the content and transmitted via HDMI. HDCP is a highly complex technology developed by Intel to control the distribution of digital content. A simple digital video switcher cannot manage the multiple levels of encryption, key codes, and handshakes that are required to distribute an HD signal. HDCP is designed to block noncompliant signals. If the HDCP encryption is not properly managed by any mid-stream device, the signal will not be displayed.
- HDMI cable lengths over 50 feet require line drivers or other technologies to extend cabling lengths while preserving proper signal integrity.
- The communications and content protection protocols inherent in an HDMI signal dictate that polling, or “handshakes” frequently occur between the source and display to validate that the HDTV signal is in fact traveling to a display and not a recording device. With some devices this handshake can take up to 15 seconds to occur, causing a long “blackout” period.
- Issues with an HDMI signal can result in dropped or frozen frames, HDCP errors, or complete signal loss, making troubleshooting very difficult.
The Solution!
Crestron has recently introduced a revolutionary new technology called DigitalMedia™ which is designed to route and distribute HDMI signals over extended distances while processing and managing HDCP content protection. Please ask us about this industry-changing family of products for your residential needs!
For more information on HDMI, please contact Dave Phillips at 303-758-1818, or via e-mail at dphillips@imageav.com.
June 2009
Residential Division
Dave Phillips
Residential Sales Manager
Image Audiovisuals, Inc.
2130 S. Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-1818
dphillips@imageav.com
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