Articles and whitepapers

HDMI Technology - Clouded by Confusion? (29/8/2008)

By Reuben Klein, Wireworld

Although consumers have been seduced by high-definition flatscreens, HDMI is still struggling to become a common household term. Furthermore, HDMI technology is in danger of being forsaken by installers due to manufacturers' lack of care during production and confusing information offered by distributors, often resulting in the incorrect implementation of this digital signal-carrying system during installation. 'Handshake' difficulties and issues concerning transmission range further contribute to the complications that are being experienced by the AV and automation installer community.

The arrival of HDMI cables has seen a growing need for technical awareness that was not always required by traditional AV and mainstream installers. The subjective appraisal of equipment has now been replaced by objective and empirically-proven measured performance. The responsibility to provide accurate information that will support and assist installers has to be taken seriously by the mainstream providers, as failure to truthfully address the realistic performance that can be expected from directly linked cables, be they cables aided by repeaters, transmission via CAT5, or single contiguous runs, will result in decreased demand for the technology.

Eye diagram test on 5m length of HDMI cable, showing that the cable has passed.

This article aims to highlight a few solutions that may assist in closing the gap between the potential of the cables and the current struggle of this promising technology to reach more consumers in the UK.

A few steps need to be taken swiftly to restore confidence and trust in the HDMI technology:

1) Increased cooperation between electronic manufacturers and cable manufacturers.

The dreaded 'handshake' and other difficulties have contributed to the technology gaining a bad reputation, so in order to ensure consistency and optimal performance levels that eliminate most of these problems, there needs to be better communication between the companies concerned. This will allow all parties to offer consumers and installers products that work and perform EVERY time they are called to perform.

2) Honest disclosure of cable performance.

There are many brands of HDMI cable available. The increased competition for market share has led some manufacturers to throw caution to the wind, and aggressive sales techniques that use inaccurate, unsubstantiated and outright fantastic claims have only helped to breed cynicism and mistrust amongst installers and users.

Consumers who purchased their cables prior to 1080p content becoming available will be in for some very unpleasant surprises when the equipment they were told WILL perform, will not be able to provide the resolution and colours they were promised.

In addition to the current difficulties, there is a growing reason to suspect that some of the cables that have been already installed prior to the arrival of high-definition content (Blu-ray, HD-DVD, HD video transmission) may not, in some cases, be able to provide users with the full scope of high-definition pictures and sound, and in other cases will not be able to transmit any signal at all.

Honest marking and measurements on each package are therefore essential. After all, the food industry has been marking fat and sugar content for years, so it shouldn't be beyond the competence of the manufacturers and distributors of HDMI cable to state clearly and honestly what their cables are designed to do, including transfer speeds (i.e. 10.2/4.4/2.2Gbps, and guaranteed recommended distance of transmission (i.e. 7m, 15m etc.)

Some manufacturers have been labelling their products in a fairly ambiguous fashion, while a very small minority has chosen to provide very clear and explicit information that offers both installers and end users the ability to choose the most appropriate models for their specific needs and use.

Three examples of HDMI cable labelling.

3) Education, education, education.

The possibility of cables having to be torn out of walls and cavities in order to be replaced is real, and the cost of reinstalling and redecorating spaces can be substantial. It is therefore imperative that professional installers as well as high street retailers are properly educated about HDMI technology and its application. There is a huge amount of information available, and a visit to the resources pages on www.hdmi.org is highly recommended for all installers and users. There is also sensible universal information that can be found on some cables manufacturers' sites.

Conclusion

HDMI offers the custom install industry the first universal digital connection, as well as the potential to unify computer and home entertainment systems. Indeed an increasing number of PCs and laptops are now available with HDMI ports, allowing users to view and play content that is stored on their hard drives instantaneously, thus eliminating the need to copy content and store it again due to the lack of a compatible connection.

Laptop with HDMI socket (third from right).

Computer motherboard with HDMI port.

The manner in which HDMI technology has been used up to now leaves much to be desired. I therefore urge users, installers and resellers to obtain more information and educate themselves in order to maximise the benefits this promising digital cable technology can bring.

Reuben Klein provides sales and support for speciality audio and video manufacturer, Wireworld.

www.wireworldcable.co.uk