HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, a digital video and audio interface technology. In April 2002, Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba jointly formed the HDMI organization. HDMI 1.0 was officially released on December 9 that year, marking the technology's introduction. It has since advanced to version 2.1.
1. Certification Overview
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, a digital video and audio interface technology. In April 2002, Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba jointly formed the HDMI organization. HDMI 1.0 was officially released on December 9 that year, marking the technology's introduction. It has since advanced to version 2.1.
II. Certification Benefits
HDMI supports data transmission speeds up to 5 Gbps, sufficient for 1080p resolution and digital audio formats such as DVD-Audio. It supports eight-channel 96 kHz or stereo 192 kHz digital audio and can transmit uncompressed audio and video simultaneously.
HDMI also supports plug-and-play operation: the source and display automatically negotiate and select the most suitable video and audio formats.
Compared with traditional interfaces, HDMI is smaller, and one cable can replace up to 13 analog cables. This simplifies wiring and provides a high-quality audiovisual experience, leading to widespread adoption.
III. Common HDMI Connector Types
Common HDMI connector types are A, C, D and E.
Type A: With 29 pins, this is the most commonly used type and is widely used in televisions, monitors, computers and set-top boxes.
Type C: Commonly called Mini HDMI, it has 19 pins and is a smaller version of Type A with a different pin assignment. It is mainly used in portable devices such as digital video cameras, digital cameras and portable multimedia players.
Type D: Commonly called Micro HDMI, it retains the standard 19 pins but is about the size of a Micro USB connector. At 2.8 × 6.4 mm, it is much smaller than Mini HDMI at 2.42 × 10.42 mm. It is mainly used in small mobile devices such as phones and MP4 players.
IV. Why Obtain HDMI Certification?
HDMI transmits uncompressed, high-fidelity signals over one cable. Its bandwidth of approximately 5 Gbps places demanding requirements on transmission quality. Certification helps ensure communication quality and confirms that transmitted signals meet HDMI standards.
HDMI also involves mandatory patent licensing. Using HDMI technology or an HDMI interface means using patented technology, so certification and licensing authorization must be obtained from the HDMI organization. Otherwise, use constitutes infringement, which is why some customers' goods are detained by customs.
V. HDMI Certification Process
Step 1: Apply for HDMI membership.
Step 2: Test the samples.
Step 3: Declare quarterly royalties.
