FireFold blog

Here at FireFold, we consistently strive to provide you with the newest and greatest advances in audio/visual technology. That’s why we are extremely excited to introduce a new specification of HDMI to all of our loyal customers: HDMI 1.4! FireFold currently has its first batch of pre-production samples which are in testing now. Currently no consumer devices require this specification so it will be some time before our final release is ready. So what really is HDMI 1.4? Let FireFold educate you.

HDMI 1.4

This brand new A/V solution is bringing on a whole new entourage of features to make your viewing and listening experience so much better! First off, this cable is equipped with an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) that enables data transfers of up to 100 Mbps between supported connected devices. This will ultimately make it possible for a broadband-connected television using HEC-enabled HDMI to provide internet connection sharing with other HEC-enabled devices such as a game console or a DVR. Also, this cable will bring an Audio Return Channel (ARC), enabling broadcast audio to be streamed easily back to an external amplifier; not to mention that the new Automatic Content Enhancement (ACE) provides the user with support for future 3d video standards, resolution support will be increased up to 4,096 x 2,160 pixels at up to 30Hz, and this will automatically optimize the television’s picture settings based on what type of content is being viewed. Below is a detailed outline of all of the new features of this new and wonderful cable!

HDMI 1.4 Features:

HDMI Ethernet Channel

The HDMI 1.4 specification will add a data channel to the HDMI cable and will enable high-speed bi-directional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100 Mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for IP-based

The HDMI Ethernet Channel will allow an Internet-enabled HDMI device to share its Internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. The new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI-enabled devices to share content between devices.

Audio Return Channel

This new specification will add an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTVs are directly receiving audio and video content, this new Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

3D Over HDMI

The 1.4 version of the specification will define common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardize the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.

4K x 2K Resolution Support

The new specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K x 2K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theaters. Formats supported include:

• 3840 x 2160 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz
• 4096 x 2160 24Hz

Extended Support for Color Spaces

HDMI technology now supports color spaces designed specifically for digital still cameras. By supporting sYCC601, Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601, HDMI-enabled display devices will be capable of
reproducing more life-like colors when connected to a digital still camera.

Micro HDMI Connector

The Micro HDMI Connector is a significantly small 19-pin connector that supports up to 1080p resolutions for portable devices. This new connector is approximately 50% smaller than the size of the existing HDMI Mini Connector.

Automotive Connection System

The Automotive Connection System is a cabling specification designed to be used as the basis for in-vehicle HD content distribution. The HDMI 1.4 specification will provide a solution designed to meet the rigors and environmental issues commonly found in automobiles, such as heat, vibration and noise. Using the Automotive Connection System, automobile manufacturers will now have a viable solution for distributing HD content within the car.

To view additional information view our spec sheet on this cable by clicking the link below:

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Hopefully, our detailed explanation of the incredible new specifications that HDMI 1.4 has to offer has educated you. Release of this new A/V solution will follow our complete testing of this product, and we hope that you are just as excited as we are!