Clearing up the HDMI confusion

But that quest puts unprecedented demands on today's leading connection, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). It must deliver only the highest possible resolution video in the digital format but also the highest quality audio content that 9 cables to do only a year ago.

Today's HDMI cable technology is only the beginning of the technology race to transfer even better, more lifelike video content with components and displays in the near future. The standards are evolving quickly as Monster and other manufacturers keep up with advanced HDMI cable development.

There are significant advances in HDMI cable since the original HDMI 1.0 in 2002. There have been 5 updates to what HDMI can do since then. For example today's new standard, HDMI 1.3 Category 2 lays the groundwork for technologies in components yet to come, such as deep color beyond what is available today, higher refresh rates for smooth video, higher resolution to 1080p and beyond, and greater pixel density as will be available from multimedia PCs in home theater.

In fact, many of the cables manufactured in 2002 are not to specification and may not hold up with future applications. Monster has always endeavored to keep our customers ahead of the curve, by providing the best possible cable performance that current technology allows, and always working to exceed specifications. It's really an exciting time for video and audio, and specifically in cables as the race for higher and higher data rates heats up.

Monster has been a leader in HDMI cable technology since the beginning. The latest generation of Monster for HDMI supports higher resolution, deeper color with higher color contrast and deeper blacks, higher quality audio, and higher refresh rates that provide smoother motion, especially for fast action video games. Monster is also a leader for HDMI in Custom Installation. Monster HDMI for CI features high performance at some of the longest lengths on the market, as well as extra-durable connectors, protective jackets, and CL-3 fire rating certification that allows in-wall installation.

It's the purpose of this paper to give some insight to the challenges of making high performance HDMI cables, as well as to educate on some of the differences in HDMI cables, to educate on some of the problems that have been encountered in the field with poor performing cables, and to establish the Monster goal of bringing the highest possible HDMI cable performance to our customers.

WHAT EXACTLY IS HDMI?
HDMI stands for "High Definition Multimedia Interface." It provides an all-digital connection solution in one cable, with the potential for the most incredible video picture ever seen, combined with full, uncompressed digital audio sound.

High definition as we know it today is advancing rapidly, but will pale in comparison with the video of tomorrow. The latest version of HDMI provides for a superhighway of data for products that will come in the near future.. Soon, you will hear new buzz words like "deep color," higher refresh rates for smooth motion, and higher resolution displays, especially for larger screens. High definition, as we know it today, is delivered at a 2.2 Gbps throughput rate. Although high compared to standard DVD at .81 Gbps, it is miniscule compared to the throughput requirements that will achieve the best performance from high definition in the near future, which will require 10.2 Gbps and more. Previous generation HDMI cables developed to meet the original 2.2 Gbps standard are not certified for the new standard, and may not pass the full bandwidth required to provide the best performance from these new products

Evolving technologies in video displays (1080p, 1440p and beyond), new sources such as Blu-ray, HD DVD and Playstation 3, and content (such as the latest in HD movies in 1080p, and 10bit/12bit and greater color depth) all need more advanced cable technologies.

Monster commits to providing the widest range of HDMI cables at various price points, from entry level standard speed cables, to ultra high speed cables for the most advanced video home theaters, some of which are yet to come.