HDMI Founders Complete v0.9 High-Definition Multimedia Interface Draft Specs.

[J.A.F._Doorhof]

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Founders announced that the draft specification v0.9 defining HDMI, the next-generation digital interface for consumer electronics, is now available for review at www.hdmi.org. The HDMI Founders are Hitachi, Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), Philips, Silicon Image (NASDAQ: SIMG), Sony Corporation, Thomson Multimedia, and Toshiba Corporation.

The HDMI draft specification v0.9 provides manufacturers interested in developing HDMI-capable products with detailed information on implementing HDMI functionality, including: integrating audio by using auxiliary packetized data transfer technology; designing the 15mm, 19-pin HDMI interface for consumer electronics (CE) devices; and incorporating High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). Version 0.9 of the specification is provided to interested parties under a Specification Review Agreement, allowing review of the draft before finalization of v1.0 of the specification. Details are available at www.hdmi.org.

The release of v0.9 of the HDMI specification represents a significant milestone, occurring on an aggressive timetable during the same quarter the HDMI Founders announced the formation of a working group. The HDMI initiative has been met with broad industry support from major motion picture producers Fox and Universal, satellite companies DIRECTV and EchoStar, cable companies and consumer electronics manufacturers.

Designed to usher in the new era of digital entertainment, HDMI combines high-definition video and multi-channel audio in a single digital interface with a bandwidth of up to 5 Gigabits per second. Benefits include uncompressed digital quality, fewer cables, and a small, user-friendly connector. HDMI builds upon the success of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) -- the digital interface technology popular in the PC realm -- offering new CE features, while maintaining full backward compatibility. The key technology underlying DVI will also serve as the basis for the new HDMI specification.

"HDMI offers a viable and attractive solution to the current HDTV stalemate," stated Wanda Meloni, president of M2 Research. "HDMI is the first video and audio standard to amass support from the entire CE value chain, from content providers to system operators to CE manufacturers. Consumers have been eagerly awaiting more compelling high-definition content, and HDMI should unlock the floodgate. The pace at which the HDMI Founders have reached this milestone is encouraging to all those with a vested interest in the success of HDTV."

In addition to the founding companies, HDMI is also supported by major motion picture producers, as well as satellite and cable companies.

For more information about the HDMI specification and the HDMI Founders, visit www.hdmi.org.

Internet Contacts:
http://www.hdmi.org