Connectivity: HDMI supports a multitude of devices including HDTV’s, Set Top Boxes, DVD Players, Camcorders, projectors, PCs, PVRs, Game Consoles, Laptops, Digital Still Cameras, and A/V Receivers.

Simplicity: One cable is used for connections making it easier for consumers to enjoy an all digital high-definition audio and video experience. One cable replaces up to 11 analogue cables.

Highest Quality: Nothing is given up with the simplicity HDMI carries, and in fact, offers the highest quality as it is digital. There is no video compression, and therefore no signal loss.

Most source signals, such as DVD Players and digital cable are inherently digital in format as are most Plasmas, LCD and projectors. All analogue cables must convert the source digital signal to analogue and the re-covert the signal to digital and the display end. This conversion results in a loss of video detail. As well, the results can vary dramatically depending on the signal conversion at the components and the quality of the cable used.

In contrast, HDMI keeps the signal in 100% digital form with no convergence and therefore, no loss of signal. The result is a crisper, more vibrant and consistently perfect video image.

Supports All Formats: HDMI is universal as is supports all video and audio formats from the older low definition standards to latest in High definition. It supports all types of video formats including 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 1440p. All the audio formats are also supported including Dolby® pt Digital 5.1-7.1, DTS, DTS-EX, Uncompressed (PCM), DVD audio, Super Audio CD, Dolby® TrueHD and SDTS-HD Master AudioTM.

Intelligence: Because HDMI incorporates the latest in digital technologies, it offers a level of intelligence allowing consumers the benefit of “plug & play” without the need for user configuration. It is a bi-directional interface allowing intelligent commands to be passed through devices automatically format adjustments and configurations.

Each device has a chip containing all its information, and this information is passed to the connecting device and vice-versa through HDMI allowing the devices to self-configure for the highest possible signal based on their capabilities.

Convergence: The PC industry has adopted HDMI technology allowing them to connect to the home theatre. HDMI enable PCs to deliver premium media content including high definition movies and multi-channel audio formats. HDMI is the only interface enabling connections to both HDTVs and digital PC monitors implementing the DVI and HDMI standards.

As of early 2007, 50 PC products, including media PCs, notebook PCs, motherboards, graphics cards and monitors had been announced or were already shipping with HDMI.

Reliability: The founders of HDMI were committed to delivering a high quality, consistent and reliable standard for consumers. To achieve this goal they imposed mandatory compliance testing unlike other interconnect standards. These standards are continually being upgraded to ensure quality.

As of early 2008 an independent body has launched the Digital Performance Level Program (www.dplrating.org) to take HDMI testing to the highest standard exceeding the mandatory compliance testing.

Future Proof: HDMI provided leading edge functionality in response to evolving market requirements so the consumers and manufacturers need to use only one connector for all their performance needs now and in the future.