A couple of weeks back, details regarding a new version of HDMI surfaced. A mini-sized HDMI cable has also been mentioned. On May 27th, HDMI Licensing officially announced the specifications for version 1.4 of the HDMI interface.

As far as I can tell, HDMI 1.4 cables look exactly the same as previous HDMI versions. This means that you have to look at the packaging carefully (and probably get one from a reputable brand), since that’s the only way you’ll be able to tell things apart.

HDMI 1.4 includes lots of new features including the following:

1. HDMI Ethernet Channel
2. Audio Return Channel
3. 3D Over HDMI
4. 4K x 2K Resolution Support
5. Expanded Support For Color Spaces
6. Micro HDMI Connector
7. Automotive Connection System

Another thing that’s quite surprising (or should I say confusing?) with this new version of HDMI, are the variants that will be available to the consumer:

• Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60;
• High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification;
• Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
• High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity;
• Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device.

If ethernet is a new feature in HDMI 1.4, why not make it standard that all 1.4 cables allow ethernet connectivity?

For complete details regarding HDMI 1.4 specifications, head on over to the press release at the HDMI Licensing site.