HDMI v1.4
With the consistently updating and releasing new versions of products, we thought we would take some time to discuss the new HDMI version 1.4 that was released at the end of September 09. We have come to know and love the advantages HDMI. Not only does HDMI have the ability to transfer uncompressed video and multi-channel audio through one cable, but it is now a widely utilized connector on essentially all new televisions and components. While HDMI took the industry by storm, this latest version has caused massive confusion and a moderate level of consumer frustration. HDMI has been known for future-proofing their technology, insuring that the cables and components you buy today will work on the technology of tomorrow. That being said, it may not be necessary to run out and immediately purchase the latest HDMI v1.4 technology.
However, Real Home Theaters has converted all of our stock to the newest version 1.4 HDMI, to continue to provide the latest technology to our customers. Rest assured that in using Real Home Theaters for your home theater needs you will always be receiving the latest and greatest products in the industry.
There are two facts that have been overlooked when discussing the latest HDMI version. First, many of the new features offered by v1.4 are not currently available on devices. The ability to deliver 4k x 2k resolution is exciting but there are no televisions on the market that can support that high of a resolution. Secondly, the upgrades are not so much to the physical design of the cable, but to the chip that controls your HDMI devices. While the upgrade from 1.2 to 1.3 largely focused on changes to the cable, the update to 1.4 from 1.3 focuses on changes to the chip that controls your HDMI devices. We will get into this a bit later, but first we should start by going over the new features that will be offered by HDMI v1.4 devices.
Ethernet over HDMI
Maybe the most talked about and anticipated upgrade featured in HDMI v1.4 is its ability to transmit an ethernet signal at up to 100Mbs, which is the standard speed of most home network connections. More and more components today are being released with ethernet ports and the ability to connect to the internet. The Xbox 360 and Roku by Netflix are two examples of devices that utilize an internet connection to perform their most basic functions. Instead of having to run a separate ethernet line to each of your devices, an internet signal can now be sent to just one device (and shared with all of the others) through your HDMI cable, further eliminating clutter and cutting down on unnecessary cables.
While this is an exciting feature, your current devices are not designed to accept an ethernet signal through an HDMI cable. This means that if you want to utilize ethernet over HDMI, you will need to purchase equipment in the future that is HDMI v1.4 compliant and able to recognize an ethernet signal coming across your HDMI cable.
The incorporation of an HDMI ethernet channel (HEC) is also where the only cable design difference between v1.3 and v1.4 comes into play. In v1.4, two wires out of the 19 in your HDMI cable are now twisted allowing for the transmission of an ethernet signal over a measurable distance. While your current v1.3 cable will allow for the transmission of an ethernet signal over a very short distance, it will be unable to do so over greater distances. Because the two wires that will be carrying the ethernet signal are now twisted, the signal will be able to be carried over the entire distance of your HDMI cable.
4k x 2k Support
The possibility of having 4096 x 2160 resolution at 24hz, aptly called 4k by 2k, is one of the new features to be offered by v1.4 devices. While this resolution is nearly 4 times greater then the previous version supported and rivals the resolutions of digital movie theaters.
When talking about picture quality, there are three things to take into account. The pixel resolution (ie: 4096 x 2160), the refesh rate (ie: 24hz, 60hz), and the bandwidth (ie: 340Mhz). The resolution refers to the number of dots or pixels that are used to make-up an image. The higher the resolution, the more dots are used to display the image, resulting in a clearer and crisper picture. For example, if your resolution was set to 4096 x 2160 that would indicate that there are 4096 pixels horizontally across your television and 2160 pixels vertically, totaling 8,847,360 pixels used to display the image.
The refresh rate refers to the number of times each second that your television pulls data from its source (ie: Bluray player/satellite receiver) and refreshes what is displayed by each pixel on the screen. If your preferences are set at a higher refresh rate, say 60hz, opposed to a lower refresh rate, 30hz, then each pixel on the screen will be refreshed twice as often in a second. The higher the refresh rate, the more clear and life-like images in motion will appear. Have you ever seen a character run across the screen and appear slightly blurry? This is commonly called “ghosting” and is most likely a result of a decreased refresh rate. Basically the object is moving quickly enough that the image does not appear clearly because the pixels making up the picture are not being refreshed fast enough to accurately display the object in motion. The higher the refresh rate, the faster an object can move and still remain clear.
This is why the image on 120hz and 240hz refresh rate home theater projectors and HDTVs look so vibrant and smooth.
The bandwidth refers to the amount of information your television can receive in a given amount of time. If you would like to double your resolution or double your refresh rate while keeping all of your other preferences the same, then you would need to double the amount of data you receive in the same amount of time. While HDMI v1.4 is offering a resolution that is more than double the resolution offered by v1.3, the bandwidth available will remain the same. In order to offer 4k x 2k resolution without increasing the bandwidth, 4k x 2k will only be available at a maximum refresh rate of 24hz, where as the highest refresh rate offered by v1.4 is 120hz. At 120hz the highest resolution available will be 1920 x 1200, which is fine because the largest resolution supported by televisions on the market today is 1080p. Even though 4k x 2k is supported by v1.4, your television cannot display that high of a resolution. The first 4k x 2k enabled television are not expected until late 2010 and you can bet they won’t be cheap!
Audio Return Channel
Including an audio return channel is a nifty feature being offered in HDMI v1.4 devices. An audio return channel will further help eliminate the clutter of multiple cables and make the need for separate input and output ports unnecessary. Let’s say that you have a satellite radio tuner built into your television and a separate surround sound system controlled by your amplifier to which you run the audio for all of your other components (aka, receivers, dvd players, etc). Without an audio return channel, you would need a cable coming from the TV to send audio to the amplifier and a separate cable going from the amplifier to the television. With the incorporation of an audio return channel, information will be able to flow in both directions along a single cable.
3D Support
While you might think 3D support is not a necessary function, there are many people out there who believe 3D movies and television are going to be next advancement in home entertainment. Sky Television, a UK-based TV company, has already announced the launch of a new 3D-television channel scheduled to premier in 2010. In addition, many Hollywood movies have been released in 3D and people seem to be enjoying them, so it appears that 3D might be here to stay. New devices equipped with v1.4 technology will be able to support any of the available 3D formats.
More Color Spaces (Deep Color)
Color depth is a measurement of the number of bits used to represent the amount of possible colors available to display a single pixel. The greater the color depth, the more colors are available to display a given pixel. If you have more colors available then you can get closer to reproducing the actual real life color of the image displayed. Higher color depth will also help reduce banding, which is the harsh color gradient border created as shades gradually change as illustrated below.
| Banding
Normal
On top of an increase in the possible colors available, v1.4 will also support the color spaces sYCC601, Adobe RGB, and Adobe YCC601. Color spaces are collections of the different possible colors that can be used to render an image. Better color spaces allow your images to be viewed with more color variations that are closer to the real life colors that represent your image. A good way to think of this is using the “box of crayons” analogy. The bigger the box of crayons you have, the more colors you are going to be able to use to draw your picture. HDMI v1.4 takes your box of crayons from millions of colors to billions.
New Connectors and Speeds With the boom in popularity of portable devices and the emergence of video capabilities on most of them, HDMI has figured that it will only be a matter of time before people start demanding high-definition video. In anticipation of this, HDMI has rolled out a new connector specifically geared towards these portable devices. Version 1.4 cables will be available not only with the standard and mini connectors that are featured on the previous version, but also with a micro-connector. This new connector will be able to support the same features as the standard and mini-HDMI connectors and is designed with the same 19-pin configuration. Once again, there are currently no devices equipped with micro-HDMI ports but anticipate them towards the end of 2010.
HDMI has also announced that the newest version will be available in two different speeds, standard and high-speed. They have also announced that they will be offering an automotive connector system that is specifically designed to withstand the rigors of being installed in a car such as increased heat, vibration, and interference. Below you will find the exact descriptions of the 5 different categories that will be offered as they are listed on HDMI’s website: - 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.
Hopefully we have helped clear up some of the confusion that has been swirling around about the new HDMI v1.4 release. What is important to remember is that this latest HDMI upgrade is primarily focusing on changes to the chipset that controls your HDMI devices, not to the cable. When HDMI moved from v1.2 to v1.3 the changes were primarily to the cable, now they have found a way to change the chip to maximize the current cable (with only one minor change). Needless to say, HDMI’s latest upgrade will be bringing some new and exciting features to your home entertainment center!
For in depth info visit: http://www.hdmi.org
If your shopping for a 32" TV READ THIS!We get calls on a daily basis asking for a 32" flat-panel TV for under $300.00. One Problem! It doesn't exist!!The cheapest name brand you will find is $400 plus tax. Do yourself a HUGE favor and spend $70 more for a good one! Here's a little help and guidance for you while you shop.
Be VERY Cautious of the off brand TV's you find at Wal-Mart and online like Element, Dynex etc. They often only have a 90-day warranty and the repair of a TV now will cost you up to half of what a cheap 32" TV cost new. This is also true for most of the lower quality brands like Emerson, Sanyo, RCA etc. We are speaking from direct experience. The only brands in TVs we truly trust are Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and Mitsubishi. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but in most cases you DO get what you pay for. The four brands we trust use higher quality components and come with a full 1-Year Parts and Labor warranty, even in some cases cover in-home service if you need to make use of it. Below is in our opinion the top three 32" Flatpanel TVs to consider and the reasons why. The Prices Listed are our price including the following services: You won't find a better value for your money anywhere! Prices Include:
- 32" Flat Panel TV Listed
- FREE Delivery
- FREE Video Calibration for Your New TV (a $200 value)
- FREE Connection of All Connected Components
- FREE Customer Education
- FREE LifeTime Phone Support (a Priceless value)
- Up To 50% Off Accessories
- Huge Discounts On On-Wall TV Installation and More.
Option 1 (For the budget minded shopper)
Toshiba 32AV502R 32" 720p LCD HDTV $470.00 plus tax
 Looking for a great deal on an HDTV? Skip the no-name brands and check out the Toshiba 32AV502R. Toshiba TVs consistently receive high marks from reviewers for their sharp pictures and smooth motion handling, and the 32AV502R offers great performance at a budget-friendly price. You'll enjoy a vivid high-def picture, thanks to a high-quality LCD panel and advanced video processing. Toshiba's DynaLight system monitors the brightness level of each video frame and adjusts backlight intensity on the fly to maximize picture contrast. Connect an antenna to the 32AV502R and you can enjoy all types of local over-the-air broadcasts, including those in high-definition. If you subscribe to cable TV, you can use the built-in "QAM" tuner to access unscrambled digital cable channels. And a variety of inputs makes it a snap to connect everything from your standard-definition VCR to your high-def satellite receiver or video game console. Specs:
- 32" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio)
- built-in digital (ATSC) and (NTSC) tuners
- built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
- CineSpeed LCD panel (1366 x 768 pixels)
- 8-millisecond pixel response time
- 10-bit digital video processing
- DynaLight™ dynamic backlight control for improved contrast and black level
- 6 A/V inputs, including:
- 2 composite video (1 rear, 1 side)
- 1 S-video
- 2 component video (accepts signals up to 1080)
- 2 HDMI (accepts signals up to 1080)
- optical digital audio output for
- detachable stand wall-mountable (bracket not included)
- 31-3/4"W x 21"H x 4"D (23"H x 9-1/4"D on stand)
- warranty: 1 year parts & labor — in-home service or pick-up for service
The best value in 32" TVs. You get the most for your money of any 32" TV we have found. Option 2 (For the QUALITY and budget minded shopper)Toshiba 32RV525R 32" 1080p LCD HDTV $580.00 plus tax The compact, affordable Toshiba 32RV525R makes it easy to enjoy high-definition TV shows and movies in just about any room in your home. And despite its small size, it offers "Full HD" 1080p resolution. Why is 1080p becoming the standard for HDTVs? Since most high-definition programs are broadcast in 1080i, a 1080p model lets you see every bit of detail in every HD movie and TV show you watch. Images on the 32RV525R look crisp, clean, and colorful whether you're watching at night or during the day. Toshiba's DynaLight feature constantly monitors the brightness level of the video signal and adjusts the screen's backlight level on the fly to deliver deep blacks and well-defined shadow detail. The 32RV525U provides three HDMI inputs for connecting your Blu-ray player, high-def satellite receiver or cable box, video game console, or any other component that uses this high-quality all-digital connection. And if you have any equipment that doesn't have an HDMI output, don't worry. This flexible HDTV also gives you two HD-capable component video inputs, plus S-video and composite video inputs for plugging in your older audio/video gear, like a VCR. Specs:
- 32" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio)
- built-in digital (ATSC) and (NTSC) tuners
- built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
- 1080p Resolution
- 7 A/V inputs, including:
- 2 composite video (1 rear, 1 side)
- 1 S-video
- 2 component video (accepts signals up to 1080i)
- 3 HDMI v1.3 — accepts signals up to 1080p (60Hz, 24Hz)
- optical digital audio output
- detachable stand wall-mountable (bracket not included)
- 31-5/8"W x 21-1/8"H x 3-3/8"D (22-3/4"H x 9-1/4"D on stand)
- warranty: 1 year parts & labor — in-home service or pick-up for service
The best value in 1080p 32" TVs. You get the most for your money of any 1080p 32" TV we have found. Option 3 (For the QUALITY minded shopper)Samsung UN32B6000 32" 1080p LED HDTV $1060.00 plus tax 120Hz refresh rate for Smooth Motion and Incredible Picture! While most HDTVs still use a 60Hz refresh rate, the UN32B6000 doubles it to 120Hz. Together with Samsung's Auto Motion Plus technology, this creates a smoother picture with less motion blur — something you'll definitely appreciate if you watch a lot of action movies or fast-paced sports. You'll also notice that images have a more solid, three-dimensional look.
Specs:
- 32" widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
- Touch of Color™ high-gloss finish — black with red accents
- built-in digital (ATSC) and (NTSC) tuners
- built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
- Ultra Clear LCD panel (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- LED edge backlight for high contrast and natural colors
- Auto Motion Plus 120Hz™ anti-blur technology for clearer motion
- 4-millisecond pixel response time
- 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- x.v.Color™ support
- 1-tuner picture-in-picture
- Internet-capable with built-in InfoLink RSS feeds (requires broadband service)
- 5 A/V inputs, including:
- 1 component video (selectable component/composite)
- 4 HDMI v1.3 — accepts signals up to 1080p (60Hz, 24Hz)
- PC input: analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin)
- optical digital audio output for Dolby® Digital
- 2 USB ports (1 for digital video/photo/MP3 playback, 1 for Samsung's wireless USB adapter)
- detachable swivel stand (stand "footprint" is 17-5/8" x 9-1/2"D)
- wall-mountable (bracket not included)
- 31-1/2"W x 20-5/8"H x 1-1/2"D (22-3/4"H x 9-1/2"D on stand)
- warranty: 1 year parts & labor
The Highest Preforming 32" TV on the market! Period! The image on this TV when using a high quality Blu-Ray Player literally looks like you can reach in the TV and touch stuff. If your looking for quality you found it! Keep in mind the Prices Include:
- 32" TV Listed
- FREE Delivery
- FREE Video Calibration for Your New TV (a $200 value)
- FREE Connection of All Connected Components
- FREE Customer Education
- FREE LifeTime Phone Support (a Priceless value)
- Up To 50% Off Accessories
- Huge Discounts On On-Wall TV Installation and All Home Theater Services
See Our Work @ http://www.RealHomeTheaters.com
Questions Call: 615-469-7736 or
Email: Sales@RealHomeTheaters.com
Repost from EngadgetAs expected, Comcast announced its buyout of NBC this morning, and we have a few details of interest to Engadget readers and fans of rom-coms alike. Essentially, Comcast now owns 51 percent of NBC-Universal to GE's 49 percent and will manage the entity -- leveraging the newly acquired content with their infrastructure. On an investor call (reported by All Things Digital) a short time ago, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts emphasized that the company bought "a bunch of profitable cable channels" and "some theme parks, too" (we think that last part was a joke). Not so funny, of course, is the film studio that's seen better years and the broadcast network that's been described elsewhere as "faltering." When asked about TV Everywhere and Hulu, Comcast COO Steve Burke notes that "NBC has been careful not to put too much cable content on the Internet. We think that's a smart strategy... We think that going forward, you're going to continue to have free broadcast stuff on Hulu, and cable stuff on TV Everywhere." As for rumors of Hulu Premium? "That's certainly not in the cards." Web-based TV fanatics will be pleased to note that Roberts appears to be in your court: "We love Hulu and have no intent to crush it like a bug." That's all well and good, but as we know nothing's final until the government has its say: the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Justice Department are all sure to have strongly held opinions on the matter. PR after the break.
For those who use Handbrake, or have thought about it, ver 0.9.4 has recently been released and it is really nice. Check out the review here or head over to the website here.
 Prices SO LOW we can't advertise them online! Call for pricing! An Average Savings of $167.00 Over Big Box Stores! Plus additional FREE Services and Savings! - FREE Delivery
- FREE Video Calibration for Your New TV (a $200 value)
- FREE Connection of All Connected Components
- FREE Customer Education
- FREE LifeTime Phone Support (a Priceless value)
- Up To 50% Off Accessories
- Huge Discounts On On-Wall TV Installation
See Our Work @ http://www.RealHomeTheaters.com Questions Call: 615-469-7736 or Email: Sales@RealHomeTheaters.com
 SUPER DEAL!! 50" FlatPanel TV w/ Mount, Cables and Installation $1135.00 No fine print, No red tape, No Rebate you have to mail. For $1135.00 you can have a 50" Flat Panel Plasma / LED / LCD TV custom installed in your home. Here's What You Get: - 50" Samsung or Panasonic Flat Panel HDTV
- Free Delivery
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- In-Wall Wire Routing
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ONLY $1135.00 plus tax (Over Fire Place Installation Requires an Additional Charge)
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120Hz refresh rate for Smooth Motion and Incredible Picture!
