what is hdmi connection on a tv?

Answer 1

HDMI is the latest interconnect for TV signals. It is an all-digital signal that includes both video and (in the latest versions) Dolby Digital surround sound. It provides the best connection for high definition television since for LCD, DLP or plasma TV there is no digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital conversion required, eliminating one source of degradation. In addition, this connection includes (in almost all TVs) the "HDCP" copy protection system. If you use that connection you are protected from intentional reduction in picture resolution. There is a threat that in the future, program content providers may insist on downgrading any analog output from high definition DVD players, so the only way to get high def from those recordings would be through HDMI with HDCP. So far this has not been done (and broadcasters are prevented from doing it); but who knows what may happen in the future. If you use HDMI you don't have to worry about it.

Some of the new high def DVD players will output 1080p signals, the highest quality HD you can get. Those are only available on HDMI.

Also, there are now available "up-converting" DVD players that put out signals from standard DVD is high-def formats (720p, 1080i). That doesn't make these into HD pictures, but it does improve the quality. Again, these formats are only put out on HDMI lines.

Answer 2

What is HDMI?
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. By delivering crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video via a single cable, HDMI dramatically simplifies cabling and helps provide consumers with the highest-quality home theater experience. HDMI provides an interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, or A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.

HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel, 192kHz, uncompressed digital audio and all currently-available compressed formats (such as Dolby Digital and DTS), HDMI 1.3 adds additional support for new lossless digital audio formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

HDMI is the de facto standard digital interface for HD and the consumer electronics market: More than 400 companies have become adopters, and more than 60 million devices featuring HDMI are expected to ship in 2006 (conservative estimate by In-Stat).
Convergence – HDMI is the interface for convergence of PC and consumer electronics devices: HDMI enables 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.
Evolving standard – HDMI is continually evolving to meet the needs of the market. : Products implementing new versions of the HDMI specification will continue to be fully backward compatible with earlier HDMI products.
Q: Who supports HDMI?
The HDMI Founders include leading consumer electronics manufacturers Hitachi, Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), Philips, Sony, Thomson (RCA), Toshiba, and Silicon Image. In addition, HDMI has the support of major motion picture producers Fox, Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney, and system operators DirecTV, EchoStar (Dish Network) as well as CableLabs.

Q. What are the advantages of HDMI over existing analog interfaces such as composite, S-Video and component video?
Quality: HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
All-Digital: HDMI ensures an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with analog interfaces and their unnecessary digital-to-analog conversions.
Low-cost: HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a simple, cost-effective manner.
Audio: HDMI supports multiple audio formats, from standard stereo to multi-channel surround-sound.
Ease-of-use: HDMI combines video and multi-channel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables currently used in A/V systems.
Intelligence: HDMI supports two-way communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality such as automatic configuration and one-touch play.

Q. What is the life expectancy of HDMI?
HDMI is an evolving standard and changes to meet the needs of the market. HDMI has capacity to spare, and can incorporate new technology advancements and capabilities long into the foreseeable future.

Q. How can a consumer identify which HDMI products support a specific feature, such as DVD Audio or deep color?

The key for consumers to remember is that HDMI has consistently enabled a variety of the most innovative new technologies (whether they be DVD Audio, SACD, 1080p/60, etc.). However, in many cases, it is up to each manufacturer to choose which features to implement in any given product. The manufacturer can thus use its knowledge of the market to choose the mix of features that makes sense for its customers. So, customers must choose devices that have the features that they want (instead of focusing on which version of HDMI is implemented by the device.) . Consumers interested in confirming whether a particular consumer electronics product supports DVD-Audio or any other feature over HDMI are urged to review users’ manuals and product reviews and check with manufacturers directly.