Date: 04/08/2009

HDMI 1.4 IP cores from Silicon Image enable Ethernet connection in HDMI systems

Silicon Image has launched new HDMI1.4 compliant semiconductor intellectual property (IP) cores for both transmitter and receiver. The HDMI 1.4 supports 3 Dimensional video display over HDMI, 4K high definition video format, Ethernet connectivity via HDMI, and upstream transmission of audio data from TV or any such end device to external speakers.

HDMI1.4 also called 'HDMI Ethernet Channel' technology multiplexes video, audio, and data streams into a single HDMI cable, so that plugging in a HDMI device to Ethernet network is possible

HDMI 1.4 allows two-way, bi-directional communication enabling television as a central hub of all information and data that can be channeled around the home-theater network, otherwise call it a home entertainment IP network.

The consumer equipment OEMs are making every effort to allow their home entertainment systems to connect to Internet directly to watch the online digital entertainment content. The semiconductor devices with HDMI1.4 IP core can enable piping HDMI data through Internet. The first company to demonstrate such product is Cablesson of UK.

The HDMI1.4 IP cores from Silicon Image are backward compatible with older HDMI 1.3 version and other previous versions of the HDMI specification. The IP cores support full 48-bit Deep Color (16 bits per pixel) for near-natural color effect.

"With the introduction of the new IP cores, Silicon Image continues to demonstrate its HDMI technology leadership," said Ron Richter, director of business development at Silicon Image, Inc. "The new HDMI 1.4 features such as 3D over HDMI and HDMI Ethernet Channel have the potential to significantly transform consumer electronics by enabling exceptional connectivity for new personal entertainment technologies like LiquidHD for home theatre applications."