Definition and Main Applications of HDMI Interface

What is HDMI interface?
1. Definition of HDMI interface
HDMI interface is a digital multimedia interface standard mainly used to connect high-definition multimedia devices, such as high-definition TVs, high-definition projectors, high-definition displays, etc. Its full name is "High Definition Multimedia Interface", and its English full name is "High Definition Multimedia Interface". The HDMI interface supports the transmission of high-resolution video streams and high fidelity audio streams, greatly reducing the complexity of wiring.
2. The main applications of HDMI interface
With the continuous development of high-definition video technology, HDMI interface has become one of the standard configurations for high-definition TVs and high-performance gaming laptops. HDMI interface is an efficient, stable, and reliable high-definition multimedia interface standard, widely used in various high-definition devices and household appliances, and is one of the preferred interfaces for high-definition video signal transmission.
New generation HDMI specification release and higher bandwidth support
1. Review of HDMI Interface Development
The history of HDMI interface can be traced back to 2002, by Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips Silicon Image、 Sony, Thomson, and Toshiba (commonly known as "7C" in the industry) jointly formed the HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface Organization, also known as the HDMI Association. On December 9th of the same year, the HDMI 1.0 standard was officially released, marking the official entry of HDMI technology into the historical stage.
After HDMI 1.4b in 2011, the HDMI Forum emerged, which is a more open organizational forum with over 80 members. Keysight is also an important member of the technical working group and testing group.
In 2013, the HDMI Forum released the HDMI 2.0 specification, which increased the data rate from 3.4Gbps/lane to 6Gbps/lane and can support 4K@30Hz And 4K@60Hz High definition display.
In 2017, HDMI 2.1 supported a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates, including 8K@60Hz And 4K@120Hz The resolution is as high as 10K. It also supports dynamic HDR format, with bandwidth increased to 48Gbps.
2. HDMI 2.2 new specification release and highlights
In January 2025, the HDMI forum released the new HDMI 2.2 standard at the Global Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Compared to HDMI 2.1, the three major highlights of the new standard are as follows:
Highlight 1:
The new generation of HDMI fixed rate transmission (FRL) technology achieves a bandwidth of 96Gbps, which is twice as much as 2.1. The highest possible support 4K@240Hz perhaps 12K@60Hz Transmission of uncompressed video.
Highlight 2:
The brand new Super 96 HDMI cable supports all HDMI 2.2 functions. Expected to be launched in the third/fourth quarter of 2025.
Highlight 3:
Whether it's the obvious mouth shape mismatch when characters speak or the asynchronous interaction in fast-paced games, this experience of audio and visual asynchrony can be distracting and even make it impossible to watch. When the system involves multiple audio and video connections, the situation may be even worse. Delay Indication Protocol (LIP) is used to improve audio and video synchronization.
Such high image specifications provide content producers such as television, film, and game studios with higher quality choices in the present and future, while enabling multiple distribution platforms. Faster 96Gbps bandwidth can meet the transmission requirements of data intensive, immersive, and virtual applications such as AR/VR/MR, spatial reality, and light field display, as well as various commercial applications such as large digital signage, medical imaging, and machine vision that utilize 10 bit and 12 bit uncompressed data 4K@240Hz And higher specifications, doubling the bandwidth of gaming and VR/AR payloads every 2-3 years!
HDMI Market Prospects
HDMI technology continues to serve as a leading digital video, audio, and data interface, connecting ultra high definition displays to a wide range of consumer electronics, personal computers, mobile devices, automobiles, and commercial AV devices. By 2024, over 900 million HDMI enabled products will be shipped. From release to 2024, nearly 14 billion HDMI enabled devices have been shipped. More than 2000 licensed HDMI adopters have produced products for nearly 100000 HDMI product manufacturers, brands, and distributors.
With the recovery of the consumer electronics market and the support of AI, the shipment volume of AI laptops and mobile phones continues to increase. The shipment volume of HDMI is also experiencing a mild recovery.
Dede Technology HDMI Testing Solution
As one of the important members of the HDMI Forum technology working group and testing group, Shide Technology. We maintain close cooperation with global HDMI ATC certification laboratories and have always provided the most complete HDMI testing solutions! Keysight's certified HDMI 2.1 testing solution covers all physical layer compliance testing, including source devices, cables, sink devices, and Enhanced Audio Backhaul Channels (eARC). This includes the hardware setup of Keysight's HDMI compliance testing solution (UXR series oscilloscope, BERT M8195A, and network division E5080B, etc.) as well as the user interface of D9021HDMC, N5991HP1x, and N5991HE1x testing automation software.
As the details of the HDMI 2.2 spec are further determined, Shide Technology is also rapidly developing new testing solutions for HDMI 2.2. It can be predicted that with the upgrade of larger bandwidth, the bandwidth of the oscilloscope may need to be at 25GHz; In terms of online cable testing, HDMI LA will launch Ultra 96G Cat4 Cable for transmitting HDMI 2.2 audio and video content. Cat4 Cable testing mainly relies on network partitioning, and the corresponding network partitioning testing equipment frequency band needs to be upgraded to 26.5 GHz. In addition, what new instruments, testing software, and testing fixtures are available for updates? We look forward to the release of Keysight as soon as possible!
summarize
With the release of the new specification of HDMI 2.2, higher bandwidth support, more resolution and refresh rate support, it brings consumers a better audio-visual experience! As an important member of the HDMI Forum technical working group and testing group, Shide Technology provides a complete HDMI testing solution and always maintains consistency with the latest specifications to help HDMI products enter the market as soon as possible!
About Shide Technology
KeyS inspires and empowers innovators, helping them bring world changing technologies into their lives. As a Standard&Poor's 500 index company, we provide advanced design, simulation, and testing solutions aimed at helping engineers complete development and deployment faster throughout the entire product lifecycle while controlling risks. Our clients cover markets such as global communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics. We work hand in hand with our customers to accelerate innovation and create a secure and interconnected world.