HDMI 1.4 standard to support broadcast 3D video
updated 11:00 pm EST, Wed December 23, 2009
Compatibility added for range of 3D formats
HDMI Licensing, the group behind the media interface specification, has announced plans to support 3D content with the upcoming HDMI spec v1.4. The consortium will meet in January to add the "Top/Bottom" 3D format. The group acknowledges the lack of a mandatory 3D broadcast format, leaving the standard open for further additions or modifications.
HDMI 1.4 establishes protocols for several 3D display technologies including frame, line, or field alternative methods; side by side display, and 2D plus depth methods.
The new specification also features data as an essential feature, with a dedicated pipe for 100Mbps Ethernet connections. An Audio Return Channel is designed to send compressed sound through intermediary devices, while a proposed micro HDMI connector will support 1080p video for small devices.
HDMI 1.4-equipped devices are expected to be launched early in January at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
