Archive for: HDMI
If you’re the type to use their DisplayPort toting Mac for multimedia purposes, you might want to pick up a couple of these — (male/male) HDMI –> DisplayPort cables. According to HDMI.org — the company that controls the HDMI spec — these HDMI/DP cables don’t have HDMI connectors on both ends and therefore aren’t “true” HDMI cables. As such, they’re out of spec and explicitly barred from sale. On the surface, it’s just a blatant cash grab by HDMI.org trying to force people to pay for grossly overpriced HDMI cables. Frankly it’s quite ridiculous.
Certain online retailers are already showing the cables as out of stock — if they’re even listed at all. In the meantime, those looking to go from HDMI –> DisplayPort will need to purchase a (female) HDMI to DisplayPort (male) adapter to plug into a normal HDMI cable. (Example adapter.)
Gadgetsteria’s advice: Get this adapter and a cheap HDMI cable from monoprice. Problem solved.
While trying to avoid the beating of the poor horse that’s been beaten one too many times, I stumbled upon an article and felt the need to share it with you. It’s rather short for what it covers — HDMI cables and why you don’t need to spend more than $5-$15 on any cable — but does so in a very clear and precise way.
Check out HD Guru if you’re tired of listening to your poor, technologically retarded old man boast about his new $1500 TV and accompanying $200 3′ HDMI cable. Being the tech junkie you are, it’s the least you could do. The less grossly overpriced cable sold the better.
With all of the focus on the iPhone, App Store, and mobile sphere in general, it would seem that Apple has forgotten or given up on their desktop clientèle. But a fresh Mac Mini refresh slightly pushes off that belief.
The first part worth noticing is the new, $100 higher pricetag, which now pushes the bottom-of-the-line Mac Mini up to $699. Slight criticism aside, what does that extra hundred bones get you? For starters, a new once-piece aluminum body mimicking similar construction techniques found in the Macbook/Pro line, HDMI and user-accessible RAM.
The one-piece aluminum build is a nice feature bringing more rigidity and a cleaner look. HDMI is a pretty decent deal if you’re going to be hooking up to 1080p monitors. (And honestly, in 2010, who isn’t?) User accessible RAM is a biggie for sure as Apple is notorious for needlessly locking down hardware in order to overcharge customers for routine upgrades later on down the line.
And…that’s it. Is it worth $100 extra? I would say no. Then again, if you’ve already got the rest of a typical computer put together and just need a “tower”, $699 for OS X isn’t bad at all. I guess it all depends on where your needs lie…
If you’re thinking about dropping on a HTC Incredible or Moto Droid within the next few weeks, take our advice — Don’t! The phone displayed above is the current talk of the town Droid Shadow/Xtreme. We’ve already heard reported claims of a 700MHz OMAP3630 processor, 4.1″ touchscreen, HDMI output, and Froyo being tucked neatly on board.
From the looks of things, it’s a very svelte phone too boot with only one odd bump marring what is otherwise a seamless phone. That is right around the bend…
- February 23, 2010 1:18 pm
With massive blockbusters such as Avatar bolstering the 3D madness, it only seems natural to take another look at 3D experiences at home. Namely, the realization that the $2k+ of A/V equipment you bought 6 months ago just wont work as it relies on HDMI 1.3 instead of the newer “3D Spec” HDMI 1.4. For most general users, 3D won’t make it’s way into their homes for quite some time, if ever. But videophiles and movie junkies whom rely on the best home theater set up have something worth hearing. 3D will work perfectly fine over HDMI 1.3 — in theory, and with a few exceptions.
To keep it short, when your TV receives a 3D image from a Blu-ray player, it is actually in 1920 x 2205 resolution — TV’s don’t do that. Focusing more on the actual HDMI spec however, HDMI 1.3 supports up to 10.2Gbps (same as 1.4). So again, in theory, hardware that uses software rather than system on chip designs (PS3) should be able to push along all of those 3D images just fine.
In the end, it’s all a big cluster. Specs and bandwidth numbers from several pieces of hardware as well as cables ensure it won’t be as simple as plug-n-play. But, for those hoping they can save a few pennies by staying with HDMI 1.3 on at least some of their setup instead of upgrading everything can find plenty of help over at HDGuru. Educate yourselves.
Gizmodo
[Image Source]
- February 4, 2010 12:14 am
Is 3D going to be the “next big thing” as far as TV tech is concerned or is it more of a passing fad? I’m kind of leaning towards fad. Make no mistake, the 3D movies I’ve seen in theaters are pretty tight. The TV’s at CES were pretty impressive themselves. Though because of the obvious differences between a projector situated behind you, displaying a picture in front of you and a TV positioned in front of you, displaying an image in a very different manner, pros and cons of each method become apparent. I personally prefer how objects continue to jump “at you” and off the screen on 3D projectors while all of the 3D TV’s I’ve seen so far go flat at the edges of the screen. Such differences I’m sure will be cleared up and the gap narrowed as the tech for 3D TV’s progresses.
For now we’ll have to take what we can get. And finally official tonight, we consumers can finally get in and even download the 3D portion of the HDMI 1.4 specs that were recently finalized. Thanks yous can be sent to HDMI Licensing, LLC for their loosening lips and more sharing nature.
So if you find yourself bored, unable to sleep, and nothing to eat at this late hour of the night (it’s 12:09am here), why not head over to hdmi.org and get acquainted with the new spec?
Slashgear
- December 28, 2009 12:12 pm
I haven’t been too vocal about the whole HDMI 1.3/1.4/3D thing because frankly, I didnt really care much. 3D didn’t really leave me gasping for air because it left me choking on my own drool — that is, until I saw Avatar. Since seeing Avatar, my whole outlook on 3D has changed.
With that said, for many consumers looking to buy a Blue-ray player, the more tech minded individuals have done their part to warn people of the dangers of buying now obsolete equipment (HDMI 1.3) with HDMI 1.4 (and full 3D support) just around the corner. And it made sense. If you wanted 3D you’d have to sell your current Blue-ray gear and pony up — again — for HDMI 1.4 compliant hardware.
But don’t get too discouraged too quickly or hastily go and sell all of your current Blu-ray gear. The HDMI Licensing group has come forth with some extremely valuable information that should help you better judge the market. Should you keep your HDMI 1.3 hardware or buy that now cheap 1.3 gear? Regardless of if your source player is HDMI 1.3 or 1.4, you’ll still be required to have an HDMI 1.4 tv with dual-scanning capabilities. The dual scanning technology is the whole meat behind the 3D image — no dual-scanning support = no 3D for you.
Also to take into consideration is resolution. HDMI 1.3 WILL NOT offer full 1080p 3D support. The resolution will actually vary depending on the source. For instance, if you’re using a full 1080p source such as a satellite receiver, Blu-ray, etc., etc, you’ll be presented with dual 1080i streams. Drop down in quality to a cable box and your 3D image suffers as well — down to a measly 540i. Yuck.
In the end, the resulting difference in images between HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 devices (1080i vs. 1080p) will be roughly that of the difference between DVD and Blu-ray. Noticeable to some extent on certain media, but certainly not a deal breaker. Now if you’re rockin’ 540i 3D, that’s another story.
Of course, if you’re HDMI 1.3 gear isn’t BD Live compatible you can forget about any 3D support as the firmware on that “old” equipment cannot be upgraded via internet updates as there isn’t any internet connection/support on non-BD Live hardware. Oh the pains of early adoption…
So what are you going to do: pick up a heavily discounted HDMI 1.3 setup or wait for HDMI 1.4 gear to drop?
Dvice
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- November 20, 2009 4:53 am
Going wireless is a liberating experience that sets apart those who merely like technology with those who can’t live with out it. Die hard technology fans. Wireless, especially high performing wireless, is what we care about most. Besides, nothing says old and outdated like a junky cable poking out from your beloved gadgets. Building upon the success of their first gen HDAiR, Atlona Technologies took their customers’ ideas and requests to heart by adding one of the most highly sought after features — audio support. Perhaps we should backtrack a tad just in case you don’t even know what the HDAiR is.
- What it is: a wireless USB to HDMI or VGA converter.
- What it does: Allows users to connect any computer to any projector or TV via the wonders of wireless technology.
When the need arises, the HDAiR gives users the ability to distance their display from their computer by up to 30 feet while still offering up video resolutions of 720p or PC/VESA resolutions up to 1440 x 1050. Looking at the resolutions, it’s pretty admirable as this isn’t the standard 480p that many would think would come with cutting the cord. This updated HDAir packs one new addition however — the ability to output audio through the units onboard HDMI port or 3.5mm audio port.
The HDAiR is available to Windows users running XP, Vista, or Windows 7 for $219. I for one hope they eventually expand to offer Mac support as I’m sure quite a few Mac users would find such a device extremely useful. Agree?
[Press Release]
Even we bloggers aren’t always gifted with the latest and greatest. Sometimes we have to buy it ourselves and wait just like everyone else before we can get our hands on the gadgets we so desperately crave. Gaming is a great way to relax the mind, unwind, and scrub off some stress. A big, beautiful display does wonders for us nerds and gamers a like. But looks aren’t everything. To a gamer, the more pixels they have means the more they can see. Until display port came along, hardware for connecting monitors and displays was rather large. HDMI lessened the footprint though we still had the problem of what do when multiple monitors were needed. Enter display port and ATI’s Eyefinity cards. The magic of Display Port is that its small and versatile. One look at the card above while slightly comical is a testament to how beneficial the new found size reduction actually is. Of course, being able to daisy chain Display Port connected monitors doesn’t hurt either. If I had my choice, I’d get a card capable of Display Port — with one million ports. Eh, ’tis fun to dream…
CrunchGear > Toms Hardware
