Put simply, HDMI is a new connection type that carries both digital audio and digital video (at resolutions up to 1080p) in a single cable. It can be found on HDTV's, some high-definition cable and satellite boxes, upscaling DVD players, the new HD disc formats HD-DVD and Blu-ray, and it is slowly making its way to surround sound receivers and processors. If you are buying a new HDTV, you should make sure the set includes an HDMI input.

No, the HDMI outputs on the Movie Player and the Movie Player 2 carry video and PCM stereo audio only. When using HDMI for video, you can use digital coaxial, digital optical, or analog stereo outputs for audio. No. The DVD CCA License does not permit the use of RGBHV video output during DVD playback. The Kaleidescape Movie Player 2 supports both HDMI and component video (YPbPr) for high-quality video output.

HDMI, which stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface" is a connection capable of transmitting uncompressed digital audio/video signals. Products featuring HDMI can transmit both digital audio and video on one cable. HDMI offers improved quality over traditional analog connections thanks to all-digital transmission. Digital sources like DVDs and HDTV programming can be transferred digitally from source to display without analog conversions that can degrade the original signal.

The HDMI Founders include leading consumer electronics manufacturers Hitachi, Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), Philips, Sony, Thomson (RCA), Toshiba, and Silicon Image. Digital Content Protection, LLC (a subsidiary of Intel) is providing High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) for HDMI. 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.

No, however you can purchase an inexpensive DVI to HDMI adapter or cable to connect to your HDMI capable display.

DVI is Digital Visual Interface. This is an old standard for digital video input used initially for PC screen connections but also suitable for HDTV. PC owners may be familiar with the DVI cables used to connect their monitor. HDMI is the High Definition Multimedia Interface. It was introduced more recently with Digital TV in mind and has been called the SCART socket of HDTV. Unlike DVI it includes audio content as well as video. HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital-Content Protection.

HDMI has being implemented in most, if not all, multimedia devices, from HDTV and DVD players to computers and stereo receivers. It is compatible with DVI products and can be converted with an adaptor plug. HDMI and HDMI 1.3 are also entirely cross-compatible, and they can be easily connected with a mixed-connector cable.

The HDMI 1.0 specification is available now. CE manufacturers may begin designing products incorporating the HDMI standard-addressing consumer demand for HD programming and for DTVs that display this content.

Parties interested in obtaining the HDMI 1.0 Specification are required to first download and sign the HDMI Adopter Agreement or Test Equipment Maker Agreement (available at agreements) and remit payment of the annual fee. Once payment and two signed copies of the appropriate agreement have been received, HDMI Licensing, LLC will send a login name and password to the registered email address in order to download the 1.0 Spec.

HDMI-based prototype devices were first demonstrated at CES in January 2003. The CE industry is currently transitioning from DVI to HDMI connections. Backward- compatible with the DVI 1.0 specification, HDMI enables both multi-channel digital audio and uncompressed video transmission over a single cable and connector, and in combination with HDCP addresses content providers' requirement for a secure interface to protect high-quality content from unauthorized redistribution.

HDTV uses less than 1/2 of HDMI's available 5 Gbps bandwidth. With capacity to spare, HDMI can incorporate new technology advancements and capabilities long into the foreseeable future. HDMI is licensed under reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. The Adopter Agreement or Test Equipment Maker Agreement detailing the licensing terms is available at agreements.

Due to the rapid adoption of HDMI among CE manufacturers and the demand we are seeing from end-customers, HDMI Licensing, LLC is in active discussions with cable manufacturers about supplying the retail channel with HDMI cables. Since the vast majority of the market requires 5m and shorter cables, we expect manufacturers to make these cables available first. We do expect some manufacturers to market 5-15m (and beyond) HDMI cables as the market dictates and on a more limited basis.