HDMI certified

HDMI® Overview

Products assessed under the HDMI® test

HDMI® stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and is a standard that integrates digital video and audio transmission into singular cables simultaneously. This dual-transmission capability is the reason why HDMI® certified cables are frequently used in TV boxes, stereos, personal computers, DVD players, and screens.

What is the latest HDMI® standard?

HDMI 2.1a is the latest HDMI® technology released by the HDMI Forum in 2022. It provides a minor update known as source-based tone mapping, a technique that enables HDR images to be displayed on screens within lower dynamic ranges while preserving colors, contrast, and details, and redefined the Quick Media Switching (QMS) feature.

Who is the HDMI LA?

The HDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA) is responsible for organizing and promoting activities relating to HDMI® technologies. They are also the agent appointed by the HDMI Forum to license HDMI Specifications, including version 2.1a and older.

Who is the HDMI Forum?

HDMI Forum is a non-profit organization formed by world-class manufacturers. The HDMI forum’s main task is to develop future versions of HDMI specifications and technologies to create an ecosystem of compatible HDMI devices. Today, the HDMI Forum continues to be responsible for formulating HDMI 2.x certification specifications.

Why is HDMI certification needed?

a) HDMI certification ensures the product's communication quality. Products that have obtained HDMI regulatory certification can ensure the quality of interconnected signals and standardize unprotected signals; so users don't have to worry about the usual snowflake effects when purchasing the product.

b) Products that have participated and achieved certification can ensure interconnectivity and reduce the signal incompatibility dilemma when users connect multiple HDMI products in series or parallel.

c) HDMI is a patented mandatory certification. If the customer uses HDMI technology (using HDMI interface), it means the product uses HDMI patent technology. It is necessary to apply for certification and authorization from the HDMI Association before use, otherwise it will be considered a violation.

d) If a business wants to use HDMI's patented technology and logo, it must obtain permission from the HDMI association, which is HDMI certification.

HDMI® product certification categories

The following product types can be certified by HDMI:I:

Overview of the HDMI 2.1 FRL test

The original HDMI 2.1 was released in 2017 in response to increasing demand for high-quality audio and video applications among consumers.

HDMI 2.1 Test Items Summary

** HDMI 2.1 certification is available for FRL Source, Sink, Connector, and Cat.3 HDMI Cables

HDMI 2.1 TMDS vs. FRL

DMI 2.1 has completely replaced its predecessor HDMI 2.0 and can be divided into two modes, FRL (Fixed Rate Link) and TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling).

HDMI® Specification HDMI 2.1b is the most recent update of the HDMI® specification and supports a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 8K60 and 4K120, and resolutions up to 10K. Dynamic HDR formats are also supported, and bandwidth capability is increased up to 48Gbps.

Supporting the 48Gbps bandwidth is the new Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable. The cable ensures ultra high-bandwidth dependent features are delivered including uncompressed 8K video with HDR. It features exceptionally low EMI (electro-magnetic interference) which reduces interference with nearby wireless devices. The cable is backwards compatible and can be used with the existing installed base of HDMI devices.

Current HDMI 2.1 primary features are:

- 4k120 / 8k60 and resolutions up to 10k

- Both uncompressed and compressed support

- Fixed Rate Link (FRL)

- 48 Gbps Bandwidth

- Utra High Speed HDMI Cable

- HDMI Cable Power

- Dynamic HDR (supporting various industry formats)

- Enhanced Audio Return Channel - eARC

- Auto Low Latency Mode - ALLM

- Variable Refresh Rate - VRR

- Quick Frame Transport (QFT)

- Quick Media Switching (QMS)

Compliance Test Specification (CTS)

All products must comply with Version 2.1b of the HDMI Specification and the HDMI 2.1b Compliance Test Specification (CTS); and until the CTS is available and a product has passed compliance testing a product cannot claim to be 2.1b compliant or market that it supports 2.1b features.

HDMI 2.1 PHY Compliance Test

To get HDMI Certificate, must use an approved HDMI connector and required resolution are: