HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC)

The High Speed HDMI HEC Cable specification has an additional data channel that enables high speed bidirectional communication. Connected devices that include this feature will be able to send and receive data via 100mb/sec Ethernet, making them instantly ready for any IP based application.

It will also allow internet enabled HDMI devices to share their internet connection with other HDMI devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable. This new feature will also provide the connection platform to allow HDMI enabled devices to share content between devices.

Audio Return Channel (ARC)

The HDMI specification has an Audio Return Channel that will reduce the number of cables required to deliver audio upstream for processing and playback. In cases where HDTV's are directly receiving audio and video content, the Audio Return Channel allows the HDTV to send the audio stream to the A/V receiver over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable.

The HDMI specification defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices. The specification will standardise the input/output portion of the home 3D system and will specify up to dual-stream 1080p resolution.

The HDMI specification will enable HDMI devices to support high-definition (HD) resolutions four times beyond the resolution of 1080p. Support for 4K will allow the HDMI interface to transmit content at the same resolution as many digital theatres. Formats supported include:

3840 x 2160 @ 24Hz/25Hz/30Hz/60Hz

4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz

Content Type

Content Type enables, automated picture setting selection with no user intervention. The Content Type feature enables a display to auto-detect the correct viewing mode to match the Content Type it is receiving from a source device, and to switch modes when a new connected source is selected. Content Type supports content profiles for gaming, movie, photograph and text viewing modes.