Is HDMI Here to Stay or Should I Wait for the Next Big Thing?

Is HDMI Here to Stay or Should I Wait for the Next Big Thing? High Definition Multimedia Interface is the industry standard now for any manufacturer requiring an all-digital output. The high definition revolution has meant that HDMI ports appear on the majority of new electrical equipment such as televisions, games consoles and other audio/visual items.

HDMI cables allow all-digital audio and all-digital video to be enjoyed through a single cable making it incredibly easy to set up. Even if you are using a HDMI TV with only one port, HDMI switches can be purchased. These HDMI switches work in exactly the same way as the SCART switches we are all used to using.

Continual revisions to the HDMI standard since its initial inception into the consumer market in 2003 have added to its popularity. The current revision is 1.3, which has given a much bigger bandwidth, and increased the refresh rate. HDMI 1.3 is backwards compatible too so that equipment manufactured before the revision can still connect.

Of course, technology is in perpetual development and as such, HDMI does have a rival. DisplayPort has been hailed by some as the successor to HDMI. It offers a new high definition standard that seems to be primarily for use with computers and monitors or home cinemas. For this reason, DisplayPort may not permeate into the home market unless there is computer equipment involved.

HDMI on the other hand seems to be going from strength to strength. It is arguably de rigueur for any audio or videophile wanting the best from their home cinema. HDMI cables give users the ability to take advantage of 'deep colour' (48-bit colour) and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which is twice as fast as its VGA predecessors. Combine these features with HDMI's ability to handle 1080p resolution and it is easy to see why it continues to be the interface of choice.

Add to this the fact that games consoles are utilising these superb refresh rates, high resolutions and deep colour to their own ends in order to push gaming boundaries and give gamers the best experience possible. HDMI technology allows gamers to play their favourite titles in high definition via a HDMI cable.

HDMI TV and the HDMI standard are likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. Anyone buying new electronic equipment such as televisions, DVD players/recorders, etc will be almost certain to come ready HDMI equipped. The advent of high definition television including BBC and sky HD amongst others has only further cemented HDMI into modern life.