Is HDMI the Ultimate Digital Source or just Souped up DVI? High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) has been largely hailed as the ultimate interface to enjoy supreme quality high definition audio and video but is it really that good, after all, surely DVI is just as good. Do we really need HDMI? HDMI was developed with the specific intention of replacing DVI. DVI was primarily used to convert analogue signals to digital for computer monitors. There are actually three different types of DVI, which are DVI-A, DVI-D and DVD-I. DVI-A uses analogue signals the same as VGA. DVI-D uses a digital signal (as with modern home cinema systems and consumer products). DVI-I is a combination of both DVI-A and DVI-D. Modern electronics use the single link standard for performance but DVI-I can handle this as well as dual link to make it adaptable for future advancements. DVI-I supports a fully digital protocol, which means video up to 1080p can be viewed. HDMI on the other hand offers an uncompressed digital audio and video interface that has the full support of manufacturers including Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba to name but a few. Major movie companies too have backed HDMI including Warner Brothers and Universal Pictures. HDMI offers an interface that can connect any audio or video source together. It can do this through a single HDMI cable. HDMI supports high definition video, normal video as well as digital audio and also have bandwidth to spare in order to make it ready for future advancements in HDMI technology. It must be remembered though that HDMI and DVI are a lot similar and are actually based on a set of specifications that were extremely alike, in fact, HDMI was derived from the DVI requirements. So, is HDMI any different to DVI? Well yes it is. HDMI actually incorporates a form of content security known as High Definition Content Protection (HDCP). HDMI also can support both audio and video signals through one cable at the same time whereas DVI is limited to only video. The number of cables needed to set up with DVI is at least two. One is for the audio and one is for the video. HDMI requires only a single HDMI cable therefore leaving fewer cables to be tangled up behind the electronic equipment. This means that anyone using HDMI is going to end up with a cleaner less cluttered space around their equipment. The important thing to remember is that quality wise; HDMI and DVI are the same. This is because as mentioned earlier they are both derived from the same specifications but HDMI's ability to support digital audio gives it the edge over DVI. Combine this with the fact that HDMI can do this through a single HDMI cable and it is easy to see why HDMI and HDMI cables have proved to be so popular.

Blu-Ray, Why all the Fuss? There has been a lot of talk about Blu-ray and how it has won the format war against the competition. Blu-ray gives users the chance to experience movies in high definition rather than the traditional DVD quality movies we have become used to. High definition output is around four times that of standard giving you a good idea of why Blu-ray has been so eagerly anticipated. Of course, Blu-ray is not just about high definition movies but is also used to store Playstation 3 games and can be used as a standard storage device too. Blu-ray discs have a capacity of 25Gb for a single layer disc and 50Gb for a dual layer disc. Due to the high def nature of Blu-ray, to get the best from it will require connecting your Blu-ray player via a HDMI port. Any modern electrical item that supports high definition audio and video will come HDMI ready these days. Although many HDMI supportable devices may come with their own HDMI cable not all of them do. On top of this, many aficionados of quality audio, video, and games will not want to use the OEM cables anyway and therefore will seek out better aftermarket versions of HDMI cables, which can often be expensive. All the major movie companies have adopted Blu-ray and all modern films will be released on this format. Blu-ray drives are also available for computers so that Blu-ray discs can be used and burned on a P.C. At present however, although Blu-ray players are readily available, they are expensive, which is why for many of us, the only form of Blu-ray player found in the majority of homes would be a Playstation 3. This will not always be the case however, and as prices come down (as they invariably do) more and more homes will have, Blu-ray players in their computers and home entertainment systems. The best way to ensure uniform connectivity is to use a standard that is supported by all major appliance manufacturers such as the afore mentioned HDMI. For this reason, it is a good idea to ensure that the HDMI cable you choose is the best you can afford. This does not mean that after you have spent all your money on a state of the art games console you then have to fork out another fortune on a monster HDMI cable. Instead, choose a HDMI cable that is constructed by a professional company yet still manages to keep costs as low as possible. In doing this you will be able to enjoy your Blu-ray discs in all their high definition glory.

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…

Just a little reminder that there could be shipping delays over the Christmas period.

Courier Shipments: Last ‘Next day’ courier orders will be dispatched: Monday 22nd December for delivery on the 23rd. We cannot guarantee deliveries dispatched on the Tuesday 23rd December will be delivered on the 24th, Pre-12 deliveries may be delivered. The first courier shipment dispatch will be Monday 5th January – Orders using courier shipment placed from 24th December to 4th January will be shipped on Monday 5th January subject to the items order being in stock.

Post Shipments: Delays may be experienced between 24th December and 4th January.