Top Leading Industry Standards (2): HDMI, DisplayPort and SATA

In the second article, we will continue introducing the next three industry standards: HDMI, DisplayPort and SATA.

4. HDMI

＊HDMI Logo

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface standard for connecting all HD components. HDMI supports all video/audio formats by one single cable. The CEC allows HDMI devices to control each other when necessary and allows the user to operate multiple devices with one remote control handset. HDMI technology is promoted by HDMI, LLC. According to HDMI Testing Policies, each Adopter must submit the first product of each Licensed Product type (i.e. source, sink, repeater, or cable) to an HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC) for testing. Once an Adopter product of each type has passed testing, it is not required to submit to the ATC subsequent products of that type. However, to help ensure HDMI interoperability, we encourage Adopters to use the ATCs.

＊Different Types of HDMI Logo

Due to the popularity of HDMI connector, there are a lot of fake HDMI products without testing, and illegally using HDMI logo on products or packages. This is not only a copyright violation to the association but also a threat to customers. Lately, HDMI is cooperating with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce the intellectual property and protect the Trademark symbol against illegal products, so vendors have to be sure that the logo is used correctly and legally after an authorized test.

• HDMI Compliance Test
  http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/testing_policies.aspx
• HDMI Compliance Test Service in USA
  http://www.allion.com/hdmi.html

 

5. DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a new digital display interface standard put forth by the Vide Electronics Standards Association (VESA); it would replace DVI, LVDS and VGA interface. It defines a digital audio/video interconnect intended to be used on PC field and CE field, DisplayPort Compliance Program is designed to ensure that products are standardized by physical layer and link layer test.

＊DisplayPort Logo

Compared to HDMI, DisplayPort not only provides different updated versions, but also develops various specifications, such as DOM, eDP and iDP. DDM (Direct Driver Monitor) simplified the peripheral design for Ultra Sleek Monitors; eDP (embedded DisplayPort) can output the signal through Graphic Processing Unit that reduces power consumption; iDP (internal DisplayPort) is designed for flat TV display interface to control the transmission between SOC and TCON, and its low battery destruction can reduce inner circuit configuration and power consumption.

• DisplayPort Compliance Program
  http://www.displayport.org/cms/?q=content/displayport-compliance-program-overview
• DisplayPort Compliance Program Service in USA http://www.allion.com/displayport.html

 

6. SATA

＊SATA Logo

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is designed to replace the older PATA (Parallel ATA) interface; some technical improvements are including faster transmission speed, easier installation, improved system airflow and hot-plugging support.

Standardized specifications for the Serial ATA interface is defined and delivered by SATA-IO. Vendors have to pass the SATA Certified Logo Program in order to obtain the certified logos without exception.

Lately, SATA-IO has announced a new interface standard, which is called SATA USM (SATA Universal Storage Module), can combine with a variety of products without charging or extra cables, such as TVs, set-up boxes, playstations and computers. Vendors have to pass the certified program to receive the right to use SATA USM logo as well.

• SATA-IO Certified Logo Program
  http://www.sata-io.org/developers/certified_logo_program.asp
• SATA-IO Certified Logo Program Service in USA http://www.allion.com/serial_ata.html

To get certified logos through certified programs is the best way to protect product quality

As we observed above, these six popular logo programs are widely accepted in the market.In fact, we has accumulated test experiences of these technical standards for a few years; Allion is a global IT testing and verification consulting firm conducting interoperability, performance and compatibility testing services besides of standard certification for companies all over the world. Technology standardization is the foundation to help accelerate technology industry to innovate, and we believe, through certified programs and regulations would maintain product quality in any specifications.

We expect these two articles would make readers not only receive information in each technical standard, but also realize the significance of obtaining certified logo through certification process. Holding this reorganization would build up the level of technique in the whole industry, and also protect customer right at the same time.