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.

VESA Issues Internal DisplayPort Standard for Flat Panel TVs

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) recently issued the Internal DisplayPort (iDP) interface standard to enhance inside-the-box connectivity for flat panel TVs. Based on the DisplayPort 1.2 standard, iDP is designed to replace Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) by using a simpler and higher-performing connectivity technology.

The VESA iDP standard addresses the connection between a TV controller system-on-chip (SOC) and a TV panel Timing Controller (TCON) within a TV chassis. With only 17 signals, eight differential pairs and one Hot Plug Detect (HPD) signal, the iDP link transports Full HD 240Hz at 10 bits per color, compared to the 96 signal requirement of LVDS. It provides optimizations specific for internal flat panel TV applications, similar to the VESA Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) interface standard used for the internal displays within notebooks and other PC devices.

The standard’s scalability allows iDP to support future design needs. For example, an iDP 1080p 3D implementation requires only two banks of 16 differential pairs and one HPD for 65 signals, compared to the 192 differential pairs that an LVDS implementation would require. iDP also eliminates the many LVDS printed circuit board traces and device pins, reducing system form factor and cost as well as lowering the shielding requirement by reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). The standard is fully open and royalty-free, allowing for healthy competition among component suppliers, encouraging innovation with manufacturers and reducing costs for consumers.

“Today’s flat panel TV manufacturers are in a constant race to provide better picture quality, more realistic animation, and even 3D video. This continues to push refresh rates higher and has created the need for a new high-speed panel interface standard. VESA’s iDP standard meets that need while also helping control costs,” said VESA Executive Director Bill Lempesis in VESA’s May press release.