Good to know: What is HDMI?

The abbreviation HDMI stands for "High Definition Multimedia Interface". As with DisplayPort, it is a digital interface for the transmission of high-resolution video and audio signals. 

Good to know: What is DisplayPort?

Applications of HDMI

HDMI is mainly used in consumer electronics to connect DVD players, laptops or computers to televisions or monitors.

HDMI-Out and HDMI-In

Even if they look the same, a distinction is made between HDMI input and output. The HDMI output is the port on the device that transmits the content. (e.g. computer, console, etc.) 

The HDMI-In port, however, turns the tables: as the name suggests, it is an input, i.e. it is in the device that receives the content. (e.g. screens) 

However, there are always HDMI-in ports on computers, such as on our ONE i5. An HDMI-in port on a computer essentially works like an HDMI input on a TV or monitor, with the difference that it can receive content from external devices such as games consoles, Blu-ray players or video cameras. 

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What versions does HDMI have?

In order to keep pace with constantly advancing technology, the HDMI interface has been continuously developed. The various specifications, which amount to a total of 13, have confused many buyers over the years. We also want to keep it short and therefore only go into the most important updates to the interface:

• The first HDMI standard 1.0 was published in 2002 and provided a maximum data rate of 4.95 gigabit/s and a maximum image resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.  
• It was not until version 1.3 in 2006 that the image resolution was increased to 1560 x 1440 pixels. Furthermore, a new connector type, namely HDMI type C, was introduced to the market with this version.  
• The next update came in 2009 with version 1.4, which offers a maximum picture resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, i.e. 4K.
• The latest version of HDMI is HDMI 2.1b, which came onto the market in 2023 and includes general corrections, clarifications to improve interoperability and the incorporation of errata - a maximum picture resolution of 8K is now possible.

What do the designations for HDMI cables mean?

In order to create a clearer and more comprehensible labeling of the cables, they are no longer marked with the version number (1.0, 1.4, etc.), but are divided into four speed classes:

• HDMI standard: The transmission rate of up to 2.25 Gbit/s enables a resolution of 720p or 1080i at 60 Hz. Supports HDMI versions up to 1.3.
• HDMI High Speed: Resolution of 2160p at 30 Hz. Supports all versions up to 1.4.
• HDMI Premium High Speed: Resolution of 4096p at 60 Hz. Supports versions up to 2.0.
• HDMI Ultra High Speed: Resolution of up to 8K@60Hz. Supports all versions up to 2.1.

Advantages of HDMI

With the help of HDMI, picture and sound can be transmitted via a single cable, making it much easier to connect AV devices. It also means that there is no need for an additional audio connection, which is particularly beneficial for our smallest mini PCs. HDMI also offers excellent quality, can transmit 4K and 3D content and supports surround sound.