The High Definition Multimedia Interface TM (HDMI) is a digital connectivity standard capable of carrying the highest quality, uncompressed high - definition digital video content, up to 8 separate channels of uncompressed digital audio and device command controls all on a single cable.
HDMI was created as a forward looking specification with the ability to be updated as further market requirements became apparent. One of the advantages of HDMI is that it is an evolving standard that responds to market conditions and keeps pace with the latest technological innovations. This is a benefit to manufacturers, content providers and consumers in that HDMI continues to enable the highest quality consumer experience. As such the specification has seen several major enhancements.
HDMI Version History
HDMI 1.0 - Initial Specification. Support bandwidth to 4.95Gpbs
HDMI 1.1 - Added support for DVD Audio .
HDMI1.2 - Added support for SACD Audio. Permitted PC Applications to Use only RGB color Space. Supported low voltage (AC Coupled Sources ) in PCs
HDMI 1.3 - Increases bandwidth to 10.2 Gbps ( 340Mhz ). Offers support for 16 bit Color, increases refresh rates ( ex. 120Hz ), support for 144 p /WQXGA Resolutions. Supports xvYCC Color Space Standard. Adds Features to automatically correct audio video synchronization ( lip Sync ) . Adds mini connector. Adds support for Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio Standards
HDMI 1.4 - Adds and HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) which allows for a 100Mbit/s Ethernet Connection between to HDMI Connected Devices so they can share an internet connection, and introduces an audio return channer (ARC) 3D over HDMI, a new Micro HDMI Connector, expanded set of color spaces with the addition of sYCC601 , Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601 and an Automotive Connection System. It also defines several stereoscopic 3D formats including field alternative (interlaced), frame packing. With the version 1.4b released in October 2011 it adds the ability to carry 3D 1080p video at 120Hz allowing frame packing 3D format at 1080p60 per eye (120Hz total )
HDMI 2.0 - Increases bandwidth to 18 Gbps ( 594Mhz ) the increases comes from the maximum throughput from 3.4 Gbps to 6 Gbps . 2.0a added support for High Dynamic Range ( HDR ) video with static metadata. and 2.0b which extends support for HDR.
HDMI 2.1 announced on January 2017, adds support for Dynamic HDR which is dynamic metadata that allows for changes on a scene by scene or frame by frame basis. Increases bandwidth to 48 Gbps, The increase of bandwidth is achieved with a maximum throughput from 6 Gbps to 12 Gbps and from 3 lanes to 4 lanes.
In applications ranging from networking and computer equipment to industrial machine controls, engineers and project managers are encountering new material requirement that are driving new offerings of alternative "halogen-free" wire management products. As environmental and other trends lead toward future growth of these products, confusion exists among those who must specify their use. What does halogen-free mean? why is it important? and in what applications is a halogen fee product needed, now and in the future?
What does Halogen Free mean?
The halogens are five non - metallic elements found in Group 7 of the periodic table. The term "halogen" means "salt former" and compounds containing halogens are called "salts"
The Halogens are :
Fluorine
Chlorine
Bromine
Iodine
Astatine
Halogen free does not alone indicate that a product enhances safety, health or is better environmentally for a given application
While cable insulation and sheathing materials incorporating halogenated ingredients may be more flame retardant, they also emit a smoke when exposed to fire that can become toxic and corrosive under fire conditions. Specifically, halogens released from exposure to fire react with normally-occurring hydrogen to form hydrogen halide.
When mixed with water ( for example the water used to fight a fire) hydrogen halides form hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid or hydrobromic acid. These acids can damage or destroy critical structure, components and equipment and increase toxicity. Cables containing halogenated materials also produce significantly higher levels of carbon monoxide (CO) gas during combustion, further escalating their potential danger.
The demand of HF (Halogen Free) cables are increasing for installation in small, confined spaces and wider environments where the risk of corrosion and toxicity from smoke generated in a fire would be particularly problematic