Next HDMI to have Ethernet built in

Several Web sites last week came forward with details of the next version of the HDMI cable specification, one that will have Ethernet capabilities built in - but the group responsible for the spec isn't verifying any of those details.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is a spec primarily aimed at video and audio. If you have a high-definition TV, you may already be familiar with it as the interface that allows you to run a single cable between your cable-TV box and your TV, instead of a bunch of component audio and video lines.

HDMI Licensing LLC in January issued a press release saying that "high-speed data" via Ethernet would be consolidated into the next version of the cable, alongside HD video and audio.

HDMI is already being used for data in at least one corporate application, as I noted a couple of months ago. Netgear uses HDMI cables in its stackable Ethernet switches as the stacking connection that allows the switches to work together as one unit. Netgear says it can get a 10G bit/sec connection using the cables.

Last week, several reports surfaced with more details than the January press release, saying that the next HDMI, version 1.4, would include an "HDMI Ethernet Channel" to deliver up to 100M bit/sec. Bloggers blasted the spec on the grounds that it is slated to have two different data rates, and that could be confusing to consumers. But like I said, the HDMI group isn't confirming those details.

Other features that the group did promise in January include better performance, a new connector for in-car audio and video, and a new smaller connector.

Jeff Caruso is site editor at Network World.