What is HDMI

post from Mr.Gadget Australia on 04 December 2007 05:13:00 PM. © Mr.Gadget Australia

With my brand-spanking new Dell XPS M1330 (which is the best laptop I've had to date, even though in the past I've laughed at Dell portables) came a port that I had not physically encountered before - it was labeled HDMI. For some reason, I figured it to be some type of video port and I was right!

Here's Wikipedia's definition of what HDMI is:

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a licensable audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed, encrypted digital streams. HDMI connects DRM-enforcing digital audio/video sources, such as a set-top box, a Blu-ray Disc player, a Personal Computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver, to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI began to appear in 2006 on consumer HDTV camcorders and high-end digital still cameras.

It represents the DRM alternative to consumer analog standards such as RF (coaxial cable), composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video and VGA, and digital standards such as DVI (DVI-D and DVI-I).

Looks promising, although I already see an issue with the physical connection; doesn't seem as robust or secure as the old analog video/analog plugs.

Besides this it seems logical to replace old messy cables with this one easy fitting plug.

CNet also have a good write up on HDMI here.