Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all,
while USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of
the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as
before. Five new connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 cables and only
come into contact when connected to a proper SuperSpeed USB connection.
Windows 8/10 will be bringing native support for USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers. This is in contrast to previous versions of Windows, which
continue to require separate drivers for USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 controllers.
Microsoft announced that Windows 7 would have USB 3.1 Gen 1 support, perhaps not on its immediate release, but in a subsequent Service
Pack or update. It is not out of the question to think that following a successful release of USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 support in Windows 7,
SuperSpeed support would trickle down to Vista. Microsoft has confirmed this by stating that most of their partners share the opinion that
Vista should also support USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1.
HDMI
This topic explains the HDMI 1.4/ 2.0 and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an
interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or
video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The intended applications for HDMI TVs, and DVD players. The primary advantage is cable
reduction and content protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multichannel digital audio on
a single cable.
NOTE:
The HDMI 1.4 will provide 5.1 channel audio support.
HDMI 1.4 - HDMI 2.0 Features
•
HDMI Ethernet Channel
- Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled
devices without a separate Ethernet cable
•
Audio Return Channel
- Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio system,
eliminating the need for a separate audio cable
•
3D
- Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications
•
Content Type
- Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings
based on content type
•
Additional Color Spaces
- Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics
•
4K Support
- Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema systems
used in many commercial movie theaters
•
HDMI Micro Connector
- A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p
•
Automotive Connection System
- New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique demands of
the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality
Advantages of HDMI
•
Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
•
Low -cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
•
Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to multichannel surround sound
•
HDMI combines video and multichannel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables
currently used in A/V systems
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Technology and components
