The Successor to HDMI: HDBaseT

[mjb]

Here we go again! Don't worry about HDMI 1.x compatibility anymore, now the successor has been ratified - with general adoption coming in 2011. On the positive side, it'll use cheap Cat5e/6 cables. Anyone else think this stuff is changing too quick?

http://newteevee.com/2010/06/30/the-successor-to-hdmi-all-your-video-through-cat6/

http://www.hdbaset.org/

[Kevin P]

Cool! It's what they should have done the first time around, instead of using a proprietary connector/cable.

Actually, HDMI over RG59/RG6 would be ideal, since then anyone with cable-TV runs can use those instead of having to run new wire. But over ethernet is good too, as I've run it all through my house.

I wonder if it uses standard ethernet protocols so that it can traverse network switches, etc. Or TCP/IP so it can communicate computer-to-TV, over WiFi, etc. Use your TV as a monitor without having to run another cable!

[Chris D]

I agree, I'd support new A/V/data streaming over Cat 5/6/7 cables, using RJ-59 plugs, especially with the ever-increasing convergence of electronics

[John Holmes]

Kevin hit the nail, this should have been the standard from the begining. Oh well, better late than never I guess.

[David Meek]

Finally a simple mechanism for high def A/V transmission! As ubiquitous as Cat5e & 6 have become, this is great. Cable lengths up to 328 feet are supported. No info I can find on TCP/IP compatibility though.

[David Meek]

Here's a bit more from the EETimes website:

...HDBaseT can handle whole-home distribution of uncompressed high definition video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and control signals. It supports 1080-pixel progressive video as well as stereo 3-D and 2Kx4K formats.

[Ovation]

Forgive a dumb question, but does this mean that I can hope for PS3 update that will allow me to use the ethernet jack to carry the info currently sent by HDMI to a receiver/pre-pro with an appropriate ethernet connection? Does this also mean that such a receiver/pre-pro would be able to convert a signal to HDMI so I could continue to use my non-ethernet jacked displays?

[Chris D]

My guess would be, we'll someday soon start seeing converter box sets from companies like Gefen, that will take HDMI output from products like that PS3, convert it to HDBaseT, and then send via Cat 5e/6/7 cables over distance. Could put a 2nd unit at the other end to convert back to HDMI for a display you already own. Companies like Gefen already do HDMI "extenders" over Cat 5e/6/7, (and other cable types) but it's strictly proprietary, where you have to have both the sender and the receiver. New converters would turn HDMI into HDBaseT protocol.

[looneybomber]

I don't get it. Why replace one cable for another that accomplishes the same thing? If it could traverse a network, then that'd be different.

[Chris D]

I see your point, looney, but my experience with HDMI is that it's not nearly as easy a cable and plug to work with, when it comes to splitting, extending, etc. Hopefully it's more stable and user-friendly in this new protocol.

[Kevin P]

Cat5e/Cat6 is already run through the walls in many newer residences, while HDMI isn't. Plus HDMI has distance limitations which is a PITA when running to a projector. HDbaseT solves these problems.

In my case, I have 5 RG6 cables going to my projector location. It would be nice to be able to use these to run an HDMI signal if I upgrade the projector in the future.

[Lex]

the problem I have with it is, 3 dvd players, directv, 46" lcd, a 32" plasma, 2 good projectors. all hdmi or dvi. the plasma is dvi.

I am sick of changing standards myself.

[crytklmass]

If they don't change the standard we couldn't spend our money on new receiver, dvd/blu ray players, tv's projectors, etc. But with 1 cheap cable able to do everything what happens to ALL these high end cable companies currently selling rca, xlr, etc. Will they make a super expensive Oxygen Free silver plated gold tipped HD cat 5 ethernet cable for a low $3000.00 a meter? LOL, sorry I couldnt' resist that...

[littlesaint]

If they don't change the standard we couldn't spend our money on new receiver, dvd/blu ray players, tv's projectors, etc. But with 1 cheap cable able to do everything what happens to ALL these high end cable companies currently selling rca, xlr, etc. Will they make a super expensive Oxygen Free silver plated gold tipped HD cat 5 ethernet cable for a low $3000.00 a meter? LOL, sorry I couldnt' resist that...

It'd been done.

http://www.usa.denon.com/productdetails/3429.asp

Also, from what I've read, the spec uses 8P8C, RJ45-type connections, but it's not necessarily Ethernet which uses specific pin combinations. So unless you "roll your own," you might not be able to use off-the-shelf Ethernet patch cables.

[Chris D]

Kevin, I have in fact seen HDMI extenders over RGBVH. I think Gefen makes it.

[Kevin D]

Gefen probably makes one, but Ethereal makes one I know works. 4 RG6 if you power both ends, 5 RG6 if you only power the sender.

Kevin D.

[ricky_rocket]

the problem I have with it is, 3 dvd players, directv, 46" lcd, a 32" plasma, 2 good projectors. all hdmi or dvi. the plasma is dvi.

I am sick of changing standards myself.

I'm with you. I held out for as long as I could before upgrading. I waited for 1080p as a standard, I waited for Rotel to put HDMI inputs in their processors, I waited for Blu-ray to win the format war before upgrading ALL of my stuff.

Now if I buy a new piece of equipment it's going to expect CAT 5e/6 instead of HDMI ? Maybe they could put both CAT and HDMI inputs/outputs in TVs/components for awhile.

I think it's a conspiracy by the compaines that make cables.

(although I do admit HDMI cables don't "connect" very well - i.e. fall out sometimes - CAT 5e/6 would be better)

[ClosetSciFiGeek]

Wait it out. I am still using an Outlaw 990 with DVI switching. Love it. It sounds great. The picture is great. Who cares if there is a new cable convention until you can get a better sound or better picture by using it. I'm still using HDMI direct to my TV from XBOX360 and BluRay with toslink to the preamp.