High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

HDMI is a type of Standard Video Device Connector that carries the same video signal as DVI, but instead of using the remaining pins for an optional video signal, pins are used to carry seven digital audio channels. Because all HDMI devices are HDCP compliant, the HDMI advantage is overshadowed by anti-copy technology that cripples video equipment with HDMI connectors. Consumers should understand the dirty tricks being imposed by Intel, the MPAA, and manufacturers pushing for HDMI dominance.

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), as mentioned above, is a technology that prevents you, the consumer, from backing up or making copies of your video media that you own. All HDMI devices have built in HDCP anti copy technology.

Dish Network and DirecTV are now using HDMI connectors with HDCP copy protection. Many new video processors support DVI, but cannot display that content to the component video output due to the HDCP anti copy system.

The goal of HDMI is:

• Once cable, one connector that does high quality video and sound.
• Prevent consumers from backing up or copying satellite TV programming and DVD, Bluray, and HD-DVD video and movies.
• Force the industry to adopt bastardized technology with built-in usage restrictions.

Pioneer Electronics is one of the culprits pushing HDMI technology, and their DV59-AVi was one of the first to market with HDMI jacks.

One annoyance with the All-in-One fat HDMI cable is that it comes unplugged easily, and when securely clipped, puts stress on the electronics boards of devices with the female end of the connector. For this reason many critics prefer audio connections be separate. Also, connections from video equipment to audio only equipment are another reason that audio should be separate from video, a fact neglected by proponents of HDMI.

DVI - Superior to HDMI, except there lacks a single DVI standard. DVI to HDMI converters are inexpensive, but some small degree of quality is lost in the conversion process.