HDMI

Buy almost any audio or video component these days and it will be equipped with HDMI output. Unfortunately, most HDTVs (especially older models) don't have enough HDMI input connections to accommodate all of these devices. Accell has your solution. The new UltraAV 5x1 HDMI Switch is a hub for all of your A/V devices. Certified HDMI compliant, it allows you to easily connect up to five HDMI devices to your TV such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, DVR or projector, and switch between them all.

The UltraAV switch comes with built-in auto-switching technology, which detects the active input and then automatically switches to it. You can also use the included remote control or manual push-button to switch between any of the five HDMI source devices. In addition, it features a built-in signal booster and will work with universal remote controls that are equipped with the "learn" feature.Read more

Atlona Technologies on Wednesday kicked off a new promotion celebrating the release of its AT-AiR3 1080p wireless USB to HDMI converter. Atlona is giving away an AT-AiR3 to 10 lucky winners, in addition to a 50-inch HDTV for the first place winner, a 42-inch HDTV for second place, and a 32-inch HDTV for third place. Visit www.atlona.com/Promotion-from-Atlona to enter.

At next weeks' 2011 International CES, Atlona will unveil the AT-AiR3. Answering the call for a full 1080p wireless signal, this device allows users to connect any USB-enabled computer or laptop wirelessly to an HDTV or projector via a VGA or HDMI port. Capable of transmitting a signal up to 30 feet, the AT-AiR3 is perfect for viewing streaming media content from Hulu, YouTube, and other popular sites, as well as computer-based learning programs such as RosettaStone or Lynda online training, and more. Read more

VIZIO this week announced three new Full HD 3D HDTVs, two new 3D Blu-ray players, a Wireless Internet router, as well as new HDMI cables. The XVT Series of 3D TVs include VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA) and are available in 42", 47" and 55" screen sizes.

VIZIO's latest XVT Full HD 3D TVs come packed with features including High Speed HDMI inputs, SRS TruSurround HD, built-in Dual Band 802.11n Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth remote with sliding QWERTY keypad. The 55" (XVT3D554SV) and 47" (XVT3D474SV) HDTVs also offer TruLED backlighting with Smart Dimming. These 3D HDTVs also feature VIZIO's 480Hz SPS high frame rate technology with Smooth Motion for beautiful 3D and 2D images.

VIZIO's 42" (XVT3D424SV) XVT 3D HDTV features VIZIO's Razor LED backlighting with Smart Dimming and also includes 480Hz SPS high frame rate technology with Smooth Motion. The new 3D HDTVs work with VIZIO's Full HD 3D active shutter glasses (sold separately). Read more

This week Harman Kardon announced a new firmware update for three of its receivers - the AVR 2600, AVR 3600 and AVR 7550HD - giving them HDMI v. 1.41 and 3-D capability.

The upgrade will allow compatibility with all 3-D formats from either Blu-ray players or satellite and cable set-top boxes, and all 3-D video displays. Current owners of these AVR models will be able to upgrade their existing AVRs to HDMI v. 1.4a with 3-D. The units will ship with the upgrade already loaded beginning this September.

The free firmware upgrade is available at www.harmankardon.com.Simply download the software to a USB memory stick, insert the stick drive into the front panel USB jack on the AVR unit and use the remote to navigate through on-screen instructions to install the upgrade. No software loader or direct connection between the computer and AVR is required.

The new Monster SuperThin Cables for HDMI are the first "fruits" of a recently announced collaboration with RedMere, a leader in advanced silicon chip development. Monster SuperThin Cable for HDMI products will be available in 4-, 8-, and 16-foot versions in the DigitalLife line of products (DL HDMI HSMI-4, DL HDMI HSMI-8, DL HDMI HSMI-16). Monster's Core line of cables for HDMI will also offer a SuperThin cable design in 1, 2, 4 and 5 meter lengths.

Thanks to the RedMere MagnifEye Active technology, the HD signals are boosted in the cable itself; thus, thick copper wiring is no longer needed, making this cable very light and thin. The SuperThin Cables have a 3.5mm diameter and are approximately 65% thinner than normal HDMI cables. These SuperThin Cables are perfect to accompany you super-thin TV!

Prices and sizes:

• Digital Life SuperThin High Speed Powered Cable for HDMI for (SRP) 4ft. $89.95, 8ft. $99.95 and 16ft. $119.95.
• Digital Life SuperThin High Speed Powered Cable for camcorder; Mini HDMI to HDMI 8ft. (SRP) $99.95.
• Monster's Core Line of SuperThin Powered Cables for HDMI 1m $79.95, 2m $89.95 4m $99.95, 5m $119.95.

HDMI 1.4 will offer the following enhancements: Ethernet channel, audio return channel, 3D over HDMI, 4K x 2K resolution support, a micro HDMI connector (around half the size of the existing HDMI Mini plug, 19pin) and an automotive connection system.

With that said, there will be 5, yes five, different types of HDMI 1.4 cables:

• Standard HDMI Cable – supports data rates up to 1080i/60
• High Speed HDMI Cable – supports data rates beyond 1080p, including Deep Color and all 3D formats of the new 1.4 specification
• Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
• High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet – includes Ethernet connectivity
• Automotive HDMI Cable – allows the connection of external HDMI-enabled devices to an in-vehicle HDMI device

The HDMI specification 1.4 will be available for download at www.hdmi.org no later than June 30th, 2009. Until then, you can grab the full press release here.