High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is provided for transmitting uncompressed digital audio and video signals from DVD players, set-top boxes, and other audio-visual sources to television sets, projectors, and other video displays. It can carry high-quality multi-channel audio data and all standard and high-definition consumer electronics video formats. The HDMI display interface connecting the processor and display devices uses transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) to carry audiovisual information through the same HDMI cable. HDMI also needs an external component.

HDMI includes three separate communications channels: TMDS, Digital Display Channel (DDC), and the optional CEC (consumer electronics control). CEC is not supported on the processor. As shown in the following figure, the HDMI cable carries four differential pairs that make up the TMDS data and clock channels. These channels are used to carry video, audio, and auxiliary data. In addition, HDMI carries a VESA DDC. The DDC is used by an HDMI Source to determine the capabilities and characteristics of the Sink.

Audio, video, and auxiliary (control/status) data is transmitted across the three TMDS data channels. The video pixel clock is transmitted on the TMDS clock channel and is used by the receiver for data recovery on the three data channels. The digital display data signals driven natively through the PCH are AC coupled and needs level shifting to convert the AC coupled signals to the HDMI compliant digital signals. The processor HDMI interface is designed in accordance with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface.