3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off

The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 23rd 2009 11:25AM]

HDMI is becoming ever more convoluted with these overly specific features that serve the electronics manufacturers and not the standard. For example, ethernet is an absurd addition to the standard, it will only cause problems and confusion. 3d would be worthwhile if there was a single standard. Audio pass-back is a silly workaround for the problems imposed by HDCP in the first place.

[eSocrates Posted Jul 23rd 2009 3:40AM]

This things 8 hours old so im gonna do it. ill never do it again, but here goes...

F1RST!!!!!!!!11!!

and how much faster will my internet be if i use the Monster brand cables for ethernet over HDMI 1.4. Clearly it will be worth the extra "few" bucks :P

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 25th 2009 1:49AM]

The more you pay the high will be the speed of Internet...I know only one thing that MONEY TALKS................
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 23rd 2009 11:33AM]

Actually, chalk up one good thing about the economic melt-down. I was contemplating a TV upgrade for this year... but now I'm postponing that. Maybe 1.4 HDMI may happen around the time I can afford to upgrade!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 25th 2009 12:08AM]

Unlike 1.3, 1.4 shouldn't make you worried that yuo're going to miss something truly important. Go ahead and buy.