HDMI 1.4a spec released in full, lays down mandatory 3D format support details

That the HDMI 1.4 spec would need some tweaking to ease compatibility between old upgraded set top boxes delivering 3DTV, Blu-ray 3D, receivers and displays was already established and today the full information has been released to all HDMI Adopters. Firmly implemented are the mandatory formats devices will need to interpret with displays required to support all mandatory formats, repeaters able to pass through all of them, and sources must support at least one. That certainly doesn't stop older HDMI 1.3 labeled equipment from delivering a Full HD 3D experience, as long as they're able to upgrade to compatible signaling.

As HDGuru explains, the main potential hangup is in the audio receiver, as older ones without 3D passthrough capability may not be able to interpret 3D signals, and can't be upgraded to interpret it requiring a workaround like Panasonic's upcoming dual HDMI packing Blu-ray player. Whether it's "frame packing" (sequential) in 1080p/24Hz for movies or 720p/60Hz for games, and either side-by-side horizontal at 1080i/60Hz or top-bottom compressed 720p/60Hz and 1080p/24Hz for TV the new updates to the spec just ensure everyone is speaking the same language going forward. We haven't heard of any looming compatibility issues for 3DTV devices but until it gets in someone's home and the cables are plugged in we're sure some will still have doubts.

[EatingPie Posted Mar 4th 2010 9:57PM]

Just for people who are wondering, spacial compression -- side by side or top/bottom -- halve resolution. So instead of 1080p, you get 540p. That kindasorta sucks.

From what I've read, for *video* content the PS3 is actually going to use 1080i/60. The TV will receive two 540 fields but re-assemble them into full 1080p frames, so even though it has the "i" word, it still gives you full resolution.

HDMI 1.3 can also handle the full 48 fps required for *film* content, so that covers most Blu-rays out there anyway.

-Pie

[RichardLawler Posted Mar 4th 2010 10:02PM]

@EatingPie what video content that isn't film? The standards above are what content will come in, no 1080p/60 3D Blu-ray discs, the PS3 and other "HDMI 1.3" players won't have to halve the resolution on anything.

[EatingPie Posted Mar 5th 2010 5:34AM]

I was referring to content recorded in video formats, like 1080p/30 native. Like documentaries Blu-rays like Rush R-30. (It's late, I may have my 30s and 60s wrong, sorry!)

Widescreen Review reported that the PS3 would send out 1080p/30 3D as 1080i/60 3D via HDMI 1.3, stating the two interlaced fields would be re-assembled into full resolution progressive 1080p/30 3D frames by the TV. It may be that they were referring to 1080i side-by-side as you discuss in your article, but that would end up halving either horizontal or vertical resolution.

Not sure if I answered your question. The whole 3D thing is still pretty darned confusing (heck, I still don't know if RealD theatrical halves resolution itself!... 99% sure IMAX Digital 3D does not).

-Pie

[abedinthehouse Posted Mar 5th 2010 10:22PM]

hmm, now its up to the devices manufactures to start rolling out all their 'magical' devices in full 1.4 HDMI glory!