subject: A Guide To The New Hdmi Cable Licensing Rules [print this page] New rules regarding the labelling and testing of HDMI cables are now in effect, changing the way manufacturers and retailers can package and display the products and ramping up the standards they have to meet. HDMI Licensing, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface specification, has also issued new regulations on the trademark and logo usage, meaning it will now be even clearer which HDMI cables are officially licensed and offer the best quality and value for money.
These changes should make it easier for consumers buying HDMI cables to get the right one for their needs and cut down on rogue producers and sellers. The new version numbers and marketing requirements change the way HDMI cables are labelled and sold and the previous specifications can no longer be used. HDMI Licensing brought the new system in to standardise the HDMI cable industry, which will benefit buyers.
The new labelling system
Under the new rules, all cables must be labelled as one of five types. These are:
Standard HDMI cable
Standard HDMI cable with Ethernet
Standard automotive HDMI cable
High-speed HDMI cable
High-speed HDMI cable with Ethernet
This reveals the speed at which the cable can transmit the digital video and audio signals and also whether it has Ethernet capabilities.
Consumers will be able to clearly see which cable meets their needs and can avoid paying extra for technology they will not use.
New testing standards
HDMI Licensing has also released new rules on testing standards for HDMI cables to ensure all manufacturers produce high-quality leads that are fit for purpose.
The Compliance Test Specification Version 1.4 details all the technical criteria and tests that HDMI-enabled products must satisfy. It covers all aspects of the HDMI technology, including Ethernet, Audio Return Channel and 3D support.
What this means for consumers
The new rules mean that customers will continue to benefit from high standards across all HDMI cables and other HDMI products and manufacturers will have to clearly label their products and stick to rigid quality control levels and pass the required tests before sending their products to retailers.
