Taken from PC World Magazine, September 2010 Edition

Are HDMI’s days numbered?  They might be if a new audio/video (A/V) cable standard developed by four tech companies catches on.  The recently finalized cable technology, known as HDBaseT, transfers both audio and video signals over ordinary RJ-45 ethernet cables.  The standard is the result of an effort – by LG, Samsung, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Valens Semiconductor – that started more than six months ago.

While HDMI has several advantages over other sorts of A/V cables, it does have his problems.  The technology frequently suffers from switching delays and is known for its limitations on cable length – problems that HDBaseT could solve.  In addition, HDBaseT will be able to delivery full HD video, audio, Web connectivity and power over one cable simultaneously.

Whereas an HDMI cable can be no more than a few meters in length, HDBaseT supports cables up to 100 meters long.  The new technology can also carry 100 watts of power via the cable.

The HDMI cable is not dead just yet, but the HDBaseT alliance hopes that devices supporting the new standard will ship later this year, with the new cable becoming widely adpoted during 2011.  Whether that becomes a reality remains to be seen, however, an updated HDMI specification is expected in the not-too-distant future.

For more information including a technology comparison table (as a PDF file) – on the HDBaseT Alliance website at www.hdbaset.org