HDMI Licensing, LLC just announced the release of the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, featuring key enhancements for 3D applications including the addition of mandatory 3D formats for broadcast content as well as the addition of the 3D format referred to as Top-and-Bottom. The complete HDMI Specification Version 1.4a, along with the Compliance Test Specification (CTS) Version 1.4a, is available to HDMI Adopters on the HDMI Adopter Extranet.

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In addition, an extraction of the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a is available for public download at www.hdmi.org. The purpose of the extraction document is to provide public access to the 3D portion of the HDMI Specification for companies and organizations that are not HDMI Adopters but require access to this portion of the Specification.

The latest HDMI Specification adds enhancements to support the market requirements for bringing broadcast 3D content into the home:
1. The addition of Top-and-Bottom to the Specification.
2. The addition of two mandatory formats for broadcast content:
◦ Side-by-Side Horizontal
◦ Top-and-Bottom

With the addition of these two mandatory formats, the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a provides a level of interoperability for devices designed to deliver 3D content over the HDMI connection. The mandatory 3D formats are:
Mandatory 3D Formats
• For movie content:
◦ Frame Packing
▪ 1080p @ 23.98/24Hz
• For game content:
◦ Frame Packing
▪ 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
• For broadcast content:
◦ Side-by-Side Horizontal
▪ 1080i @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
◦ Top-and-Bottom
▪ 720p @ 50 or 59.94/60Hz
▪ 1080p @ 23.97/24Hz

Implementing the mandatory formats of the HDMI Specification facilitates interoperability among devices, allowing devices to speak a common 3D language when transmitting and receiving 3D content. The mandatory requirements for devices implementing 3D formats are:
• Displays - must support all mandatory formats.
• Sources - must support at least one mandatory format.
• Repeaters - must be able to pass through all mandatory formats.

HDMI Adopters will have 90 days from the publication of the HDM Specification Version 1.4a to build and sell products that are compliant with the HDMI Specification Version 1.4a as well as pass the CTS Version 1.4a. This also applies to legacy set-top boxes that may have upgraded to use Specification Version 1.4 signaling.

Related Articles and Content
For more information please read our other articles, Consumers Revolt Sour On HDMI 1.4, Is 2D the New 3D?, and Update: Toshiba Officially Announces 3D Without Glasses.  You can also find more information by visiting our 3D HDTV section.