Audio Video News

HDMI Licensing LLC today announced a Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program to give consumers peace of mind that all components in an HDMI-connected 4K/Ultra HD system are capable of delivering a reliable experience.

The optional program for manufacturers is intended to empower participating companies to design and test high-speed HDMI cables for reliability and high performance. It includes an expanded set of cable testing requirements and tamper-proof labeling to identify those premium-certified HDMI cables that meet the grade while hopefully reducing any incidence of counterfeits.

Under the program, cables from participating companies are tested at an HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC) to certify that they can reliably support the full 18Gbps bandwidth of the HDMI 2.0 specification, which is necessary for 4K/Ultra HD, wide color gamut, and High Dynamic Range (HDR).

In a new twist, cables will be tested for EMI (electromagnetic interference), to “minimize unwanted interference with wireless signals in today’s connected devices.” HDMI officials explained that, as signal speeds start approaching that 18 Gbps threshold, the potential for cables to begin broadcasting errant EMI from poorly designed components they're attached to increases. Better manufacturers are aware of this and properly shield their cables to avoid any issues with nearby Wi-Fi or other signals sharing the same space.

The anti-counterfeit labeling is also a first for the group. It includes both a QR code and a hologram fingerprint, and will allow consumers to use a special app to scan an HDMI cable package in the store and verify its authenticity. Authentic labels should return a notice to your smartphone indicating the manufacturer, model, and length of the cable scanned.

“With rapid growth of feature-rich, 4K/Ultra HD content, it’s critical that all components in a 4K/Ultra HD HDMI-connected system are fully capable of delivering on the experience,” said Jeff Park, HDMI Licensing’s technology evangelist. “We are launching this proactive program to give consumers absolute peace-of-mind.”

The first premium-certified HDMI cables could be available in early 2016.