Silicon Image today introduced the SiI9387 port processor and the SiI9334 transmitter, the first semiconductor products to incorporate the latest
HDMI 1.4 specification features for digital television (DTV) and home theatre applications.
The new devices offer a more interactive HDMI entertainment experience by enabling new connectivity applications via Ethernet.
The SiI9387 port processor and the SiI9334 transmitter support the following HDMI 1.4 specification features:
- HDMI Ethernet Channel Devices using these chips will be able to transmit and receive full duplex data at 100Mb/sec over an HDMI cable.
- Audio Return Channel Drives a high quality S/PDIF signal through a single HDMI cable, simplifying connectivity in the home theatre.
- Content Type Bits
Optimize and enhance the HD viewing experience by automatically matching content type to video mode.
Silicon Image?s port processors offer new features, technologies and standards for DTV HDMI ports that go above and beyond the basic HDMI switch function offered by analog switches. Port processors support multiple HDMI inputs and interfaces to the System-on-Chip (SoC) over HDMI technology. In addition to the HDMI 1.4 features, the SiI9387 port processor also supports key differentiating Silicon Image technologies such as InstaPort for faster port switching between HDMI-enabled consumer electronics devices, and MHL Mobile High-Definition Link technology, a low pin count HD audio and video interface that connects portable electronics devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, camcorders and portable media players to HDTVs.
The SiI9334 transmitter also supports full 48-bit Deep Color for high-end audio/video receiver (AVR) and Blu-ray Disc player applications.
LiquidHD technology is a suite of protocols that runs over standard IP networks such as the HDMI Ethernet Channel. Designed to quickly connect TVs, consumer electronics devices, personal computers, portable media devices, and home theaters into a seamless network, LiquidHD technology lets consumers enjoy their digital content from any LiquidHD-enabled source device on any LiquidHD-enabled display in the home.
The SiI9387 port processor and the SiI9334 transmitter are expected to sample in the second half of 2009.