HDMI Licensing Announces Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program for 4K Ultra HD Support

The company has developed a system to ensure cable quality for 4K Ultra HD content delivery.  

HDMI Licensing has launched a new Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program. The testing process is specially designed to guarantee cable quality, performance, and reliability for future 4K Ultra HD media.

"With rapid growth of feature‐rich, 4K/UltraHD content, it's critical that all components in a 4K/UltraHD HDMI‐connected system are fully capable of delivering on the experience. That is why we are launching this proactive program to give consumers absolute peace‐of‐mind," said Jeff Park, HDMI Licensing, LLC's Technology Evangelist.

With the new voluntary HDMI Cable Certification Program, participating HDMI cable suppliers can test their cables at an HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC). In order to achieve certification, the cables must pass new testing requirements to ensure reliability for the 18Gbps bandwidth of the HDMI 2.0 spec, offering full support for 4K Ultra HD content with wide color gamut and High Dynamic Range (CEA-861.3) features. Likewise, the program also includes new testing guidelines for EMI emission levels, which are designed to help reduce potential interference with wireless devices. In addition, cables that pass the certification process will include an advanced anti‐counterfeit label that incorporates a QR code that can be scanned by mobile apps to confirm authenticity -- ensuring their proper branding as certified "Premium High Speed HDMI Cables or Premium High Speed HDMI Cables with Ethernet." Here's a look at a sample certified cable label:

“As they upgrade their equipment, consumers expect to fully enjoy the 4K/UltraHD features that the HDMI Specification enables. Consumers can easily identify Premium High Speed HDMI Cables and be confident that their new 4K/UltraHD TVs, sources and cables will deliver an ultra‐reliable, 4K/UltraHD experience," states Rob Tobias, President of HDMI Licensing, LLC.  

Though current HDMI cables should be able to deliver most forms of current 4K Ultra HD content without any issues, these new testing guidelines for upcoming cables will help minimize the possibilities for defects and counterfeits, while ensuring future support for evolving 4K standards. Speaking with High-Def Digest, Jeff Park and Rob Tobias emphasized the new testing system's proactive nature and stressed the program's goals to help customers future-proof their setups. 

The Premium HDMI Cable Certification Program is now active, and the first certified cables are expected to become available in early Q1 2016.

Source: HDMI