HDBaseT 1.0 is a newly-announced hardware standard for connecting audio/visual devices like televisions, stereo receivers, Blu-ray players, computers, etc…. Similar to an HDMI cable, it is able to transmit fully uncompressed digital HD video and audio, but it does so over traditional cat5/6 ethernet cables with the usual RJ-45 connectors. It will not, however, allow you to use standard ethernet switching equipment as this functionality will be replaced with new A/V receivers. Sounds fine thus far, right? No more expensive, proprietary HDMI hubs to split signals. No more expensive cables that I’ll have to replace in a few years time. Good ol’ ethernet will carry the signals just fine.
The snag is that many consumers have just finished converting their system to HDMI cables and may be unwilling to replace their hardware for the sake of a new connection standard. And while the majority of consumers will have no need for HDBaseT, I’m sure that won’t be the line from the industry over the coming years. Alongside the recent push for HDMI v1.4 and 3D technologies, I worry that consumers may not understand this fact and will see an industry hell-bent on proprietary standards and forcing consumers to upgrade. We just finished up with Blu-ray v. HD-DVD, can these guys just take a break? Its clear the industry has realized that establishing proprietary standards is their best hope for continuously increasing profits up. I hope this post can counter some of that sentiment on consumers’ behalf. Though, let me make it clear I remain skeptical and annoyed by the whole 3D push in general.
The simple fact is, those who stand to benefit the most from HDBaseT are commercial installers of networked or “smart” homes (as well as the homeowners) and commercial applications of networked A/V systems.
Continue reading What is HDBaseT? But I just bought HDMI?!?!?!