HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3: Difference and Comparison

HDMI is an abbreviation for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and this is the most used HD transmission for transmitting both high def audio files over a single long wire.

It is used in both the business AV sector and households to link devices such as smart TV. This cheap, efficient connector is being used to connect more home AV equipment ever, but HDMI is also now available on laptops and desktops, making it the benchmark for the retail and corporate industries.

Key Takeaways

  1. HDMI 1.3 supports higher bandwidth than HDMI 1.2, allowing for higher resolution and refresh rates.
  2. HDMI 1.3 includes an automatic lip-sync feature, improving audio-video synchronization.
  3. HDMI 1.3 enables Deep Color and xvYCC color spaces, providing more accurate and vibrant colors.

HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3

HDMI 1.2 and 1.3 are different versions of the HDMI standard. HDMI 1.3 offers higher bandwidth, allowing for better audio and video quality, and supports more color depths than HDMI 1.2.

HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3

The debut of HDMI firmware version 1.2 marked a huge advancement in technology, bringing a slew of additional features. One of the goals was to expand the attractiveness of HDMI further than the TV-related businesses, including areas such as the Pc industry, wherein VESA was the management of quality.

It also provides support for 7.1 uncompressed HD audio formats including Dolby Real HD, DTS-HD, and DTS-MA (Master Audio). This really is especially important for Blu-ray because it is the minimum needed for enjoying these new audio codecs.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonHDMI 1.2HDMI 1.3
Release DateThe HDMI 2.1 was released on December 14, 2005 with many new features over the 1.1 version.The HDMI 1.3 was a massive upgrade over version 1.2 and it was introduced on 22 June 2006.
Video Formats and RenderingThe 1.2 version adds explicit support for numerous additional codecs, including 720p at 100 as well as 120 Hz, as well as relaxed pixel format compatibility. HDMI 1.3 allowed average to low 3D display but only for the 1080i resolution. This was a tremendous upgrade from version 1.2.
Audio TransmissionNotably, HDMI 1.2 improvements and revisions include: Support with One Bit Audio formats, including such DSD on Super Audio CD (Direct Stream Digital).Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, two new lossless compressed digital audio formats, are now supported by HDMI 1.3.
Next GenerationThe 1.2 Version was followed by the next 1.3 version.The 1.3 version made a subtle spot for the release of the 1.4 version and later the 2.0 HDMI.
Color CodecsHDMI version 1.2 supported sRGB and YCbCr color spaces.Added xvYCC support to the sRGB and YCbCr capabilities from 1.2.

What is HDMI 1.2?

The HDMI 1.2 version was launched on 4th December 2005 brought over a massive upgrade from version 1.1. The 2.1 version provided capabilities that made HDMI more appealing for usage in both the CE and PC sectors.

Specifically, HDMI 1.2 improvements and revisions include Compatibility for One Bit Audio formats, such as Super Audio CD‘s DSD (Direct Stream Digital), adjustments to provide greater support for present and future PCs with HDMI exports, plus the Type-A connection for PC sources and displays with complete PC visual format support.

Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) functions, instruction sets, and CEC conformance tests are now completely described in HDMI 1.2.

Version 1.2 of the HDMI Compliance Test Specification (CTS) was created, which included a CEC Extension. HDMI CTS 1.2 has indeed been adjusted to ensure technical compatibility with both HDMI Specification 1.2 and the newly published HDMI Specification 1.3.

What is HDMI 1.3?

The 1.3 HDMI is a significant upgrade from the former 1.2 version. Some important features include Greater speed: HDMI 1.3 raises the single-link throughput to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps) to handle future HD screen needs such as greater resolution, Deep Color, and high frame rates.

Deep Color: HDMI 1.3 enables 10-bit, 12-bit, or 16-bit (RGB or YCbCr) color depths, increased HDMI specification’s 8-bit profundities, providing spectacular representation of over one billion colors in unparalleled richness.

HDMI 1.3 did support some form of 3D, and only at 1080i quality. Besides the enhancements described above, release 1.3 also includes two new characteristics: the after-all route and the Ethernet connection.

This has been done to decrease the requirement for a second audio link between such a TV as well as a player in order for the audio from either the TV to be received through the player’s superior speakers.

Main Differences Between HDMI 1.2 and 1.3 

  1. HDMI 1.2 did not support 1080i resolution with 3D resolution but the 1.3 version supports it.
  2. HDMI 1.2 is no longer manufactured whereas the 1.3 is still being used in many machineries which will soon be replaced by HDMI 2.0.
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References
  1. https://cie-group.com/how-to-av/videos-and-blogs/what-is-hdmi-high-definition-multimedia-interface
  2. https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/audio-video/hdmi/hdmi-versions.php

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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15 thoughts on “HDMI 1.2 vs 1.3: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The transition from HDMI 1.2 to 1.3 represented a key moment in the evolution of this technology, with its impact extending into both consumer and commercial domains.

    Reply
    • The impacts of HDMI 1.3 are likely to be felt for many years to come, as the technology continues to be adopted across a wide range of applications.

      Reply
  2. The release of HDMI 1.3 was a major development in the industry, and including support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD is a massive advancement.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, this is a critical point, particularly with the increasing prevalence of this technology both in homes and commercial settings.

      Reply
  3. The progression from HDMI 1.2 to 1.3 brought about significant improvements in audio and video quality, it’s a testament to the technology’s advancements.

    Reply
    • Indeed, the improvements have been substantial, and it is clear that HDMI 1.3 is set to remain a key technology for many years to come.

      Reply
    • Absolutely, the improvements in color depth and accuracy are particularly noteworthy, setting HDMI 1.3 apart as a significant standard in audio-video transmission.

      Reply
  4. Although the HDMI 1.3 is a great upgrade, its support for 3D at only 1080i resolution may seem somewhat limiting given the present trends in the use of 3D technology.

    Reply
    • The adoption of HDMI 1.3 is already widespread, and the limitation will likely become a non-issue as the industry progresses.

      Reply
    • In the wider context, the advantages of HDMI 1.3 are substantial; this limitation is just a minor issue in light of its overall capabilities.

      Reply
  5. The adoption of HDMI 1.3 brought about a step change in the quality of audio and video transmission, its enduring impact is clear.

    Reply
    • The significance of HDMI 1.3 in establishing a new standard for audio and video transmission cannot be overstated, particularly given the wide range of applications it supports.

      Reply
    • Indeed, the impact of HDMI 1.3 is likely to be felt for many years, ensuring its position as a key technology for the industry.

      Reply
  6. The HDMI 1.3 version certainly marks a huge upgrade in the technology, It’s fascinating to know that it enables 10-bit, 12-bit, or 16-bit (RGB or YCbCr) color depths.

    Reply
    • I agree, It is indeed an impressive feature, it allows for higher bandwidth and better audio and video quality.

      Reply

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