Along with the mature high-definition video display technology, people have higher expectations on audio/video experience today. For consumer electronics (CE) devices and home entertainment products, supporting HD audio/video transmission has become an essential requirement. However, while the tendency of mobile devices’ form factor is smaller and smaller, making a product design embedded HD signal transmission interface has become challenging than ever. Also, the high power consumption of HD signal transmission is also a key element that impact the standby time of mobile devices. With these above situation and the increasing needs of mobile audio /video streaming, the latest mobile HD connectivity technical standard – MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) is therefore released.

MHL is promoted by the MHL™ Consortium, comprised of five well-known corporations: Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Silicon Image. Currently, it has more than 60 adopter members. Due to the focus of the needs of HD audio /video streaming on portable products, the MHL™ Consortium developed this technology to transfer HDMI signal through an existing micro USB port. As the picture indicated below, we can simply see how this technology works: audio /video content on mobile devices can be transferred to HDTV immediately through a single cable.

MHL technology needs only five pins to support up to 1080p uncompressed HD video transmission with 7.1 channel surround sound, while also supports HDCP. In addition, mobile device can use MHL for power charging and increase the standby time. It also allows TV remote control to control the mobile device for audio /video content transmission and display. These kind of simple applied scenarios allow consumer products such as cell phones, TVs and notebooks to gradually adopt the MHL technology. For instance, Samsung, Toshiba and HTC have released their cell phones, TVs or tablet devices respectively that adopt MHL technology within this year.

As we have observed, the increasing demand for HD audio/video transmission is easily recognized. For mobile device vendors, the biggest niche to adopt MHL technology is that they only need a single micro USB interface, and then they can have all MHL features including battery charging and HDMI signal transmission support. No additional space will be required for individual micro USB and HDMI interfaces. Therefore, this well-integrated interface technology has been regarded as a killer application.

As MHL’s Qualified Test Laboratories (QTL), Allion provides certification testing services to help vendor go deep into MHL technology. For more details about MHL and its compelling features, please refer to MHL official website at http://www.mhlconsortium.org.

Clarification to HDMI Adopted Trademark and Logo Usage Guidelines

For those Adopters who want to ensure the way of getting HDMI royalty discounted rate (which is $0.05 per unit sold), HDMI Licensing, LLC has recently released a statement to clarify its guidelines. In Attachment B of the Adopter Agreement, it is indicated that Adopter must “reasonably incorporates the Adopted Trademarks on its Licensed Products and related documentation and promotional materials” to receive the royalty discount. HDMI Licensing, LLC also provides a simple understandable formula which is shown below:

Reasonable Incorporation = Compliance + Promotion

This formula also represents that Compliance alone is not a guarantee for royalty discounts. For details about the guidelines and the definition of “related documentation” and “promotional materials”, please refer to the announcement page of HDMI website.

HDMI Licensing, LLC Response to Mini DisplayPort-HDMI Cables

To maintain high level of interoperability among devices that use HDMI technology. HDMI Licensing, LLC recently responds to the existing adapters (cables) on the market today. The DisplayPort to HDMI adapters (Figure 1.) can be tested for HDMI compliance and interoperability because the HDMI Specification and the Compliance Test Specification (CTS) have defined the requirements for such an adapter. However, The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable (Figure 2.) is not defined in the HDMI Specification and cannot be tested for compliance or interoperability using the HDMI CTS. For more details please refer to the announcement page of HDMI website.

New Legal Agreements Required after Sept 1, 2011 for Windows Logo Submissions

Starting from Sep. 1, 2011, for both hardware & software Windows logo submissions, new legal agreement shown below must be signed:

•Windows Logo Program Testing Agreement (WLPTA) version 3.0
  (required for HW/ SW submission)
•Windows Logo License Agreement for Hardware (HWLLA) version 2012
  (required for HW submission)
•Windows Logo License Agreement for Software (SWLLA) version 1.5
  (required for SW submission)

Key changes of these legal agreements please refer to the following table, or contact Allion for more information.

More updates on WHQL:

- Service Pack 1 Required for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
- Requirement AUDIO-0051 Has Been Retired Effective July 1, 2011
- WLK 1.6 QFE 002 Released: Contains Fix for "Reinstall with IO Before and After" Test

*   The information contained in this article was extracted from Allion e-newsletter: http://www.allion.com/enews/2011Q3/2011q3_en.html

Thunderbolt, formerly called ‘Lightpeak’, is Intel’s new high-speed I/O technology through a single port that is first available on new Apple MacBook Pro notebooks lately. Fast data transfers are Intel’s main claim, such as 10 gigabits per second transfers and dual-protocol support. The dual-channel design allows for two channels on the same connector at up to 10 gigabits per second that can support both PCI Express and DisplayPort technologies. Compared with existing technologies, Thunderbolt is regarded as a combination of HDMI and USB 3.0, the loading quantity is spectacularly huge through its co-invented PCI Express 4x, which can connect external devices directly to Macbook Pro.

* Thunderbolt Structure by Intel

USB 3.0, also called SuperSpeed USB, is the latest specification that can transfer data between devices, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Even if USB 3.0 data transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps) are lower than Thunderbolt (up to 10 Gbps), U3 technology is still unbeatable. To recognize more about Thunderbolt and USB 3.0, we analyze the difference between these two technologies through two categories – price and industry standard.

1. Price

Thunderbolt will hold a price premium because the controller is made only by Intel. The cost of making a 10Gbps Ethernet chip is clearly higher than a 5 Gbps USB 3.0 chip. Additionally, a unique five-wire cable is required which is supplied only by Apple. Many other costs could be hidden since Apple is the only one adopting Thunderbolt.

2. Industry Standard

Nowadays, USB has become the most widely accepted and commonly used standard in the PC industry. USB technology has over a decade of adoption since it was originally released in 1995, strong consumer brand recognition has been made due to widespread adoption of USB. The popularity and the consumer demand are even higher along with the recent release of USB 3.0. Thus, a new technology needs time to hold a stable position in order to expand its market share. Intel cannot ignore the increasing demand for USB 3.0.

Now it’s been a while since Intel’s announcement, but it’s too early to tell if Thunderbolt will be a real threat for the already existing USB across the PC OEMs. Which one will become the industry leader in the future? Only time will tell!

4. HDMI

＊HDMI Logo

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface standard for connecting all HD components. HDMI supports all video/audio formats by one single cable. The CEC allows HDMI devices to control each other when necessary and allows the user to operate multiple devices with one remote control handset. HDMI technology is promoted by HDMI, LLC. According to HDMI Testing Policies, each Adopter must submit the first product of each Licensed Product type (i.e. source, sink, repeater, or cable) to an HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC) for testing. Once an Adopter product of each type has passed testing, it is not required to submit to the ATC subsequent products of that type. However, to help ensure HDMI interoperability, we encourage Adopters to use the ATCs.

＊Different Types of HDMI Logo

Due to the popularity of HDMI connector, there are a lot of fake HDMI products without testing, and illegally using HDMI logo on products or packages. This is not only a copyright violation to the association but also a threat to customers. Lately, HDMI is cooperating with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce the intellectual property and protect the Trademark symbol against illegal products, so vendors have to be sure that the logo is used correctly and legally after an authorized test.

• HDMI Compliance Test: http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/testing_policies.aspx

• HDMI Compliance Test Service in USA: http://www.allion.com/hdmi.html

5. DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a new digital display interface standard put forth by the Vide Electronics Standards Association (VESA); it would replace DVI, LVDS and VGA interface. It defines a digital audio/video interconnect intended to be used on PC field and CE field, DisplayPort Compliance Program is designed to ensure that products are standardized by physical layer and link layer test.

＊DisplayPort Logo

Compared to HDMI, DisplayPort not only provides different updated versions, but also develops various specifications, such as DOM, eDP and iDP. DDM (Direct Driver Monitor) simplified the peripheral design for Ultra Sleek Monitors; eDP (embedded DisplayPort) can output the signal through Graphic Processing Unit that reduces power consumption; iDP (internal DisplayPort) is designed for flat TV display interface to control the transmission between SOC and TCON, and its low battery destruction can reduce inner circuit configuration and power consumption.

• DisplayPort Compliance Program: http://www.displayport.org/cms/?q=content/displayport-compliance-program-overview
• DisplayPort Compliance Program Service in USA: http://www.allion.com/displayport.html

6. SATA

＊SATA Logo

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is designed to replace the older PATA (Parallel ATA) interface; some technical improvements are including faster transmission speed, easier installation, improved system airflow and hot-plugging support.

Standardized specifications for the Serial ATA interface is defined and delivered by SATA-IO. Vendors have to pass the SATA Certified Logo Program in order to obtain the certified logos without exception.

Lately, SATA-IO has announced a new interface standard, which is called SATA USM (SATA Universal Storage Module), can combine with a variety of products without charging or extra cables, such as TVs, set-up boxes, playstations and computers. Vendors have to pass the certified program to receive the right to use SATA USM logo as well.

• SATA-IO Certified Logo Program: http://www.sata-io.org/developers/certified_logo_program.asp

• SATA-IO Certified Logo Program Service in USA: http://www.allion.com/serial_ata.html

To get certified logos through certified programs is the best way to protect product quality

As we observed above, these six popular logo programs are widely accepted in the market.In fact, we has accumulated test experiences of these technical standards for a few years; Allion is a global IT testing and verification consulting firm conducting interoperability, performance and compatibility testing services besides of standard certification for companies all over the world. Technology standardization is the foundation to help accelerate technology industry to innovate, and we believe, through certified programs and regulations would maintain product quality in any specifications.

We expect these two articles would make readers not only receive information in each technical standard, but also realize the significance of obtaining certified logo through certification process. Holding this reorganization would build up the level of technique in the whole industry, and also protect customer right at the same time.

Allion offers a comprehensive HDMI Testing Solution, including HDMI interoperability testing, to help manufacturers ensure the highest levels of quality and compliance to the HDMI standard. Allion uses a unique test methodology, the “Allion HD Program,” that focuses on all current HD products in the market to ensure product performance and compatibility. One of the key tests that Allion offers through the HD program is HDMI Compatibility Testing.

HDMI Compatibility Tests consists of four main components:

• Electrical Testing: The comprehensive electrical test can pinpoint a variety of errors caused by factors such as component, Hot Plug Defect (HPD), firmware or PCB board failure.
• HDCP Compliance Testing: HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a protection protocol of digital audio/visual content transmission. This test determines whether an implementation meets HDCP compliance standards and specifications.
• CEC Compliance Testing: CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) is a protocol that provides high-level control functions among all of the various audio/visual products in a user’s environment. Allion’s CEC tests verify everything from electrical specification to device installation.
• Interoperability Testing: This test ensures complete interoperability in accordance with the HDMI CTS1.4 test specification, including the recently added HDMI1.4a specification for enhanced 3D content capabilities.

With HDMI so widely adopted in the consumer electronics industry, it is essential that products undergo a rigorous quality and compatibility program. The Allion HD Program covers a wide range of tests that offer manufacturers reassurance of their product’s performance, functionality and compatibility.

View Allion’s HDMI testing presentation slides from the HDMI Test Solution Seminar & Plugfest.

Learn More:

• Allion Japan Implementing Tektronix Solution for HDMI 1.4a and USB 3.0
• HDMI Unveils 1.4 Specifications

AM3PQTS6PXXB

Read the complete announcement.

• Adding high-speed networking to an HDMI link, making it possible for consumers to use their IP-enabled peripherals without a separate Ethernet cable.
• Allowing an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data “upstream” to a surround audio system without the need for a separate audio cable.
• Establishing an infrastructure for implementing 3D video, making it possible for 3D displays and source devices to communicate through an HDMI link.
• Enabling video resolutions higher than 1080p (4K x 2K video support), paving the way for next-generation displays.
• Adding support for additional color models used in both digital photography and computer graphics.
• Offering a new Mirco HDMI connector designed for small, portable devices such as phones that supports video resolutions up 1080p.
• Offering new cables and connectors for automotive video systems, delivering HD quality in the motoring environment.

The HDMI 1.4 specification is available for download at  http://www.hdmi.org/. Our Allion team currently offers HDMI compliance tests and looks forward to certifying HDMI 1.4 products when they’re available.