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HDMI Connectors from Molex Provide High-Definition Digital Link for Consumer Electronics Equipment
July 25, 2003 — A new series of HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors and cable assemblies from Molex help enable an uncompressed all digital interface between consumer electronics equipment such as DVD players or set-top boxes and audio/video monitors such as Digital TVs. Molex, one of the earlier connector developers of HDMI, is now supplying production-quantity samples of HDMI connectors and cable assemblies.
The HDMI connector system is a small, user-friendly interconnect that can provide up to 5 Gigabits/second of bandwidth to support video and multi-channel audio in a single cable. HDMI eliminates the cost, complexity and confusion of multiple cables used to connect current A/V systems.
Molex's HDMI line-up includes a 19-pin surface mount connector that is available with or without a panel-mounting flange, and cable assemblies offered in several standard lengths. An easy-to-use friction lock design blends in well with home entertainment equipment while providing secure electrical contact and smooth cable insertion/extraction. The connectors are fully shielded for ESD protection, gold-plated for reliability and produced with 100% lead-free processing.
Molex's HDMI cable assemblies are offered in both HDMI-to-HDMI styles for true digital connectivity, and HDMI-to-DVI versions to accommodate the transition of equipment still using DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors. HDMI is fully backward compatible with DVI. Cables are available in black color in AWG 28 and 30 styles in standard lengths of one to five meters, with custom lengths and styles available.
HDMI features high-bandwidth Transition Minimized Differential Signaling-- (TMDS®) audio and video technology, developed by Silicon Image, which helps enable the viewing of uncompressed digital video with integrated audio delivered direct to homes. HDMI also includes Intel's High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), to assure secure access to audio and video content. HDTVs today normally use less than half of the HDMI-specified 5 Gbps of bandwidth, so it's expected that HDMI can accommodate new technology advancements and capabilities well into the future.
Molex's HDMI connectors and cable assemblies are compliant with the version 1.0 specification of HDMI. Founding members of HDMI include Hitachi, Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), Royal Philips Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony Corporation, Thomson and Toshiba. The standard is also supported by content providers such as Fox and Universal, and systems providers including DirecTV, Echostar (Dish Network) and CableLabs.
Molex Incorporated is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electronic, electrical and fiber optic interconnection systems. Based in Lisle, Illinois, USA, the company operates 54 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. Further information on Molex's HDMI connectors can by found on Molex's website at
www.molex.com.
* High-Definition Multimedia Interface and HDMI are trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC
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