Overview of HDMI 2.0a
Q:Is there a specific format for HDR that will require this extension or will it be needed for any of the different HDR approaches?
We support HDR static metadata that is referenced in CTA 861.3. As the industry and features/formats develop, we will certainly evaluate supporting additional formats.
Q: What is it about HDR that requires the format extension?
There is additional metadata is that required to deliver the enhancements offered by HDR. HDMI 2.0a adds the ability for devices to be able to transmit/receive this metadata.
Q: With HDR-enabled TVs already coming to market from many manufacturers, why is this capability only being added now?
The HDMI Specification has consistently been ahead of market requirements and has done so in a way that is practical and usable to our more than 1,600 Adopter base worldwide.
We support features based on the industry requirements, such as from content providers and other industry standards organizations like CEA and BDA. In this case, the near-term availability of HDR content drives this feature and not the plans of select few manufacturers.
Q: Will HDMI 2.0a require special hardware support or is this a firmware/software only upgrade?
This is dependent on manufacturers and their system designs. Please contact the manufacturers for detail of their system designs and upgradability.
Q: Will this use the same physical HDMI 2.0 connector?
Yes. Existing HDMI connectors will still be used.
Q: If this can be added through a firmware update, when can we expect those updates to be available?
This is dependent on manufacturers and their system designs. Please contact the manufacturers for detail of their product schedules.
Q: Will HDMI 2.0a also be necessary for wide color gamut technology, and if so will receiver chips be necessary inside the TVs for this?
HDMI Specification Version 1.4 already supports a wide color gamut (x.v.Color) and Version 2.0 added support for BT.2020. Typically the content and the entire system, not just the receiver chip, will need to support the wider color gamut to fully deliver the benefits of this feature.
