Multiport, 3D-capable models key trends

	Xiamen Seebest’s SB-104HD model provides 6.75Gbps data bandwidth and is linkable to more splitters.

Line bolstered by new applications in more HDMI-enabled products

China makers of HDMI splitters and switches anticipate growth in the segment amid the rising number of devices adopting the standard and recovering sales of consumer electronics. Under efforts to match compliant devices, product development in the line aims to deliver more ports, added functionality, better performance and enhanced housing designs.

Whereas variants with more than four input or output terminals were previously not widely available in most catalogs, multiport units now comprise a key trend. Suppliers such as Hangzhou Direct Electronics Co. Ltd, Sinseader Electronic Co. Ltd and Xiamen Seebest Technology Co. Ltd are offering versions with up to 10 sockets.

Tonetron Electronic Ltd has introduced the HM440 model, a 4x4 high-speed HDMI switch. All four outputs can show identical video streams from a single source or view and receive different signals independently. It also selects active displays and inputs automatically.

Enhancements will be stimulated by the emerging 3D video technology. The HDMI 1.4 standard provides a mature platform for interoperability, delivering 1080p 3D video support, an Ethernet channel and 4000x2000-pixel resolution. Adoption is expected to rise as 3D products and content become ubiquitous.

The VE639 model from Wiretek (Dongguan) Electronic Ltd is a 1x8 HDMI splitter featuring an updated HDMI 1.3 chip allowing reduced high-definition 3D.

Aside from functionality, makers are improving case designs to match users’ need for more portable types.

Many are also enhancing aesthetics.

Hangzhou Direct offers the model DWP5001 HDMI splitter. Measuring 115x60x24mm, the miniature variant has one input and four output sockets.

Product performance is further reinforced by the quality of the components used. Most HDMI ICs are sourced from foreign suppliers such as Silicon Image, Intersil, ADI and Pericom.

New implementations of HDMI in an adopter’s devices and accessories have to pass a suite of tests administered by the HDMI licensing group. Prior to a model’s mass manufacturing, the company must ensure functional requirements meet current standards and sample units are scrutinized by HDMI Authorized Testing Centers.

	The model HM440 switch from Tonetron connects four HDMI sources and four HDMI displays.

Although generally regarded as a secondary business with a 10 percent share of the total A/V accessory output, makers are optimistic about growth. Along with the pace of developments in the HDMI field, exports of splitters and switches are predicted to increase by 5 to 10 percent in coming months. Demand from the US and the EU, where orders show gains of 70 to 100 percent YoY, is expected to help spur sales.

Prospects in new markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America also boost manufacturers’ confidence. India, Malaysia, Russia and Brazil will set the pace for new deliveries. These regions reflect seasonality in demand, peaking during the June to August period. Trends in monthly orders, notwithstanding, have shown marked increases.

Companies are piggybacking on the broadening adoption of high-definition content in various sectors, which fuels the HDMI line. The standard has become the interface of choice ahead of rival interfaces DisplayPort and DVI. Enabled devices include game consoles, Blu-ray and DVD players, set-top boxes, digital TVs, projectors, DVRs, computer monitors, laptops, digital cameras, portable media players and smartphones. Shipments of such products will reach 630 million units by 2012, according to iSuppli.

With the increased use of HDMI devices, new applications have also emerged. Aside from home entertainment, high-definition content is used in other venues such as large exhibitions, conferences and popular Internet-streaming sites.

Nonetheless, HDMI will face certain challenges from the development of wireless video technology as product integration picks up by end-2010. The WirelessHD and WHDI standards are competing for dominance in this space.

Wireless video-enabled consumer electronics are set to become an important segment, with shipments reaching 85.2 million units by 2014, based on estimates from iSuppli. The majority will be made up of digital TVs and notebook computers.

WirelessHD is based on the unlicensed 60GHz spectrum and has an operating range of 10m. Wiretek currently offers a line of WirelessHD splitters and switches.

Drafted more recently, WHDI uses the 5GHz frequency, with the transmission distance exceeding 30m. Future 2.0 standards will boast 3D content.

HDMI splitters outnumber switch models. The former comprises 60 percent of makers’ output, with the remainder going to the other type. The number of splitter units is likely to increase further according to trends in consumer demand.

Typical variants of both products incorporate power saving technology, manual controls, infrared remote controls, and intelligent switching and locking. Supported video resolutions range from standard definition formats such as VGA, SVGA, XGA, UXGA, 480i/p and 576i/p to true high-definition content using 720p and 1080i/p signals.

Quotes of HDMI splitters range from $20 to above $100 for upscale versions. Switches are more moderately priced, starting at $10 and reaching up to $80 for the most-expensive variants.

Entry-level models of both kinds offer manual controls, plastic housings, and compliance with HDCP and HDMI 1.3 and 1.3a standards. Splitters will have one HDMI input and up to four output ports, while switches can have up to four inputs and one HDMI output.

Quoted between $40 and $80, midrange splitters can provide more than one input such as in 2x4 and 4x4 varieties. Selections also include 1x4 and 1x6 types. Output terminals in other models can support four to eight display devices with only one input socket.

HDMI compliance covers 1.3a and 1.3b and HDCP. The units enable 3D function, ESD protection, power saving, intelligent switching and locking, and IR remote controls. Housings use ABS and iron, aluminum or magnesium alloys.

Midrange switches are offered from $20 to $40 and, though lacking 3D functionality, share similar capability with their equivalent splitter category. The key difference lies in input sockets outnumbering output terminals allowing four to eight video sources to lead to a single high-definition display. Likewise, 4x4 and 4x2 alternatives are offered.

Upscale products boast more ports, enabling six to eight outputs for splitters or input plugs for switches. Additions to both categories are the 6x6 and 8x8 versions. User interface is enriched with an OSD and a learning IR remote control. Stronger housings are made of high-grade plastic and titanium alloy.

High-end HDMI splitters are priced from $100 and up, while switches range from $50 to $80.

Makers are considering a 5 to 10 percent increase in coming months as costs of key components such as chips rise.

Evidence of HDMI’s popularity can be seen in the large number of licensed adopters of the technology, already approaching 1,000 organizations worldwide. China enterprises comprise roughly 40 percent of this total. There are about 100 suppliers of HDMI splitters and switches operating in the country.