HDMI interconnects makers prepare for HDMI 2.1 ascendancy

Interconnects production based on the next-generation standard has begun in mainland China, led by a few companies. Initial HDMI 2.1 output allocation is about 5 percent.

HDMI 2.1 is projected to find its niche in high-end TVs in the next two years, especially as TV makers present 8K and up to 10K units, and adopt the standard. LG Electronics has already taken the lead in doing so in its 8K models. From this, demand for compliant connectors and cable assemblies is anticipated to increase by 10 to 20 percent during the period.

To get a head start on this future trend, a few mainland China suppliers of the interconnects have commenced manufacture and more are expected to follow suit. FBBR is said to be the first to have introduced HDMI 2.1 cable assemblies locally. Its models support up to 56Gbps transmission speed. Shenzhen Xinnantian Technology Co. Ltd is developing models, which are scheduled for release in the year ahead.

Makers' turnout is about 5 percent of their total for the line and will climb as they prepare to meet the uptick in orders. At Linkworld Industrial Co. Ltd, HDMI 2.1 cable assemblies represent 10 percent of output now. The supplier said it is ready to adjust production with demand.

HDMI 2.1 products have the capability to support a maximum 10K resolution, up to 48Gbps bandwidth, 60Hz refresh rate in 8K and 120Hz in 4K, and dynamic HDR formats. It boasts low EMI emission as well, and is compatible with earlier HDMI versions. In addition, HDMI 2.1 offers variable refresh rate, and quick media switching and frame transport, ensuring reduced latency for no-lag effect in gaming and videos.

At present, units based on the 1.4 and 2.0 specifications dominate the mainland's HDMI interconnects production. These have a combined share of between 60 and 80 percent.

In the global market, HDMI 2.0 will remain the mainstream standard through 2020 because of price advantage. It can still use copper conductors, while HDMI 2.1 requires expensive fiber-optic cables with length of more than 5m.

There are about 100 manufacturers of HDMI 2.1 connectors and cable assemblies in the mainland. Over 60 percent of the companies are locally owned and the rest have investment, mostly from Hong Kong and Taiwan. All are also engaged in the production of earlier-standard HDMI products and USB interconnects.

The key production hubs are in the coastal provinces. More than half of the suppliers are in Guangdong, mainly in the cities of Shenzhen and Dongguan, and the rest are spread over Suzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu, and Ningbo in Zhejiang.

Typical selection

HDMI 2.1 connectors from mainland companies come in male and female Type A variants with gold-plated copper alloy contacts, nickel-plated copper alloy or stainless steel shells and thermoplastic housings. These have 30 to 50mohm maximum contact and 1,000Mohm minimum insulation resistance, and 500VAC/min withstand voltage.

Some makers ensure their products meet CE, RoHS and UL requirements.

In cable assemblies, commonly available models have Ultra High Speed HDMI cables and gold-plated connectors. These are in 1, 3 and 5m options. Cable length can be customized on request.

Optical fiber or oxygen-free pure copper is generally used, while the jacket material of choice is PVC, regardless of the HDMI specification.

Ningbo Junbo Technology Co. Ltd's model JBHF02-N HDMI 2.0 cable assembly employs optical wiring, while Linkworld adopts an optical fiber and copper combination in its HDMI 2.0 HDF002 model. Tianning Technological Electronics Co. Ltd's AOC-HDAD20AL-20 model is based on active optical cabling.

Most mainland suppliers of cable assemblies comply with the RoHS Directive.

Manufacturing inputs such as copper, gold, nickel, optical fiber and PVC are obtained locally unless buyers specify other sources.

The cost of materials has been almost unchanged, keeping prices of HDMI 2.1 connectors and cable assemblies steady.

In the months ahead, outlay for inputs is not expected to fluctuate much. Product quotes, however, may go down by 5 to 10 percent as more domestic and foreign makers enter the line and tighten competition.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in AC gear motors from China makers.

HDMI 2.0 cable assembly supports 4K at 60Hz

For digital signages, LED signboards, medical imaging equipment, DVRs and gaming consoles and A/V systems, this HDMI 2.0 cable assembly from Linkworld Industrial Co. Ltd, HDF002 model, ensures 4K resolution at 60Hz. It has Type A connectors and an OM3 fiber and copper cable with a PVC, TPE or custom jacket. The latter's outer diameter is 4.8mm. The unit is available in 10 to 150m or buyer-specified lengths.

An order of at least 1,000 units has a delivery lead time of 20 days.

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Up to 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 cable assembly

From Ningbo Junbo Technology Co. Ltd, the model JBHF02-N HDMI 2.0 cable assembly supports 4x2K resolution at 60Hz, HDCP 2.2, CEC and EDID, and has up to 18Gbps bandwidth. It adopts a fiber-optic cable in 10, 20, 30, 50 or 100m.

The minimum order is 10 units. Delivery lead time is 20 days.

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HDMI connector with 10,000-cycle life span

This HDMI Type A connector from Shenzhen Xinnantian Technology Co. Ltd, XNT-HDMI-L130 model, has a 40VAC, 0.5A rating, 30mohm maximum contact and 1,000Mohm insulation resistance, and 500VAC/min withstand voltage. It operates in -40 to 85 C and lasts up to 10,000 cycles.

The maker requires an order of at least 1,000 units. Delivery lead time is 7 days.

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HDMI 2.0 cable assembly has anti-EMI, RFI

In 15 to 100m or custom lengths, Tianning Technological Electronics Co. Ltd‘s AOC-HDAD20AL-20 model uses HDMI 2.0 Type D female-to-Type A male connectors. It supports 4x2K at 60fps, 18Gbps, HDCP 2.2 and 4:4:4 chroma. The unit has zero signal loss at more than 100m, and is protected against EMI and RFI.

The 10-unit minimum order is for delivery within 7 days.

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