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The HDMI Forum has validated the HDMI 2.1a Amendment 1 standard which allows devices to feed an HDMI cable so that it spreads the signal over a longer distance than the few meters currently allowed on passive HDMI 2.1 cables.
The HDMI connector remains the same, but the standard is evolving. © Getty Images
In the past, it was possible to use passive HDMI cables over several meters, but the use of the new HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed) cables can only be done over a few meters. There are active cables using a fiber optic system to broadcast the signal over 10 to 15 m, but they are still quite expensive (count around €100 for a branded 10 ms active cable, €40 for a generic version on Amazon) . These cables only work one way, from the source to the TV or amplifier. Ditto for powered HDMI 2.1a cables as specified by the HDMI Forum: “Connection is the same as a regular HDMI cable, except active cables can only be attached one way. One end of the cable is specifically labeled to be attached to the HDMI source (transmitter), and the other end of the cable should be attached to the HDMI receiver. If the cable is attached in the reverse direction, there will be no damage, but the connection will not work.”
Samsung’s Slim OneConnect box allows you to deport the connectors.
The new powered cables will therefore be able to operate over several meters without requiring an external power supply or having to resort to fiber optics. Note that these HDMI 2.1a cables will be delivered with a USB power cord that will power the cable from a USB Micro-B or USB-C port to ensure compatibility with sources not compatible with this new type of connector. .
The HDMI Forum specifications indicate that the cable draws only 300mA at 5V, or about 1.5W. Currently, no device is compatible with HDMI Cable Power, but it should logically come to market gradually. This type of standard responds to a request from the industry and customers who place HDMI devices further and further away from the television. Samsung has succeeded in responding to this problem by moving the connectors to an external box on its LifeStyle televisions, the Frame for example, but also on its high-end Qled TVs (Samsung QE65QN95A). Other manufacturers keep connectors placed at the back of the television and the arrival of HDMI Cable Power cables should simplify installation by allowing HDMI devices to be installed much further away.