HDMI 2.1a has received an amendment that adds a new feature to the specification called HDMI Cable Power, enabling active HDMI 2.1 Cables to be powered directly from the HDMI Connector. This allows for active HDMI 2.1 cables that no longer require a separate power cable, a welcome improvement for enthusiasts who have required lengthier runs due to longer distances between their display and source devices but would prefer to have fewer cables to worry about. (An HDMI Source device that supports the HDMI Cable Power feature is required.) Active HDMI cables are recommended and usually mandatory for longer runs in order to maintain the signal and avoid visual impurities.
In the case of the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable, performance requirements are so high, it is likely that the only way to meet the Ultra High Speed HDMI requirements in cables longer than a few meters is through powered, active HDMI Cables. Therefore, HDMI Cable Power was added to help support the HDMI 2.1a specification’s higher speeds by providing power to those active cables which may need it to function correctly. While active HDMI Cables have previously been used extensively in professional markets, their use will now increase in the home whenever consumers need longer-length Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables.
Source: HDMI LA
Discussion (3 replies)
Join Discussion →Power over everything.
Honestly, I think it was just simpler when signal cables focused on being signal cables and didn't try to do everything. Besides, it helped keep electrical noise isolated.
POE is kinda nice for the things it's meant to be for though. I can't think of a single damned thing that HDMI Cable Power would be useful for though that isn't already on it's way out the door, like a DVD Player, maybe? or a streaming box (a lot of those already power from USB though)? Maybe cheap sound bars -- the kind you wouldn't want to be caught paying money for.
Big screens, audio receivers, gaming consoles... I can't think of much else that uses HDMI -- those all need enough power that they probably ought to be plugged in by themselves.
For the streaming sticks it could save a USB cable. That's about it though.