Introducing Super Cable

HDMI cables could soon be a thing of the past all because of a new more advanced A/V cable standard called HDBaseT (or super cable!).

While it looks like a standard Ethernet copper networking cable that runs between your computer and your router, it can run computer data, high-definition TV and audio, as well as handle electrical power (enough to run a 40-inch display).
 
Unlike HDMI, which only transfers uncompressed video and audio data, HDBaseT uses 5Play technology that allows for full uncompressed HD video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, and power through a single 328ft CAT5e/6 LAN cable - which means it replaces your HMDI cable, power cable and Ethernet cable!

The first version of the cable will have a data throughput of 100 megabits a second, but soon there is expected to be an upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet, which is 10 times faster. Even at the lower speeds, though, the cable will be able to handle not only high-resolution 1080p video, but also 3D signals.

The 100-meter maximum length for HDBaseT is significantly longer than what is possible with HDMI, and will make possible new ways for displaying TV signals. For example, a computer somewhere in the house could stream high definition video directly to the display, by way of a standard computer networking cable.

LG, Samsung, and Sony have backed this new standard and there are hopes that it will start showing up in TV sets next year. While the new system will require new electronics inside TV displays, as well in the devices linking with them, it will be able to take advantage of standard 'recent vintage' Ethernet cables to do the actual connecting. Ethermet cables are a fraction of the price of HDMI connectors.

Welcome to the future of home entertainment - plenty of networked devices and fewer cables!