HDMI stick set-top box

In 2013, interactive television device provider Alticast presented a variety of All-IP STB solutions including multiple RDK device integrations and a new HDMI stick set-top box at CES. The Alticast TV Ready Application Framework in conjunction with RDK provided a versatile high performing solution. The TV Ready User Agent manages operations, provided core TV functionality and allows operators to implement HTML5, Android, and Native UX applications on one STB platform. In the suite, Alticast will premiere a new HDMI stick solution, demonstrating a new direction for IP delivery. The HDMI stick could be used as a client with a gateway, or for direct content delivered via cloud based IP delivery. Other innovations to be displayed include Alticast Cloud Based DVR allowing operators to extend their library offering, and the standards-based Alticast Application Store, extending new entertainment choices to consumers. Alticast also presented a new paradigm for the user with the US premiere of Windmill 2.0. This new user experience design provided a more personalized approach to each viewer in the house, while giving the operator the ability to easily expand services and create new revenue.

How HDMI has advanced over the years

HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, is a standard for transmitting uncompressed digital audio and video data from an HDMI-compliant source device to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device. Since its introduction in 2002, HDMI has undergone multiple updates, each bringing new features and improvements. Here's a brief summary of its evolution:

• HDMI 1.0 (2002): The initial release supported a maximum pixel clock rate of 165 MHz, up to 3.96 Gbit/s of video bandwidth (1080p/60 Hz or UXGA/60 Hz), and 8-channel/192 kHz/24-bit audio.
• HDMI 1.1 (2004): This version added support for DVD audio.
• HDMI 1.2 (2005): Introduced the ability to transfer Super Audio CD (SACD) streams, along with the availability of Type A connectors for PC sources.
• HDMI 1.3 (2006): This version significantly increased bandwidth to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbit/s), introduced new deep color and lossless audio formats, and supported higher resolutions.
• HDMI 1.4 (2009): HDMI 1.4 introduced an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) for data transfers at up to 100 Mbit/s, an Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D video support, and 4K resolution support.
• HDMI 2.0 (2013): HDMI 2.0 brought a significant increase in bandwidth (up to 18.0 Gbit/s), enabling 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). It also added support for 32 audio channels, dynamic auto lip-sync, and extensions to CEC.
• HDMI 2.1 (2017): A major upgrade, HDMI 2.1 significantly increased the maximum bandwidth to 48 Gbit/s, which allows up to 10K resolution, higher frame rates (up to 120fps for 4K, and 60fps for 8K), Dynamic HDR, and eARC for advanced audio formats. It also introduced a new cable - the Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable - to accommodate the increased bandwidth.

Each version of HDMI is backwards compatible with earlier versions. The overall advances in HDMI over the years have kept pace with the increasing demands of modern home entertainment, gaming, and AV systems, allowing for richer, higher-definition experiences with more vibrant colors, faster frame rates, and more immersive audio.