Paving the way for the release of high-definition (HD) content, DVI-HDCP (digital visual interface with high-bandwidth digital content protection) has become the interface of choice for the final connection between the set-top box and the digital TV. Only DVI-HDCP accommodates uncompressed digital video, providing the highest image quality without burdening the TV or set-top with the additional cost and complexity of an MPEG decoder and encoder.

DVI-HDCP has the support of content providers for the secure distribution of their premium HD content. Leading consumer-electronics manufacturers, including Sony, Thomson, Hitachi, Samsung, and Toshiba, are adding DVI-HDCP across their DTV lineups. Content distributors DirecTV and EchoStar, as well as cable standards organization CableLabs, are turning to DVI-HDCP as the method of choice for sending protected HD content to DTVs. In response, Samsung, Scientific-Atlanta, Pace, and a number of other set-top manufacturers have announced receivers with DVI-HDCP.

DVI's simple, elegant architecture lends itself well to enhancements designed to optimize the user experience. For instance, the integration of multichannel digital audio would provide a richer audio experience and simplify cabling, potentially lowering costs. The addition of a simple, low-cost control bus would add intelligence to the link, providing new functionality.

Building on the foundation of DVI-HDCP, HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface), offers these enhancements and more. HDMI couples uncompressed HD video and multichannel digital audio in a single cable with bandwidth to spare for future requirements. A sleek, user-friendly connector eliminates the maze of cables behind the entertainment center while ensuring backward compatibility with the installed base of DVI-HDCP devices.

HDMI is the first digital consumer-electronics standard to have received industry support from the entire value chain, from content providers to distributors to manufacturers. HDMI was created by a consortium comprised of Hitachi, Matsushita (Panasonic), Philips, Sony, Thomson (RCA), Toshiba, and my company, which provides HDMI silicon.

HDMI also provides easy support for overlaying high-resolution graphics for electronic program guides and other interactive services. In addition, HDMI enables consumers to control interconnected AV systems, including the set-top box, DVD player, AV receiver, and DTV, with a single remote. HDMI also supports communication between the video source and the DTV, allowing the set-top to send video in the DTV's native format and empowering the DTV to make intelligent decisions on rendering.

For these reasons, the industry should see a quick transition from DVI-HDCP to HDMI as the final connection to the DTV. Serving complementary functions, HDMI and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) should coexist in the home-entertainment system, with 1394 used for moving MPEG-2 compressed video and audio between recording devices.

HDMI fulfills the promise of the HDTV revolution, serving as the catalyst for the release of a plethora of new high-value, high-definition content.