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Questions about the HDMI Forum:
HDMI Forum, Inc, is a nonprofit, mutual benefit corporation established by the HDMI Founders whose purpose is to foster broader industry participation in the development of future versions of the HDMI Specification. Over 80 of the largest PC, CE and semiconductor companies have become Members of the HDMI Forum.
In a word: success. With over 6 billion HDMI-enabled devices having shipped since 2003, the rapid market growth of HDMI technology has extended into an increasingly wide array of devices, applications, and industries, including cell phones, automobiles and commercial applications such digital signage and airport installations. The HDMI Founders felt strongly that the next leap in growth in the development of the specification would arise with broader industry participation. Thus, in October 2011 the HDMI Founders created an open organization where interested companies are an integral part of the development process.
No. All Members have equal standing, including equal voting rights. If duly elected, any Member may sit on the Forum’s Board of Directors. All Members are also eligible to participate in the Forum’s Technical Working Group and other Working Groups. To become a member click here.
The Forum is open for participation by any entity with an interest in contributing to the next generation of HDMI technology. Interested entities must sign a Participation Agreement (Annex B of the Bylaws) and pay an annual Membership Fee. There is no limit to the number of Members the Forum may admit. For a complete list of current Members of the HDMI Forum, please click here.
Members pay an annual fee of USD $15,000.
A Board of Directors oversees the administration and operation of the HDMI Forum. Please click here for the current Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is elected every two years by a general vote of the Forum Members. Candidates must be employees of a Member organization and deemed suitable by that Member to perform the duties of a Director. Only Members may nominate candidates to serve as Directors, with nominations limited to one nominee per Member. There is an annual fee of USD $5,000 for Members who are elected and serve on the Board of Directors.
Questions about the current version and the next version of the HDMI Specification:
The HDMI Forum Members and the Board of Directors released the current HDMI Specification (2.1b) in July 2023. The HDMI 2.1b Specification can be downloaded by Adopters from the HDMI Adopter Extranet.
All Forum Members can participate in the development of future HDMI Specifications, most directly through the Forum’s Technical Working Group.
Click here to see a list of the new features and latest information about the spec. You can also visit the HDMI LA website FAQ.
Yes, it is a new specification.
HDMI 2.1a supersedes HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.1a continues to make reference to, and rely upon, HDMI 1.4b.
Yes. Backward-compatibility has always been an essential feature of HDMI technology. This will not change in future versions of the HDMI Specification.
Yes. Compliance testing will continue to be an essential aspect to the success of the HDMI Specifications. Refer to the HDMI.org website for testing requirements.
Questions about HDMI 1.x Adopters, the Annual Fee, and Royalties:
The HDMI Specification 2.1b does not affect the current HDMI 1.x license. HDMI Adopters must be licensed by the HDMI LA to implement HDMI 1.4b compliant products. HDMI LA continues to operate and manage all licenses of the HDMI Specification 1.4b. For more information, visit the HDMI LA website.
Current 1.4b HDMI Adopters are required to sign a 2.x addendum to their current Adopter Agreement if they choose to adopt the next version of the HDMI Specification.
In order to license the HDMI 2.1b specification, you must first become an HDMI Adopter and then sign an addendum to the HDMI Adopter Agreement which provides a license to the HDMI 2.x specification.
No. There is no additional Annual Fee for HDMI Adopters who choose to license the next version of the HDMI Specification.
Companies wishing to use the HDMI 2.1b specification must become an HDMI Adopter and also sign the HDMI 2.x Adopter Addendum. They will have access to HDMI 1.4b and HDMI 2.1b.
HDMI Adopters will continue to pay the same royalties on HDMI 1.x products in accordance with the existing Adopter Agreement.
For additional information about licenses for Adopters, please visit the HDMI LA website.
