HDMI® Testing Services for Compliance & Logo Certification

Test your HDMI products for compliance to the latest HDMI® standards at Granite River Labs (GRL), an HDMI® Forum Authorized Test Center providing a comprehensive range of test services for sources, sinks, repeaters, and cables.

 

Access HDMI 2.1 FRL, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, HDMI 1.4b, and HDCP 1.2 & 2.3 services from deep HDMI specification experts who understand the requirements of HDMI® certification, pre-certification, and debugging requirements inside-out. Our lab experts will help you ensure compliance with the following criteria:

  • Electrical and protocol requirements
  • 8K60, DSC, eARC and other optional HDMI features
  • Interoperability for enhanced market viability (not required for certification)

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HDMI® test overview

 

Products assessed under the HDMI® test

HDMI® stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and is a standard that integrates digital video and audio transmission into singular cables simultaneously. This dual-transmission capability is the reason why HDMI® certified cables are frequently used in TV boxes, stereos, personal computers, DVD players, and screens.

 

What is the latest HDMI® standard?

HDMI 2.1a is the latest HDMI® technology released by the HDMI Forum in 2022. It replaces the previous HDMI 2.1 FRL (Fixed Rate Link) from 2017, and provides a minor update known as source-based tone mapping, a technique that enables HDR images to be displayed on screens within lower dynamic ranges while preserving colors, contrast, and details, and redefined the Quick Media Switching (QMS) feature.

 

 Who is the HDMI LA?

The HDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA) is responsible for organizing and promoting activities relating to HDMI® technologies. They are also the agent appointed by the HDMI Forum to license HDMI Specifications, including version 2.1a and older.  

 

Who is the HDMI Forum

HDMI Forum is a non-profit organization formed by world-class manufacturers. The HDMI forum’s main task is to develop future versions of HDMI specifications and technologies to create an ecosystem of compatible HDMI devices. Today, the HDMI Forum continues to be responsible for formulating HDMI 2.x certification specifications.

 

HDMI® product certification categories

The following product types can be certified by HDMI:

HDMI product certification categories_with definition and examples_source, sink, repeater, cable, connector

Overview of the HDMI 2.1 FRL test

The original HDMI 2.1 was released in 2017 in response to increasing demand for high-quality audio and video applications among consumers. During its inception, HDMI 2.1’s additional FRL transmission mode was considered to be revolutionary for signal transmission interfaces.

 

HDMI 2.1 Test Items Summary

Table summary of HDMI 2.1 test items_source, sink, repeater, cable, connector

* HDMI 2.1 certification is available for FRL Source, Sink, Connector, and Cat.3 HDMI Cables

<Click to Test Instrument Reference>

 

 

Test solutions for each HDMI test item

Electrical Test

  • Keysight UXR0334A
  • Tektronix DPO72004C
  • Keysight M8195A Based Test Platform

Protocol Test

  • Keysight U4998A
  • Keysight M8195A Based Test Platform
  • QuantumData 980

Voltage Test

  • Keysight E3634A
  • Advnatest R6240A
  • HIOKI 3522-50

EDID Test

  • QuantumData 882
  • Yokogawa DLM2024

Impedance Test

  • Tektronix DSA8300
  • Keysight E5071C

HDCP Test

  • Simplay Labs SL8800

 

Disclaimer: HDMI®, HDMI® High-Definition Multimedia Interface, Ultra High-Speed HDMI® Cable Certification Test, and HDMI trademark are registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. This information is provided for convenience only. This information is not and should not be regarded as official information of the HDMI Forum.

For the official information on HDMI®, please visit the website https://www.hdmi.org/, or obtain it directly from the HDMI Forum.

 

 

HDMI 2.1 TMDS vs. FRL

HDMI 2.1 has completely replaced its predecessor HDMI 2.0 and can be divided into two modes, FRL and TMDS. The difference between TMDS and FRL modes can be seen in the table below:

Comparison table between TMDS and FRL mode for test items that have been released

 

How to conduct HDMI test

HDMI certification process overview

HDMI certification process flowchart for HDMI 1.4 and 2.1 ATC tests

* This flowchart applies to HDMI 1.4 and 2.1 ATC tests only Contact us for details on HDMI Self-test reporting.

 

Step 1: Become an HDMI LA Member

Organizations can verify their membership status via the official HDMI Membership page.

If not, organizations may apply for membership via the HDMI online portal. Simply assign a contact person to sign the official agreement. Successful applicants will receive a set of ID and password for their membership account once payment has been completed.

 

Step 2: Submit sample information via the CDF & HDCP Form

  • CDF (Capability Declaration Form): Records the capabilities of your product, which will be cross-checked during the certification test for consistency. This form is required for testing, and can only be downloaded by HDMI Adopters via HDMI Adopter Extranet.
    • Family Model list: Family spreadsheets can be found in the CDF form, and should be submitted to GRL before certification. Family Model lists are applicable under the following conditions:
      • Extended model has no software or hardware changes besides case design and color
      • HDMI hardware design on extended model remains unchanged as well
  • HDCP Form: This form is not compulsory for HDMI certification, but has to be filled if your product supports HDCP1.x or 2.x. HDCP forms may be downloaded from the DCP Webpage. (DCP: Digital Content Protection LLC)

 

Step 3: HDMI 1.4 ATC after certification

Upon receiving the HDMI certificate, companies will have to apply for the HDMI Confirmation Letter via the HDMI Adopter Extranet. You may obtain the confirmation letter through abiding by the following steps:

  1. Log in to your member account and choose the relevant product category from the following options:
    1. HDMI 1.4b / 2.1 
    2. Source / Sink / Repeater / Cable / HDMI Premium Cable
  2. The following files need to be uploaded: 
    1. Capabilities Declaration - CDF
    2. Test Results Form - TRF
    3. ATC Certificate

HDMI® 2.1a Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable test overview

The Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable

Under the HDMI® 2.1 specification, cables are now capable of producing higher fresh rates, up to 10K resolutions, and bandwidths of up to 48Gbps. Transmission speeds on all four lanes can reach 12Gbps, which is double that of the HDMI 2.1 TMDS specification that only reaches 6Gbps on 3 channels.

New cable specifications have also been introduced to support HDMI 2.1 FRL product for high bandwidth requirements:

  • The Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable ensures that high dynamic range uncompressed 8K images that require high-bandwidth transmission can be played normally without disrupting nearby devices with electromagnetic interference.
  • The Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable is backwards compatible with the lower version of the HDMI specification

 

HDMI 2.1 cable test items

  • 4.1 FRL Data Lane Parametric Electrical TestsHDMI 2.1_cable test items_4.1 FRL Data Lane Parametric Electrical Tests
  • eARC Data Lane Electrical Tests
    Test items for eARC Data Lane Parametric Electrical Tests from HFR7-12 to HFR7-15
  • DDC/CEC Line Tests
    HDMI 2.1_Test Items Summary_DDC/CEC Line Tests
  • Cable-ID Tests
    HDMI 2.1 Test Items_Cable-ID Tests_HFR7-24

Note that HDMI 2.1 Cables must also meet requirements of HDMI 1.4b cables and that connectors must be certified HDMI Category 3 Connectors.

 

HDMI® 1.4 Cable Test

HDMI 1.4 cable test items from 5-1 to 6-3

 

 

Premium HDMI® Cable test overview

Premium HDMI Cable 

The Premium HDMI® Cable Certification Program covers an additional cable test to ensure that cables comply with the full 18Gbps bandwidth as well as an EMI test to ensure they minimize interference with wireless signals.

The program is widely recognized within consumer markets as proof of quality among new HDMI cables for 4K/UltraHD products that include 4K@60Hz, BT.2020, and HDR features. These newly designed cables are available with both HDMI Type-A and Type-D Connectors.

 

Premium HDMI Cable test items

  • General Cable Assembly Tests

Premium HDMI cable test items for ID 5-1, 5-2, 5-10, 5-11, and 5-15

  • Eye Diagram Test

Premium HDMI cable TMDS Data Eye Diagram test items for ID 5-3

  • Parametric Test

Premium HDMI cable Differential Impedance test item for ID 5-8

  • HEAC Cable Assembly Tests (Optional)

Premium HDMI cable HEAC Cable Assembly Test items for ID 6-1 to 6-3

  • Additional Electrical Performance Tests

Premium HDMI cable Additional Electrical Performance Test items for ID 5-12 to 5-14

  • 600MHz Eye Diagram Test

Premium HDMI cable Enhanced TMDS Data Eye Diagram Test Item for PC-1

  • EMI/RFI Test

Premium HDMI cable Enhanced TMDS Data Eye Diagram Test Item for PC-2

 

Disclaimer: HDMI®, HDMI® High-Definition Multimedia Interface, Ultra High-Speed HDMI® Cable Certification Test, and HDMI trademark are registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. This information is provided for convenience only. This information is not and should not be regarded as official information of the HDMI Forum.

For the official information on HDMI®, please visit the website https://www.hdmi.org/, or obtain it directly from the HDMI Forum.

HDMI FAQ

1. How can a company apply for HDMI® membership and qualify for the certification test process?

Only HDMI® Adopters (organizations that have successfully registered with HDMI) can access and use current and future HDMI® specifications. Interested parties may verify details on the HDMI® certification and membership application process as well as required test documents via the official HDMI® Adopters page.

2. Does the OEM or original manufacturer pay HDMI® royalties?

All HDMI® license holders are required to pay royalties. This includes companies and contact persons who filled in the CPF form before the standard test process.

3. Why can’t I find my product on the HDMI® website even though it has been certified?

Since 2015, HDMI® has discontinued the practice of listing certified products on their official website. However, companies that have successfully registered as HDMI® Adopters should be able to find themselves listed in the Adopters & Affiliates list.

4. What should I do if my product needs more Family Models?

This depends on whether product testing for your product is in progress or has been completed.

If your product is still being tested, additional extended models may be added to the same Family Model via the usual certification process.

If testing has been completed and your product has been certified, you may contact an ATC to obtain a self-test report, which will subsequently need to be submitted to the HDMI official website.

5. Can extended models of the same Family Model be sold by non-HDMI members?

Yes. Non-members may sell extended models from the same Family Model if they abide by the following steps:

  1. Ensure that the applicant company filling in the CDF is an HDMI member.
  2. If the certified product will apply for Family models for multiple manufacturers at the same time, ensure that manufacturer's name and the corresponding product models are listed in detail on the CDF Family page.

Brand names of non-HDMI members may also appear in Product Brand Names and Family models.

6. Are retests required if a product model uses multiple types of connectors?
Yes. Products with connectors from a second source must be retested for all HDMI® test items according to association standards. 
7. What conditions must customers fulfill to qualify for self-test reporting?
  1. The customer must first be a member of the association. Refer to the Adopters & Affiliates list if you’re unsure about your organization’s membership status.
  2. The customer must also have obtained HDMI® ATC certification for a manufactured product under the same category.

For example, manufacturers of laptops that are officially HDMI® ATC certified may perform self-test reporting for future desktop computer products.
8. What is the difference between conducting self-tests and testing at ATCs?

The following table provides a breakdown of the differences between self-test reporting and testing at an HDMI® certified ATC. 

Comparison table between self-test reporting and testing at an HDMI® certified ATC_test executor, test items

9. Do HDMI® products support HDCP related instructions?

All HDMI devices capable of performing HDCP operations (For example: CDF field HDCP_Supported) shall be tested for HDCP compliance.

HDCP compliant products are not required to be backward compatible, either. It is therefore possible for products to only support HDCP 2.x, but not HDCP 1.x.

10. Can my sample product be retrieved after the test has completed?

Product samples can be retrieved once certification tests have concluded and certifications have been sent out.

11. What are the regulations on HDMI® logo format and regulation?

There are a total of 6 HDMI® Stylized Logos and 6 HDMI® Port Design Logos in various styles available for download. Please refer to the official HDMI® logo regulations for approved guidelines on how the logos may be used.

HDMI 2.1 FRL FAQ

1. What data rate does HDMI 2.1 FRL support?

Number of lanes for various data rate levels_HDMI

2. Do products that support HDMI 2.1 FRL need to use HDMI 2.1 certified connectors?

Yes. Using HDMI 2.1 Certified Cat-3 connectors is a prerequisite to obtaining HDMI 2.1 FRL certification. The full list of HDMI 2.1 Certified Cat-3 connectors can be found on the official HDMI website.

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