DVI (digital visual interface) is gaining popularity in the PC market, but the newer HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) standard will find even greater success in the consumer electronics (CE) market, according to In-Stat/MDR. HDMI has smaller connectors, and can carry uncompressed digital audio and video.

In a new report on digital video interfaces, In-Stat/MDR predicts that the market for DVI-enabled devices will grow at 34.3 percent annually between 2003 and 2008, while HDMI-enabled products will grow at the “stratospheric” rate of 462.3 percent over the same period.

DVI growth to continue steadily

“Over the past year, DVI has continued to gain design wins in PCs, particularly consumer desktops, where sophisticated graphics cards are being designed into more mainstream PCs,” says Brian O'Rourke, a senior analyst with In-Stat/MDR.

DVI has also surfaced in the notebook PC space, where docking stations sometimes include DVI ports, and in PC peripherals such as LCD monitors, where the use of DVI is driven by increasing penetration of the PC market, In-Stat/MDR says. Other uses of DVI include business projectors, and commercial plasma displays and signs.

HDMI storms in

Although DVI has had some impact over the last few years in selected CE markets, particularly digital TVs and set-top boxes (STBs), O'Rourke says “HDMI is really gaining ground in the CE market with its audio support and a smaller connector compared to the DVI spec.” Currently, HDMI is in the process of overtaking DVI in CE products such as digital TVs, STBs, and DVD players, according to the report.

In-Stat/MDR also says:

• The HDMI standard is backed by several large CE vendors, including Sony, Philips, and Matsushita, which bodes well for its success in this segment.
  
• The transition from DVI to HDMI in CE began in 2004, and should accelerate significantly in 2005.
  
• HDMI will have a more difficult time in PCs and PC peripherals, where DVI is expected to remain popular. However, HDMI will have some impact in media-centric PCs that may attach to the home CE cluster.
  
• DVI will be in a majority of LCD monitors and business projectors by the end of 2008. Displays and signs is also a fast growing, though small market, for DVI.

About HDMI

According to the HDMI consortium's website, HDMI was originally developed to serve as a digital interface standard for the consumer electronics market. The standard combines high-definition video and multi-channel audio in a single digital interface meant to provide “crystal-clear digital quality” over a single cable.

HDMI socket on rear of consumer device

The use of a single cable (photo at right) for audio and video will simplify home theater system installation and eliminate the “cable mess” behind entertainment system components, the group says. Another significant advantage of HDMI over analog A/V connections is its ability to transmit uncompressed digital video and audio content. HDMI is the only consumer electronics peripheral interface that can carry both uncompressed high-definition video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats, including 720p, 1080i, and the upcoming 1080p, the group claims.

The HDMI specification does not limit cable length, “in order to allow cable manufaturers to improve their products through the use of new technologies,” according to the HDMI Consortium, which expects HDMI cables to be available in lengths up to about 50 feet (15 meters).

HDMI systems are said to automatically configure to display content in the most effective format. In addition, HDMI's integrated remote capability automatically configures the home theater system on demand, turning on or off the components necessary to view a DVD, listen to a CD, or watch cable or satellite TV, the group says.

HDMI is rapidly emerging as the connection standard of choice for High Definition TV (HDTV), according to the HDMI website.

In-Stat/MDR's digital video report

In-Stat/MDR's new report, “Visualize This: DVI Rules PCs, HDMI To Control Consumer Electronics”, includes separate DVI and HDMI unit forecasts, by year, through 2008, in fourteen different applications in three product segments: PCs, PC peripherals, and consumer electronics. The report includes detailed analysis of DVI and HDMI in each of these applications. An average selling price forecast for DVI and HDMI transmitters and receivers is also included. Brief profiles of DVI and HDMI silicon suppliers, including Silicon Image, Texas Instruments and Broadcom are included as well.

 
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