What is the difference between HDMI and HDMI 1.3?

Question

I have Denon Receiver 2807 with HDMI and Panasonic DVD recorder with HDMI 1.3. I want to buy a Panasonic Plasma HD TV (with HDMI 1.3) but only if I can use the Viera link with the Denon as HDMI switcher? Can this work? If not there is no incentive to go with Panasonic HD TV.

Answer 1

The Denon should switch via the HDMI 1.1 (according to Denon ... 1st link) connections, BUT you can't get the full functionality of HDMI 1.3 unless ALL CONNECTIONS in the HDMI chain are 1.3. See 2nd link re differences in HDMI 1.1 and 1.3.  

This is not a big thing (yet) because there isn't any Deep Color material available and HDMI 1.1 is capable of carrying all video you are likely to use for DVD and HDTV purposes.

The bottom line is you will need to update the receiver at some point, but for now it should do what you want. I'd suggest if you have any doubts describe the concern and get the store to agree (in writing) to take back the TV if the components won't work together.

That all said, presumably you are considering the Panasonic HDTV because you want it's features ... and HDMI 1.3 is "future proofing" even if you don't immediately need it.

Answer 2

The Denon receiver will not work with Viera Link. The HDMI universal control system, Panasonic calls it Viera Link, requires that the device be CEC (Consumer Electronics Command) compatible. The Denon 2807 is not CEC compatible.

CEC was introduced in HDMI 1.0 and updated in the HDMI 1.2 and 1.3 standards. It is not a requirement of HDMI though so it's optional. Many newer items do include it however.

Answer 3

They are both HDMI...1.3 is just the latest release version...