Unified Display Interface
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Unified Display Interface (UDI) is a newly-proposed interface specification designed for HDTV and PC usage, replacing the aging VGA analog interface while maintaining compatibility with existing HDMI and DVI standards. It provides higher bandwidth than previous digital ports (up to 16 Gb/s in its first version compared to 5 Gb/s for HDMI) and includes a form of digital rights management (DRM) known as High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). Windows Vista, the upcoming version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, will require DRM for playback of protected HD content. Otherwise, such content will be scaled down to DVD quality or 480p.
The plug will have a single row of 22 contacts pitched 0.6 mm apart from each other, looking very similar to the Intel initiated USB plug which has a single row with only 4 contacts. 3 of the 22 contacts will not be wired but are reserved for undetermined future upgrade possibilities. Transmit and receive plugs are slightly different, an UDI cable will fit only one way. Bidirectional communication works at a much lower data rate than available for the single direction video datastream.
On December 20 2005, the UDI Special Interest Group (UDI SIG) was announced. They will work on determining the refined specifications and promoting the interface. Members include Silicon Image Inc., Intel, Apple Computer, LG, Samsung and NVIDIA.
UDI is specifically targeted towards the needs of computer monitor and video card manufacturers as opposed to HDMI which is aimed more at use in consumer electronics equipment such as television monitors and DVD players. Unlike HDMI, UDI is display only, it does not carry audio signals unless the product in question is also licensed for HDMI if so a UDI to HDMI cable will carry both sound and picture
The final specification is expected to be finalized by the end of July 2006. The differences between UDI and HDMI will be kept to a minimum, as both specifications will be aligned for long-term compatibility.
A competing standard to UDI is DisplayPort.
See also
External links
- [UDI SIG Website]
- [Next-gen display standard emerges for PC, HDTVs]
- [Industry group promotes UDI as successor of VGA graphical interface]
- [Picture of UDI connector next to HDMI connector]
News
[Unified Display Interface Nears Release] - July 3, 2006
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