January 8, 2008 -- At the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), HDMI Licensing, LLC, the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification, announced the launch of a suite of tools and educational programs specifically designed to help the installer community more effectively install home theater systems that are connected with HDMI.
"The installer community represents a critical part of the HD services ecosystem and they are facing a fundamental change in the technologies they use to provide the highest quality entertainment experience," comments Leslie Chard, president of HDMI Licensing. "HDMI is an essential to this new technology offering. As the agent responsible for HDMI and the most direct source of information regarding HDMI, we recognize the need to provide installers with resources that will help them."
The new tools and programs include a dedicated Web-based installer area on the HDMI Licensing website, featuring Webinars hosted by HDMI Licensing developed specifically for installers; and an easily accessible Knowledge Base that provides installers with tips and answers to help solve installation issues and questions.
The new installer section can be found at: www.hdmi.org/installers.
HDMI digital connectivity targets high-definition consumer electronics, including HDTVs, set-top boxes, DVD players and A/V receivers. Installing with HDMI creates new challenges to installers accustomed to working with analog connections. To help installers with issues of audio and video distribution and with the migration from older analog to best-in-class performance with HDMI connectivity in home theater systems, HDMI Licensing says it created the technical resource to provide installers with the most current technical and "how-to" information.
Contributions to the technical resource come from recognized leaders in the installer community, such as Jeff Boccaccio, president of In-Visions Technology, Inc. and Joel Silver, president and founder of Imaging Science Foundation, Inc. Via the resource, Boccaccio and Silver provide their own perspective and tips on installing HDMI.
"HDMI is now a necessary part of any home theater system to achieve the highest quality HD entertainment experience consumers demand," says Boccaccio. "Installers can look to HDMI Licensing to help them transition from previously analog-driven systems to today's new all-digital world and meet the needs of our customers who are seeking the highest quality HD home theater experience."
"HDMI Licensing continues to deliver innovative programs and educational opportunities for the installer community as we work with HDMI more and more," adds Silver. "Having a partner that understands the real-world issues we face and that is committed to working with the installer community to tailor educational programs for us is a huge asset to our ability to develop our business and remain competitive. We are excited to contribute to HDMI Licensing's programs to bring helpful information to the installer community."
Included in the installer section of the HDMI Website are content areas designed specifically for the installer community. For installers who are new to digital connections, there are introductory sections that outline the benefits of digital connectivity, as well as Webinars and existing online training modules that are good for CEDIA credits.
Via the resource, installers working with HDMI will be able to find information covering topics such as why move to a digital connection, cable length recommendations and interoperability questions, among others. The resource also features a section of case studies of home theater installation stories directly from installers describing their first-hand experiences with HDMI. The case studies provide tips, lessons learned, recommended products, techniques and other important information for installers; professionals are encouraged to submit their own HDMI case studies for publication on the site.
Another critical component of the resource area is an HDMI Knowledge Base, a frequently updated database of tips and answers to major issues that arise during installation of HD home theater systems and topics of interest. The keyword searchable collection of questions and answers is organized by major categories ranging from cables and connectors, HDMI features, interoperability and HDMI 1.3.