TechCrunch TV is using a LiveU mobile pack provided by our partner Ustream for our live streaming coverage from CES. Our camera connects to the pack via a HDMI connector cable. But at the end of our evening Showstoppers coverage, the HDMI plug snapped and broke. At 10pm in Las Vegas, how do you find a replacement HDMI plug? Actually, of all the places in the world to have this happen, we were in the right place.

John Biggs suggested we look around the exhibit hall. So, I spied a large monitor at one of the booths that was using a HDMI cable. I offered to buy it from the exhibitor after the event. They suggested an even better solution.

The exhibitor at the booth next to them was Perfect Path. They were showing what they claim was the industry’s first Locking HDMI Connector. The company says their patented plug has four times the holding retention of our regular HDMI connector. They happily provided us one for free. And the locking feature really does make make the connection much more solid. If you pull lightly on the cable, it won’t come out.

Problem solved. Thanks guys.

Component video’s glory days are behind it. Sony might even be getting rid of it on future PS3 models. But, if this is true, it’s likely more to do with the Blu-ray’s restrictions than Sony’s hatred of the average consumer.

Kotaku posted a screenshot of what is supposed to be info on a new PS3 release. The important thing to note is the statement that indicates the PS3 will no longer support HD video over component. Instead, consumers are going to have to use HDMI, thus this retailer memo states that the salesmen should sell an HDMI cable every time. (that sounds about right)

As long as Blu-ray has been around, the industry has fought over its DRM scheme. The latest revision, which applies to all players sold after December 31, 2010, states that Blu-ray analog video output must be limited to interlaced standard definition. (480i/576i) Then no player sold in 2013 can output encrypted video over analog sources like component at all. Note: The retailer’s memo doesn’t say that the PS3 will ship without component outputs but rather component outputs will not be able to transmit HD videos and thus probably has to do with the AACS Final Adopter Agreement. That doesn’t mean that Sony won’t drop component support altogether in the future.

HDMI is now the golden child, capable of passing a higher quality video single and HD audio over its one, easy to use cable. Movie studios and the like favor HDMI for its robust DRM support. Where analog video, like component video, can be captured from countless retail devices, it’s notable harder to do so with HDMI. They like the control.

Even if you had the money I’m not sure we should go recommending things like this. It’s the AudioQuest Coffee, a $2,200, 40-foot HDMI cable. That works out to $55 per foot. Not even Alexandria at its height would have supported such excess!*

To be fair, the cable is really great. One review says that it turns a 2D TV into a 3D TV! Wow! It also apparently fed the reviewer’s cats and dogs, too.

Such luxury, and all from a mere HDMI cable!

A “normal” HDMI cable of this length can be found online for around $50, give or take.

*Actually, it might have. They had money to burn like nobody’s business, according to a book I’m currently reading.

Short version: The AUH100F is Aluratek’s new USB to HDMI adapter. If you don’t have a digital video out feature on your computer this is the perfect solution. Perfect for those of us that are tired of watching Hulu or Netflix on the small screen and want something bigger.

Features:

• MSRP: $79.99
• Outputs video and sound from computers USB port

Pros:

• Decent resolution
• Sound quality better than expected
• USB bus powered
• Extended desktop
• Simple installation

Cons:

• Requires a pretty powerful computer for smooth playback
• Screen randomly went blank
• Does not include HDMI cable

Product Site

Potentially big news here with respect to DRM, our rights, donuts, etc. Supposedly the HDCP master key has been released. Effectively, that means the copy protection found in your HDMI connection (which prevents you from easily copying anything going through that HDMI connection, including Blu-ray discs, over-the-air HDTV broadcasts, and so on) has been cracked. Maybe—things are still a little hazy here.

So the deal is that a message on Twitter, always a reliable source of information (the fact that it’s from “IntelGlobalPR” should raise some eyebrows), claims that the master HDCP key has been released. With that, you can generate your own key, thereby authenticating your connection.

It sort of brings back the “analog hole” that we all loved so much.

I say, let’s let this story marinate for a bit longer so we can figure out what’s going here.

Onkyo Japan announced [JP] the LPF10M01 today, a digital picture frame whose main selling point is its HDMI port. Apart from displaying photos, the 10.-1-inch frame can be used as a sub display for computers, to view movies, watch digital TV etc.

Spec-wise, buyers can expect 1,024×600 resolution (Onkyo says it’s the highest in the industry), LED backlight (good for 20,000 hours), 250 cd/m2 brightness, 1.5W×2 stereo speakers, an SD/SDHC/MMC slot, a USB port, and a contrast ratio of 500:1. Files supported are JPEG, AVI, MPEG-4, MP3, and WMA.

Onkyo plans to start selling the frame in Japan on August 6 for $230 (in black and white, including a remote control). No word from the company yet regarding international sales plans.

That is of course if the netbook segment is still around next summer. Sales are declining as consumers are finding the low-power computers don’t offer all that much functionality. Plus, the price of CULV notebooks are constantly dropping, offering a legitimate alternative to a full-size notebook in a small package. Perhaps Intel’s Cedar Trail-M platform will instead be used in tablets. Either way, we’re all for more HDMI.

“In order to meet the requirements for HDMI ver1.4a it is true that a combination of hardware and software specs must be met. The underlying hardware architecture of these models is configured in a way that does not require any change. Thus, only updated software is required. The issue is different from one type of product to another (e.g. AVR vs. Blu ray vs. TV) as well as from one brand or model to another. In some cases a hardware change is needed and a software upgrade is not sufficient, but in the case of these models (as well as some other products in the market)” (Robert Silva example: Sony PS3) “new software and compliance testing is all that is needed.”

What does this mean? It means these new receivers will be 3D-ready. Like the PS3 update, this update to HK receivers adds a bit more juice to the receivers ability to decode HD 3D content on the fly.

New Firmware Upgrade to Deliver HDMI(TM) v. 1.4a with 3-D Capability for Current and New Harman Kardon(R) Home Theater Receivers

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., May 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Harman International (HAR 41.20, +0.34, +0.83%) :

Who: Harman Kardon (www.harmankardon.com), a brand of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, that specializes in audio equipment for consumers and the automotive infotainment industry.

What: Beginning this September, the following Harman Kardon(R) home theater products will be shipping with HDMI(TM) v. 1.4a with 3-D capability:

– AVR 2600

– AVR 3600

– AVR 7550HD

The unit upgrade will allow full compatibility with all 3-D formats from either Blu-ray Disc(TM) players or satellite and cable set-top boxes, and all 3-D video displays. Current owners of these AVR models, regardless of the date of purchase, will be able to upgrade their existing AVRs to HDMI v. 1.4a with 3-D.

Pricing and Availability:

The firmware upgrade will be available at www.harmankardon.com at no charge to current owners. Consumers only need to download the software to a USB memory stick, insert the stick drive into the front panel USB jack on the AVR unit and use the remote to navigate through on-screen instructions to install the upgrade. No software loader or direct connection between the computer and AVR will be required, greatly simplifying the entire update process.

The TruLink utilizes a simple plug-and-play setup and can transmit signals up to 33 feet. However, it requires line of sight which means you probably still have to drill holes through your wall if your signal is coming from a different room. The kit can be pre-ordered now on Cables to Go’s website for $499.99.

Monoprice vs Monster Cable – Dirt cheap vs overpriced. It’s a battle for the ages. We know the truth, but do you? Hopefully this infograph sheds some truth on the situation for you.

Steve alerts us to a ten-foot HDMI cable deal on Amazon: 74 cents, plus $2.95 for shipping. That’s a grand total of $3.69 – much cheaper than, say, the nine-foot cable that Best Buy sells for $19.

And if I may add something to Jabsie’s deal, I’d point out that if you can make-do with a six-foot HDMI cable, you can get one of those on Amazon for just a penny, plus $2.98 for shipping.

And while even less expensive HDMI cables may exist somewhere out there, the moral of the story is: there’s no need to overpay for HDMI cables — Jabs tested, Aamoth approved.

10 FT HDMI Cable [Amazon]

6 FT HDMI Cable [Amazon]

Thanks for sending this in, Steve.

Sanyo has been offering Xacti camcorders shooting 720p video (1280×720) for quite a while now, and today Sanyo Japan announced the DMX-CG11 [JP], another (enhanced) 720p model. The new device features a mini HDMI interface and Eye-Fi support.

The DMX-CG11 features a 10.66MP 1/2.33-inch CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom, USB 2.0, SD/SDHC memory card support (internal memory: 40MB), a stereo mic, mono speaker, and a 3-inch TFT screen. It measures 72.0×38.0×112.8mm and weighs 190g (including the battery and an SD card).

The camcorder will hit Japanese stores on September 11 for a moderate $300 (available in green, silver and orange.

I’m a sucker for products that make installing A/V equipment easier and these cables from Atlona do just that. The ends swivel to allow for tighter mounting against the wall. You see, some cables feature large, cool looking ends that don’t like to bend against a wall, which then pushes the flat screen out a bit or forcing the installer to cut into the wall. But these cables bend in half which should make for a cleaner install. Wall brackets are getting thin and thin, and these cables will allow installers to practically flush mount a flat screen.

The AT14035-X HDMI cable and AT14022-X DVI cable should be shipping out today and start at $29.99 for a 3-foot section and climb up to $39.99 for the 10ft cable.

Atlona Releases new HDMI and DVI cables with swivel connectors designed for mounted HDTVs

Atlona’s New HDMI and DVI to HDMI cables designed for mounted flat screen HDTVs feature 180 degree swivel connector ends that only protrude about 1 inch from an HDMI port

San Jose, CA — July 25, 2009 —HDTV owners placing plasma on the newest slim profile mounts proliferating the market are faced with issues when connecting standard HDMI cables to rear-facing HDMI ports. The average HDMI cable connector combined with limited cable flexibility near the connector ends can extend up to two and a half inches from the HDMI port. This limited distance requires users to either use mounts or risk damaging their cable as well as their televisions HDMI port. Atlona Technologies has developed a line of HDMI 1.3b cables that cut the distance needed for the HDMI connector ends by more than 50%, extending just over 1 inch from an HDMI port.

Atlona’s hew HDMI and DVI to HDMI cables feature a swivel connector end which allow them to bend at a 90 degrees in either direction. This new connector allows users to nearly flush mount their HDTVs. “This is another product designed to solve a specific problem that a affects a lot of HDTV owners,” says Michael Khain, who heads up Atlona’s Product Development Department.

Atlona Technologies has held true to their motto of being a solutions based manufacturer since its inception, making products that resolve problems. Abandoning the “good, better, best” product strategy that has ruled the AV accessory market for years, Atlona Technologies has surpassed such standards, providing high quality products typically missing in most AV systems. These new swivel connector cables fall right in line with Atlona’s market strategy of providing solutions that serve every market from Professional to Residential AV.

Atlona’s new line of swivel connector HDMI and DVI cables include models AT14035-X (HDMI) and AT14022-X (DVI to HDMI). They are expected to start shipping by July 27, 2009 starting at $34.99 MSRP.

In this case, it is indeed nothing. Nothing, plus $5.99 for shipping. That’s still not a bad deal, though, as you’ll get two — oooh, gold plated — HDMI cables.

The deal, good today only, comes from 1saleaday.com, which I can’t say I’ve ever heard of or used. Here’s the privacy policy, if you’re interested. If not, enjoy your free + $6 cables.

1 Sale A Day, Daily Deal [1saleaday.com]

Thanks for sending this in, Dave.

Now this makes sense. Can’t you see the future when all you need to do is plug your new flat-screen into a wall outlet and the video will magically appear on the screen?

Averlogic has a system that’s not that advance, but can still send 1080p24 video with 5.1 audio over standard power lines. Both ends of the transmission of course have a box, but hopefully someone, somewhere is working on the future that eliminates those and packs the needed components into HDTVs and AV equipment

This system by Averlogic can send the goods out to three receivers, which then output the signal either by HDMI, component, or composite. The transmitter has three HDMI inputs and one set of component and composite each. There isn’t any word on pricing just yet, but we’ll betting that some A/V installers and homeowners will be willing to fork over good money instead of running long and expensive HDMI cables.

 http://revision3.com/player-v67

AVSforum and this Revision3 System video helped me a lot when I first started making cables. I went on to make a DIY guide for component cables. If you get the right tools and cables, it’s really not that hard. There’s nothing better than having matching, custom length cables connecting everything together. Too bad DIY HDMI cables are still a thing of the future.

It’s looking good that HDMI might become a standard port on small gadgets if the new connector is approved. The prototype mini-HDMI connector (far left) can transmits all the data as its full size counterparts, but is significantly smaller. How small? It’s half as small as the current portable size and even a touch smaller than micro USB. Somehow the 6.4mm wide connector still has 19 pins arranged into two rows.

This prototype might be included in the next revision of HDMI, which is scheduled to drop sometime within the next few months. If it’s included then, we might see devices sporting the new connector by the end of the year. Just think: mini HDMI on cell phones, UMPC, netbooks, and camcorders. We can’t wait to see how this is implemented.

Quickie: An HDMI cable that snaps into place and cannot be pulled out without pressing the little lock. It works.

I have had numerous issues with HDMI cables that don’t stay in place. For some reason, random cables seem to come unplugged just slightly and cause problems with the audio or video. This locking HDMI cable from PPC should not have that problem. 

The secret is that the ends have a little lock on them that ensures the cables stay in place. The lock is strong and will not accidentally come unplugged. If for some reason it is forced out though, the cable will not re-lock in the same device. The lock on the cable remains intact, but the device’s female port  seemingly doesn’t like the lock anymore. The cable will still transmit the signal fine though.

There is a little button on the top of the cable that disengages the lock just as you can imagine. It’s that easy. 

As for the picture quality, it’s an HDMI cable and only 12ft long. I didn’t notice any audio/video quality difference, which is a good thing.

These cables are pricey at $48.99 for the 3-feet, $59 for the 6-foot, and $72.99 for the 12-footer. But, the locking connector is sweet and I would love to do up my entire rack with these cables just for that feature. I can’t afford them though. I don’t see any reason not to buy these if you dig the locking connector besides the high price though.

Hopefully, it won’t be long until a similar locking mechanism is standard on every HDMI cable including the ultra-cheap Monoprice specials.

Well, this cable takes the cake for the lowest priced HDMI cable ever. I have never seen an HDMI cable this inexpensive before. Plus, shipping is only $2.98. Seriously, this is dirt cheap. Did you know that you can buy 210 of these cables for the price of one Monster Cable HDMI cable. Just something to think about.