HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) has already been around for years, but is barely coming into the mid-to-high range for consumer entertainment centers.

HDMI is based on the video signal used in DVI (Digital Video Interface). DVI has also been used in industrial and office situations for years and is finally coming into the main stream. It is an upgrade from the analog VGA signal that has been used in household computer systems for decades.

DVI, unlike its VGA predecessor, uses binary data to determine the brightness and color of each pixel of a DVI display. HDMI uses the same digital signal classified as a discreet time signal, but includes 8 channel digital audio all in one interface that is a small fraction of the size and encumbering nature of the DVI interface. See the two interfaces below:

DVI may some day go the way of the dodo if HDMI video cards, displays, HDMI cables, and HDMI switches find their way economically into consumer systems.