HDMI Licensing has announced some of the features of HDMI v 1.4. The specification is set to be available for download no later than June 30, 2009. It seems like HDMI 1.3 just hit the market, but HDMI 1.4 will add a slew of features that HDMI 1.3 is lacking. The 1.4 spec has an HDMI Ethernet channel allowing devices to send and receive data at 100Mbps.

The new spec also has an audio return channel to reduce the number of cables needed during an install. 3D over HDMI will be supported for 3D viewing with dual-stream 1080p resolution. The new spec also supports significantly higher resolutions than current HDMI will handle of up to 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz.

Support for color spaces is expanded in the 1.4 spec and a micro HDMI connector will be offered to allow for full 1080p resolutions on portable devices. Also supported is a new automotive connection system. The specification will be offered in June, but it will be many months after that before we see devices or cables for HDSMI 1.4 on the market.

Via HDMI Licensing