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InstaPort technology solves this problem. Typically, when a source device is connected to the TV, the HDCP authorization process is not initialized until that source is selected as the input to be displayed on the DTV. However, DTVs that support InstaPort technology perform the HDCP authorization routine immediately upon connecting the device. Then when a user selects that source, it will begin to stream the content immediately—often within 1 second—without waiting for HDCP authentication.
How will consumers benefit from InstaPort technology?
InstaPort makes the home theater experience more enjoyable. Consumers will no longer be subject to a five to six second delay when switching between the source devices connected to their DTVs.
What type of CE devices will benefit from InstaPort technology?
InstaPort technology is designed for DTVs, A/V receivers and HDMI switches that are equipped with multiple HDMI input ports. Many DTVs available today include anywhere from three to seven HDMI ports on the rear, side and/or front panel.
As popular HDMI-equipped source devices like the Roku Box, Apple TV, portable media players, and smart phones become mainstream additions to conventional devices like DVD/Blu-ray players and cable set top boxes, DTVs and A/V receivers will continue to increase the number of HDMI ports. InstaPort technology will become a check-list must-have for DTV buyers who plan to utilize multiple HDMI inputs.
Why is there an inherent delay in switching between HDMI ports?
HDMI uses HDCP encryption to secure the transmission of premium, high-definition digital content over a serial digital interface. When a device is selected as the HDMI input source, the HDMI transmitter semiconductor exchanges secure keys with the HDMI receiver semiconductor to authenticate the connection. Content begins streaming to the DTV only after the source and sink devices are validated and a secure connection is established. Depending on the manufacturers’ implementation of this firmware and key handshake, it can take anywhere from 3 to 7 seconds.
How does InstaPort technology solve the delay problem?
InstaPort technology allows the DTV to perform simultaneous background HDCP authentication with all connected source devices as soon as they are connected to the DTV. When a new input source is selected by the viewer, the HDCP authentication scheme has already been performed and the newly selected source can begin streaming content immediately. The time required to switch between HDMI inputs is reduced to a fraction of a second.
Is InstaPort technology compatible with legacy HDMI source devices?
Yes, in fact many older HDMI-equipped source devices take longer to authenticate than newer devices. InstaPort technology in the DTV will make port switching uniform across all connected HDMI source devices.
What Silicon Image products feature InstaPort technology?
Input Processors Silicon Image’s SiI9251 input processor includes four HDMI 1.3 inputs plus four analog inputs, with InstaPort technology supported on the HDMI ports. By managing all of the input interfaces into the DTV, input processors give manufacturers the ability to add new features to their HDTV platforms quickly and cost-effectively without requiring a lengthy and costly redesign of their proprietary video processor. Input processors also offer innovations in legacy analog video inputs with high-quality 12-bit state-of-the-art ADCs and AVI interfaces, new Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL™) technology interfaces to connect HD mobile devices and Silicon Image’s new InstaPort technology for instant switching between input ports.
Port Processors
Silicon Image’s SiI9287 port processor includes four HDMI 1.3 inputs that support InstaPort technology. Port processors are a new generation of highly innovative yet cost-effective HDMI solutions for price-sensitive mid-range DTVs. Port processors output TMDS directly to the integrated HDMI inputs in DTV SoCs, allowing manufacturers to differentiate their products by focusing their R&D efforts on video processing or other proprietary advantages. The SiI9287 also supports MHL, allowing MHL-equipped mobile devices to be connected directly to an SiI9287-equipped DTV without a dock or dongle, with complete auto discovery of HDMI or MHL source devices in the hardware.
