As the world of technology advances, the HDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA) has announced a significant shift from the current HDMI certifications to a more modern and user-friendly system. HDMI cables are set to receive new certifications, known as Generation 2 (Gen 2), which aim to provide an easier method for consumers to verify the authenticity of their cables.
Starting in May 2023, the Gen 2 certifications began replacing the older generation labels. Cable manufacturers, including companies like Club3D, have highlighted in recent updates that products featuring both the old and new certifications may be seen in stores during the transitional phase.
The pivotal change with the Gen 2 certification is the incorporation of QR codes, allowing customers to quickly verify the authenticity of an HDMI cable by simply scanning the QR code on the packaging. In contrast, the older system required the use of a proprietary HDMI app, which will be phased out as the new certifications become more prevalent.
While the HDMI LA has stated that the app will still be available in app stores for old packs of cables, its importance is expected to diminish over time. As older stock gets sold off, and more Gen 2 labels appear on the market, the app’s usage is anticipated to decrease significantly, simplifying the process for users.
One thing to note is that the HDMI app will not be compatible with the new Gen 2 labels, with a prompt to use a standard QR reader app instead. During the period of transition, it’s allowed for packages to display both Gen 1 and Gen 2 stickers.
In a design upgrade, the new Gen 2 stickers will not only feature a QR code but also a hologram strip at the top and an additional hologram near the QR code. A change in the material of the label has been made, but the size remains the same as Gen 1 stickers, for consistency.
This modernized approach to HDMI cable certification aligns with the HDMI LA’s commitment to ensuring consumers can easily identify genuine products, thus maintaining quality and performance standards within the industry. With the shift towards QR codes and more secure labeling, HDMI cable verification enters a new, more streamlined era.
