HDMI supports up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a widely used interface for transmitting both video and audio data. While it can support various audio formats, the maximum number of uncompressed audio channels it can handle is 8. These channels are typically used for surround sound systems like 7.1 audio.
Details on Audio Support:
- Uncompressed Audio: HDMI can transmit up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio, typically in formats like LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation).
- Sample Rates and Sizes: These 8 channels can support sample sizes of 16 bits, 20 bits, or 24 bits, with sample rates of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, or 192 kHz. This ensures high-quality audio reproduction.
- Compressed Audio: In addition to uncompressed audio, HDMI also supports various compressed audio formats like Dolby Digital, DTS, and more advanced formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which can carry even more channels (e.g., for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X) by encoding the audio more efficiently. The number of channels supported by these formats can exceed 8, but the uncompressed limit remains at 8.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a Blu-ray player connected to a home theater receiver via HDMI. The Blu-ray disc contains a 7.1 surround sound track. HDMI can transmit these 8 channels of uncompressed audio to the receiver, allowing for a full and immersive audio experience.
In Summary: While HDMI can handle various audio formats, the maximum number of uncompressed audio channels it supports is 8, making it suitable for common surround sound configurations.
