We've already reported on the arrival of the HDMI 1.4 standard. At that point, the chips supporting it were still in the works. But it looks as though they'll arrive later this year, and will probably get into products next year.

That's the news in this press release from Silicon Image, the keeper of the HDMI standard. A port processor chip and a transmitter chip will incorporate 1.4, allowing new features unique to that version.

These will include an HDMI Ethernet Channel, allowing devices to transmit and receive data, including the sharing of an internet connection; an Audio Return Channel, which would send S/PDIF audio back from a TV to a surround processor for decoding; and Content Type Bits, which would automatically match content type to video mode.

Note that HDMI 1.4 isn't necessary for video up to 1080p or surround up to the (relatively) new lossless formats. Version 1.3 will do that stuff for you, so don't worry about upgrading your cables or equipment unless the features above are critical.