It looks like HDMI is being replaced. The delays of the 997/998 might actually have been a very good thing. Timing is everything.

http://hd.engadget.com/2010/06/29/hdbaset-1-0-finalized-lg-samsung-and-sony-ally-behind-one-do-eve/

The Model 998 will still use HDMI - by now, it should be far enough along that it can't be delayed and re-worked for a newly-finalized spec. I kind of like the concept - an existing connector, a widely-used cable type, a locking connector (as long as the little tab doesn't break off), and much less restriction on cable length. It could be exactly what custom installers need.

It'll be interesting to see how the industry reacts to this. I believe in skating to where the puck is going, and not to where it has been.

I'm loving this! Think about having the ability to make your own cables to your own specific lengths!! Now I know some people are going to say "I still want mine made by a pro", however, I for one will love making my own with high quality connectors and cables at a fraction of the cost of an expensive HDMI or Toslink cable!!

Terminating Cat5e and Cat6 is pretty easy with the right tool (I've done it quite a few times) and the results are reliable. I do prefer connectors with some protection (cap or side guards) for the locking clip, and at least with the crimping tool we have at work that's harder to obtain.

Intel is designing a 10Gb/s optical cable it hopes will replace everything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDHHM-NsGOo

I wish the companies would stop playing around and just go Displayport already, at least in comparison to HDMI. Displayport is FREE and the VESA standard and has been out for a few years in the computer industry and supports 21.6 Gbps in addition can support auxiliary channels for things like USB and Ethernet. Aside from the fact it is a packet architecture so it can drive multiple displays/devices by one cable (using "hub") unlike HDMI.

After looking at their info, HDBaseT looks good, but these continue to throw another wrench into the hardware side of the products. Although the fact seems to show that HDMI is not what (industry) would like to use if they could help it, because it has many limitations. Anyway, glad I wired up CAT6 at home.

Here are some links

HDBaseT homepage:
http://hdbaset.org/

The Chinese open standard they want to drive (my understanding is this is based on CAT6):
http://www.diva-interface.org/index.html

Displayport VESA site:
http://www.displayport.org/

Looking back again, I remember reading about this Valens technology, this press release was before any big name companies apparently had signed up with it.

http://www.japan21.co.jp/valens/pdf/Vale...rsion%20_3_.pdf

Well, HDMI and Toslink cables are a few bucks on Monoprice so price is not really an issue, but I agree that using one cable for everything will be great.

I certainly like the idea of using Cat5e/6 for audio/video. Due to an upstairs water leak four months ago I had to open up the wall with all my HT wiring so I ran two Cat 6 wires from the wall behind my HT gear to my wall mounted TV. I thought I was pretty smart to future proof my next TV purchase. Little did I know the future was right on top of me!

So what tools are folks using to terminate the Cat 5e/6 cables? I tried it but couldn't get all those small wires in the right slots in the jack. There has to be a better/faster way.

cat 5/6 termination is an art form much like macrame. Ive never seen an easy way to do it, just an inform method.