InstaPort Technology

What is InstaPort™Technology?
As a wide range of HDMI-equipped DVD/Blu-ray players, set top boxes, PCs, mobile devices and game consoles proliferate the market, consumers are simultaneously connecting more source devices to their DTVs via HDMI ports. The viewer typically switches between these connected sources using the “input” button on the TV remote control. When consumers select the next input, they expect that source material to appear on screen immediately without delay. With HDMI, this is not always the case because when a new HDMI source is selected, the DTV and the source device perform an HDCP authorization routine which can sometimes take up to five to six seconds.

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?

PinnaClear Input Processors
Silicon Image’s PinnaClear 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™) interfaces to connect HD mobile devices and Silicon Image’s new InstaPort technology for instant switching between input ports.

PinnaClear Port Processors
Silicon Image’s PinnaClear 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.

Silicon Image: a Market Leader
Silicon Image developed InstaPort technology and was first-to-market with DTV products that deliver its benefits. InstaPort technology makes the home theater experience more enjoyable by reducing the delay when switching between the source devices connected to their DTVs. Silicon Image continues to lead the way in innovation and in delivering the most advanced solutions in HD content. Click the links below to learn more about PinnaClear semiconductors that support InstaPort or contact a Silicon Image sales representative to order a starter kit today.

PinnaClear SiI9251 Input Processor
PinnaClear SiI9287 Port Processor