Chinese Vendors Sing DIVA’s Praises

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 5/2/2008 8:54:00 AM

Guangzhou, China – A group of leading Chinese audio/video equipment manufacturers plans to present demonstrations later this month of a new digital A/V interface called DIVA, which backers view as a potential rival to the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), the digital connection commonly used today in televisions and source devices.

The interface is scheduled to be demonstrated at the China Digital Home Industry Association Summit Conference, here, on May 21.

Supporters say DIVA’s chief benefit over HDMI is its ability to handle bi-directional data transmission. Like HDMI, the system uses uncompressed audio and video data but will allow interoperability of connected equipment through the interface.

DIVA is reportedly said to make possible Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) home networks using the connections between components.

The standard is being developed by the DIVA Consortium, whose members include Sichuan Chang Hong Electric, Qingdao Haier, Hisense Electric, Konka Group, Skyworth Group, Nanjing Panda Electronics, SVA Information Industry, TCL and Synerchip of Taiwan. The DIVA system is reportedly expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The China Video Industry Association has announced its support for the specification.