HDMI compliance certification is not a one-time product test but a comprehensive system of ecosystem entry and ongoing compliance maintenance. Developed by the HDMI Forum and managed by its designated licensing administrator, its core goal is to ensure seamless interoperability across over 14 billion HDMI devices worldwide.

HDMI Compliance Certification Process:

Phase 1: Become an Official Adopter (≈1–2 Weeks)

This is your "entry ticket" to certification. You must register as an "Adopter" with the HDMI Licensing Administrator.

1.Core Steps: Visit the official HDMI registration portal, submit company information, and electronically sign the Adopter Agreement plus relevant appendices (e.g., HDMI 2.x Adopter Appendix for HDMI 2.2 authorization). Membership is activated upon approval and first annual fee payment.

2.Key Decision: Select membership tier:

·Standard Membership: $10,000/year – no production limits.

·Low-Volume Membership: $5,000/year – typically for manufacturers with ≤5,000 annual units. Additional per-unit administration fees may apply in some cases.

3.Timeline & Fees: The official electronic signing process takes 24 hours, but internal legal review and payment extend the phase to 1–2 weeks. The first annual fee is due at this stage.

Phase 2: Product Testing & Validation (3–8+ Weeks)

The technical compliance core. Products must be submitted to an HDMI Forum-authorized test center (ATC) for testing.

-Pre-Testing Preparation (1–2 Weeks):

·Select an ATC: Choose a laboratory with scenario-specific capabilities (e.g., AEC-Q100 for automotive products).

·Prepare Documents & Prototypes: Core documents include product specs, CDF (Compliance Declaration Form), and schematics. Provide at least 2 fully functional prototypes.

·Strong Recommendation: Use ATC pre-testing services to identify issues upfront – this reduces official test failure risks, saving time and costs.

-Official Testing Execution (2–6 Weeks):

·Test Content: ATC conducts comprehensive electrical performance, protocol conformance, and functional validation per the latest Compliance Test Specification. For cutting-edge products, testing includes high-bandwidth signal integrity and advanced features (e.g., dynamic HDR, eARC).

·Timeline Variation: Simple HDMI cables take 1–2 weeks; complex 8K TVs or automotive infotainment systems require 4–8+ weeks (including automotive environmental testing).

·Critical Note: Standards evolve dynamically. For example, the latest specification introduces 96Gbps bandwidth, the new "Ultra96" cable category, and enhanced connector certification requirements.

Phase 3: Review & Authorization (≈1 Week)

Upon passing testing, the ATC submits a complete test report to the HDMI Licensing Administrator for final review (5–10 business days). Approved products receive a unique certification ID and official authorization to use HDMI logos and feature names (e.g., "Ultra96") on products and packaging.

Phase 4: Post-Certification Maintenance (Ongoing)

Certification is just the start – maintaining validity requires ongoing obligations:

1.Annual Fee Renewal: Pay annual membership fees to retain active certification status.

2.Royalty Payments: Submit quarterly royalties based on product sales volume (rates vary by logo usage and HDCP support).

3.Standard Adaptation: Adapt to mandatory technical specification updates (e.g., HDMI 2.1 to newer versions) within required timelines – failure results in certification invalidation.

4.Product Change Management: Major hardware changes (e.g., core chip replacement) require recertification; software/firmware updates may only need documentation.

We hope this official process and 2025 industry practice guide clarifies your planning. For product-specific support (e.g., TVs, game consoles, professional displays, cables), BLUEASIA Technology: +86 13534225140 offers professional certification consulting services.