HDMI cable - Ethernet networking?

[vpacalypse]

I'm in the market for another hdmi cable. Thinking of getting another QED signature hdmi, but thought i'd check with what 'what hifi' reccomend: http://www.whathifi.com/review/pearl-hdmi.

It says it has ethernet compatability where as the qed signature has no ethernet networking.

I though hdmi cable were only for sound/video purposes. What's the function of this ethernet networking?

 

[Andrew Everard]

Some HDMI cables are able to carry Ethernet – see here.

When used with suitable hardware, they enable various components to share an Internet connection without the need for additional CAT5 cable or wirelessness.

 

[The_Lhc]

Although whether any hardware has actually implemented the feature is a different matter...

 

[Andrew Everard]

Although whether any hardware has actually implemented the feature is a different matter...

Indeed: even on one of the most recent top-end receivers – Sony's STR-DA5700ES – the network distribution is offered as a conventional Ethernet hub, rather than via HDMI.

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