All I've heard for awhile has been HDMI version 1.3. I thought this was a must if I bought a cable or product with HDMI. While reading a review of the Panasonic BD10a I discovered it did not offer 1.3 but the writer said it was a non-issue since NO player outputs the special features that would require 1.3. I could see maybe a receiver being 1.3, it has to be ready for what is coming down the road as a service to it's consumer, or, do they just capitalize on the deception. Why would it be important for a player like the Sony to say they have 1.3 when it doesn't do any good? It's a worthless selling feature. It confuses an already technology dazed general public. When HDMI first came out all the sales people where yelling multi-channel audio, when in fact it only done 2.0. Sure, 2 is more than one, but we all know that "multi-channel" has come to mean more than 2.0. At least several of the original upconverting CD players did not convert copy guarded discs via HDMI. No one told you that, you found out if you read the small print in your owners manual. There have been people here that refuses to accept that, and it could be that this is something that was quickly resolved. I have to admit after buying the HDMI when it first came out based on what I was sold and then learning the truth I've avoided it like the plague. Now if we want to jump on the HD (digital) bandwagon and take advantage of upconverting SD we are going to be forced to use HDMI. We could stick with component (analog) and still get 1080i or 720p but I have yet to find a DVD or HD disc player that does 1080p via component and the current trend is not to allow upconversion via component. I haven't read every single player available features, this is based on the several I have seen. In my opinion the group behind HDMI are the most deceptive, lieing, dishonest snakes that ever polluted the electronics industry.

If no one bought the HDMI products the industry would have to come up with another digital video or audio/video connection or go back to DVI. Some one had a good idea with HDMI but has been putting out a product that can't do what it claims while those who bought the products and the manufacturer's who felt they had to add it, all paid HDMI for this work STILL in progress. I sincerely pitty any of you who feel this is alright.