http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/mar/10blu-ray.htmlMacOSXRumors expects Apple to launch a new range of Cinema Display screens with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors.
This is probably inevitable since HDMI differs from DVI (Digital Visual Interface) mainly in that includes HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). HDCP digital rights management is required to display copy-protected high definition movies from Blu-ray (and HD-DVD) drives, and we know Apple is planning to support Blu-ray -- well, it's on the board. (HDMI also includes sound whereas DVI is video only.)
HDCP requires that every device with access to the reproduction chain supports HDCP.
However, there's also a small group led by Intel's Simon Ellis that wants to use a new Unified Display Interface (UDI) instead of HDMI, "accommodating both DVI and HDMI requirements".
UDI starts with a bandwidth of 16 gigabits per second, whereas single-link DVI is just under 4Gbps, so it could be a good replacement for VGA and DVI. It could also avoid the very high HDMI licensing costs.
But the PC industry has already taken the HDMI route, so it would be surprising if Apple adopted UDI at this early stage, before the 1.0 spec has even been completed.
