Frequently Asked Questions

What is DIVA?

DIVA is a new interface standard that combines the transmission of bi-directional, uncompressed and compressed video, multichannel audio and a reliable, high-speed data to allow the consumer to locate, connect and control various CE devices and appliances from a DIVA-enabled digital television (DTV). As consumers increasingly integrate more electronic entertainment devices and digital appliances, the DIVA interface will help streamline and simplify the connections among all technologies, offering ease of configuration and use while maximizing their entertainment experience. Leveraging a single interface, which integrates multimedia and data communication, the DIVA standard promises to upgrade home networks to the next level—making DTVs the center of the home entertainment network.

Why is DIVA better than existing video standards?

There are a number of reasons including…

Networking Capability - Fundamentally, today’s digital interfaces are point-to-point connections that are limited in their ability to be networked. DIVA is offering the ability to connect multiple source devices to multiple displays, to monitor and control various digital home appliances from the TV in the living room, and to organize various personal and mobile entertainment devices in the same home network.

Bulk Data Transfer – While today’s interfaces have bi-directional channels such as I2C or CEC, these back channels are limited in bandwidth and very slow. In the case of DVI, there is no back channel. For HDMI, there is the CEC interface which operates at 1Kbps. For DisplayPort there is the AUX channel which operates at 1Mbps. DIVA enables a high speed bi-directional data channel that can operate at speeds over 1Gbps. With that much data, real communication and data sharing between consumer electronics is possible and new applications can emerge.

Low Cost Cabling – DIVA operates over 4 differential pairs (or 8 wires). By using less wires than the existing standards, cable costs will be much lower than alternative solutions. Furthermore, by sending multiple protocols through a single cable, we save money by reducing the number of cables.

Inter-Operability with Future Wireless AV Standards: DIVA committee is investigating how DIVA can interoperate and bridge to other protocols to simplify software development for TV manufacturers.

What is the technology behind DIVA?

DIVA technology enables an 8B/10B encoded forward channel for transporting uncompressed video up to 13.5Gbps, which is capable of handling video transmissions well beyond 1080p resolution with deep color and high refresh rates. In addition, DIVA enables a high-speed, bi-directional hybrid data channel that can operate at up to 2.25 Gbps. The hybrid channel is shared among 3 sub-channels: (1) a bi-directional audio sub-channel, (2) a command sub-channel and (3) a bulk data sub-channel. All sub-channels can operate simultaneously and the DIVA protocol includes error checking routines to insure against data loss.

Within the data sub-channel, protocols such as Ethernet can be sent through the hybrid channel, thus enabling true data sharing between devices.

At the 2008 China Digital Living Forum & Showcase on May 21, 2008, DIVA protocol was demonstrated working over a single CAT6 cable, with only 8 wires (four differential pairs) to show its potential for rapid and cost-effective adoption.

What companies are supporting DIVA?

The DIVA Consortium’s charter members (called the Promoters Group) include major CE and home appliance manufacturers such as Sichuan Chang Hong Electric Co.; Qingdao Haier Co.; Hisense Electric Co.; Konka Group; Nanjing Panda Electronics Co.; Skyworth Group; SVA Information Industry Co.; TCL Corporation; and Synerchip Co., Ltd.

The organization of Chinese CE manufacturers—the China Video Industry Association (CVIA)—has agreed to fully support the DIVA standard. In fact, CVIA’s leadership in the Chinese electronics industry and abroad will aid in consistent adoption of DIVA as it moves toward becoming an industry standard—ensuring interoperability among the different brands implementing this technology.

What benefits will DIVA bring to end users?

Simplicity – CE Devices are getting more and more complicated and home theatre setup is not simple. With the ability to pass data from device to device, applications can take advantage and make the configuration of various devices easier for users. DIVA can also combine video, audio and data interfaces together into one single cable making for simpler setup between devices.

Connectivity – With DIVA, CE Devices can be networked together with the goal of making all devices accessible from all TVs on the network.

Cost Savings – With multiple interfaces in a single cable, DIVA can bring cost savings to the overall system.

More Features – Because DIVA enables a high speed data channel, OEMs can create new innovative applications to take advantage of the bandwidth.

Is DIVA compatible to HDMI or DisplayPort?

While DIVA is a separate standard from HDMI and DisplayPort, low cost bridges can be made so DIVA devices can interoperate with HDMI or DisplayPort devices. In addition, semiconductor manufacturers can choose to implement DIVA with other interfaces to make “dual mode” solutions to ensure compatibility with device implementing other digital standards.

Please note that OEMs will still be responsible for following all compatibility requirements for other standards such as HDMI and DisplayPort.

When will the specification be ready?

The DIVA Promoters Group is targeting to release the specification by the end of 2008.

What type of connector will be used for DIVA?

The DIVA Promoters Group is currently developing a new connector for DIVA. Information about the connector will be released with the specification.