Do all HDMI ports have an Ethernet channel?

Is the Ethernet channel a mandatory (if underused) part of the specifications, or is it optional?

 

It's an optional part of the HDMI specification. All cables are wired to support it, but whether the port itself has it is up the manufacturer of the device.

 

Hmm, in that case, is there any way to know without having to invest in an HDMI splitter?

 

As HTWingNut said alot depends on the manufacture themselves and usually the higher cost model like Gaming rigs or professional laptop have HDMI nowdays unless they specify it doesn't. Since you don't list what models your asking about that will be harder to even know what asking about. But Most of my laptops have Ethernet port and a few P-Series and 1525 and DV4, DV5, DV6 HP have both HDMI/Ethernet port. But nowdays most are coming with either the smaller Display port or HDMI or mini version of one or the other but not both. So the smaller the laptop more generally it will not have a Full HDMI or Ethernet but a smaller HDMI or Display or none. So as to before without knowing what laptop your looking at all the info provided is very hard to know.

 

What's the device? The Ethernet channel was adopted in hdmi 1.4. So most devices prior to 2009 will not have support for the Ethernet channel.

 

The device in question is an Acer Iconia W700.

 

Ok that is alot more different. Your asking a Tablet question in a laptop forum that makes this alot different. example iPad have some connectors that allows usb or HMDI or VGA addons as separate connectors. And your tablet is going to be very limited when compared to Laptop connections. So you should retool your question so it relates to a Tablet and not give the wrong impression your asking about laptop.

 

The W700 is basically a core i ultrabook in tablet format, so it has its place on NBR.

If it has HDMI 1.4, then it probably supports Ethernet. I would ask over at TPCR though, if anyone tried it, they probably talked about it there.

 

It has the core but it is listed as a Tablet that will function different from a laptop when one needs ports...and if one buy keyboard and all those extra hardware one has to ask why use a Tablet if you trying to use it as a laptop ??? Just get a laptop if you need more usage. IMO

 

OK, it also depends on what you plan on using it for. Are you wondering if you plug your tablet into a TV, will the TV be able to access the internet over HDMI?

Very possible.

But the other device must support HDMI 1.4 as well. Your tablet has a type-D HDMI port, so there is no MHL to get in the way. I guess it depends on what you are planning on using with your Acer, and how you want the HDMI ethernet to work.