ehAV

ehAV, also known as Extended Home Audio/Video, is a proprietary digital audio and video transmission technology developed by Sony. It was designed to allow for the seamless transfer of uncompressed high-definition audio and video signals between compatible Sony devices, such as Blu-ray players, AV receivers, and televisions. The primary goal of ehAV was to simplify home theater setups by reducing the need for multiple cables and ensuring high-quality signal integrity.

The technology utilizes a specific connector and protocol to transmit signals over a single cable, which could be a dedicated ehAV cable or, in some implementations, a modified HDMI cable with ehAV capabilities. This consolidation aimed to streamline installation and reduce the visual clutter associated with complex home entertainment systems. ehAV also incorporated features for device control, allowing a connected player to be controlled by the receiver or television, further enhancing user convenience.

While ehAV offered advantages in its specific ecosystem, its adoption was largely confined to Sony products. As technologies like HDMI evolved with increased bandwidth and more advanced features, the need for proprietary solutions like ehAV diminished. Modern HDMI standards, such as HDMI 2.0 and above, are capable of transmitting higher resolutions, refresh rates, and more audio channels, rendering specialized technologies like ehAV less relevant for new installations. Its legacy is primarily found in older Sony home theater systems.