LG, Samsung, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Valens Semiconductor have formally launched the HDbaseT Alliance and Version 1.0 of the HDbaseT specification – yet another standard seeking to replace HDMI. Israeli startup Valens uses a DSP to handle distances of up to 100 meters over Category 5e cables with standard Ethernet connectors.

Unlike some other anti-HDMI alternatives, its technique can also carry up to 100 watts of power to drive a Blu-ray player or even an HDTV. The company claims HDBaseT can handle whole-home distribution of uncompressed HD video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and control signals. It supports 1080p video as well as stereo 3D and 2Kx4K formats.

The alliance expects products compliant with its new spec to be available in the second half of 2010. The group is still developing a compliance program, logo and details of its licensing program. The alliance expects to launch the licensing program before the end of the year.

To read about the new HDbaseT, go here.