I'm pretty sure all HDMi standards are backwards compatible?
Im not sure, but i think there may be a slight configuration difference, i ran my ps3 with a 1.3HS lead and 3D worked fine.
heres a list of what hdmi 1.4 does.
1. HDMI 1.4 features an integrated Ethernet channel
The new version of HDMI adds a bi-directional IP data channel to allow devices to send and receive data at full Ethernet speeds (ie up to 100Mbps). This basically eliminates the need for a separate Ethernet cable and enables web-capable devices (with HDMI 1.4 connectors) to share their internet connection with other HDMI gadgets. For example, an HDMI 1.4-equipped amp could act as the internet hub of a home cinema system, sharing its
broadband access with a connected TV or set-top box.
2. There's support for dual-stream 1080p 3D
HDMI 1.4 defines several 3D formats for HDMI-enabled devices, including 'frame alternative', 'line alternative' and 'field alternative' methods, 'Side by side' methods (full and half) and '2D plus depth' methods. The new specification is also capable of handling dual-stream 3D resolutions up to 1080p. Having already made an impact on the big screen,
3D TV is arguably the 'next big thing' in home entertainment. Sky has recently announced its
intention to launch a 3D channel, while 3D gaming experiments have already been conducted on the PC and PS3.
3. HDMI 1.4 supports "extremely high HD resolutions"
Specifically, HDMI 1.4 provides support for
4K x 2K resolutions, which is effectively four times the pixel-perfection of a current 1080p device. This allows HDMI 1.4 to handle digital video in the same resolution as current digital cinema systems. Formats supported by HDMI 1.4 include: 3840 x 2160 pixels at 24Hz, 25Hz and 30Hz; and 4096 x 2160 pixels at 24Hz.
4. There's a new Audio Return Channel...
According to HDMI.org, "in cases where a TV features an internal content source, such as a built-in tuner or DVD player, the Audio Return Channel allows the TV to send audio data upstream to the A/V receiver via the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for an extra cable."
5. … And extended support for color spaces
Specifically, HDMI 1.4 includes support for sYCC601, Adobe RGB, and Adobe YCC601 to enable colours to be more accurately reproduced when viewing
digital photos on your digital telly.
6. HDMI 1.4 boasts two new connection options The first new HDMI format is a Micro Connector aimed at bringing HDMI connectivity to dinky devices such as mobile
phones, digital cameras and portable media players. The HDMI Micro Connector (designated Type D) retains the original HDMI Connector's 19-pin interface. HDMI 1.4 also specifies a Type E Automotive Connection System to be used in distributing HD content around a vehicle.
7. HDMI 1.4 won't work with your existing HDMI-equipped gear
The official word from HDMI.org is that "most of the new features introduced in HDMI 1.4 will require a new HDMI chip to enable, and cannot be upgraded via firmware." That said, with 3D TV in its infancy and 720p/1080p HD TV only just gaining a consumer foothold, HDMI 1.3 still delivers the goods. You could argue that you don't even need an integrated data channel, as new
TVs and set-top boxes are now including Ethernet jacks as standard.
8. You'll need to buy a new high-def TV
It's all very well providing support for 4K x 2K resolutions and 3D, but this means that your current 1080p telly just won't cut it in tomorrow's Ultra HD/3D future.
The ps3 does only one of those, but even then it isnt to full potential, and thats the 3D playback, as it will only do, 1080i and not 1080p due to the speeds of 3D over hdmi.