Standard digital TV connectors have been updated to take advantage of 3D technology, the firm behind HDMI has said.

HDMI Licensing claimed the new version, dubbed 1.4a, created the illusion of 3D through supporting the "top and bottom" and "side-by-side" broadcasting modes, both of which were already available for games and pre-recorded movies, but not TV.

The new top and bottom format supports both 720p and 1080p resolution, while side-by-side is used with 1080i pictures.

HDMI Licensing said the new addition would allow interoperability between hardware devices so long as the display and content source are compatible with the formats.

The body has given hardware manufacturers 90 days to ready their products for certification testing.