EDID stands for Extended Display Identification Data. It is defined by the Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) and is used as part of an interface between a source device and a display monitor or television set that allows the exchanging of information needed for video display. An EDID ROM chip is present for example in a computer monitor, and it can be read by a graphics card to learn the display capabilities of the monitor.

Information stored on such a chip includes...

• Manufacturer Name
• Product Type
• Supported Video Resolutions
• Colour Depth Capabilities

An EDID ROM chip is required to be present in all display devices that include High-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) support. It's inclusion in HDMI is part of a host of intelligent features that the standard offers. Using the DDC Channel and EDID, a source device like a HD DVD player can request and learn the display limitations of a television set, removing the need for any manual adjustments on the owner's part.