How does Ethernet get squeezed into HDMI 1.4 ?

Can someone who has read the HDMI 1.4 spec shed some light on this ? (Kurt maybe).

I am guessing that because of the packet nature, it needs a seperate physical connection, and can not be multiplexed into the HDMI bit stream.

I am also guessing they will use the one previously unassigned connector pin and maybe "steal" one of the shield wires to allow ethernet signals.

Hopefully someone can provide a detailed answer

Thanks Kurt,

So it looks be to yet another "kludge" to keep the marketing dept. happy.

I guess only time will tell if the ethernet over hdmi ever takes off, or if HDMI 2.0 with a new improved 24 pin connector will save the day

Given that there are two broad categories of HDMI 1.4 cable (setting aside connector types and speed ratings) and that running the extra wire will typically add a few pennies to the manufacturing costs do you think sellers will bother to stock both HEAC and non Ethernet flavors ?

It seems to me that a 1.4 HEAC (HDMi Ethernet Channel + Audio Return Channel) cable will be work with anything you through at, whereas a 1.3, 1.2, 1.4 cable without Ethernet will obviously not work with the "latest, greatest" gear.

So if we assume that a 1m HDMI cable costs maybe $1 at source and a 1m HDMI HEAC cable costs maybe $1.10 wouldn't make sense to only stock the HEAC flavor and save the cost of the inevitable tech support issues ??