Latest in Cec

Image credit:

Samsung Galaxy S II first with MHL port for dual-purpose USB or HDMI out (video)

Share
Tweet
Share

Sponsored Links

There's a small but important fact about Samsung's newest Android flagship that slipped under our radar last week at Mobile World Congress. The Galaxy S II is the first smartphone to feature an MHL port. MHL, as you'll recall, was first announced in 2008 as the Mobile High-Definition video Link "standard" for mobile devices promoted by a consortium that includes Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, and Silicon Image. So yeah, another mobile interconnect standard just like DisplayPort, mini-HDMI, or Light Peak. Essentially, the micro-USB shaped MHL jack at the base of the Galaxy S II features internal circuitry that recognizes USB or MHL impedance and then automatically switches the phone into USB data / charging or MHL audio / video / charging modes. A special 5-wire micro-USB to HDMI cable lets you send video and audio to existing HDMI-equipped displays. Unfortunately, the TV won't charge the Galaxy S II during playback unless you insert a phone charger adapter between the GSII and TV or wait for MHL-enabled TVs to begin shipping later this year. Once connected, you can then use your TV's HDMI-CEC compatible remote to navigate and control the Galaxy S II's media interface. The GSII is just the first MHL device with a half-dozen phones, at least one tablet, and a few TVs coming this summer. More details are available in the video interview after the break.



All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Share
Tweet
Share

Popular on Engadget

'Anthem' gives its Cataclysm in-game event a second try

'Anthem' gives its Cataclysm in-game event a second try

View
Crowdfunding is better than Netflix for YouTube's creep queen

Crowdfunding is better than Netflix for YouTube's creep queen

View
Amazon is hosting a two-day music festival in Las Vegas

Amazon is hosting a two-day music festival in Las Vegas

View
Arlo's first video doorbell provides an extra-clear view of your porch

Arlo's first video doorbell provides an extra-clear view of your porch

View
The Morning After: Is this the ultimate retro-gaming portable?

The Morning After: Is this the ultimate retro-gaming portable?

View

From around the web

Page 1Page 1ear iconeye iconFill 23text filevr