Sunnyvale, Calif. — Devices with Type-C USB connectors will soon be able to be made compatible with 4K video, multi-channel surround-sound audio, and HDCP 2.2 thanks to a newly announced MHL Alt Mode spec that enables USB Type-C connectors and cable to support the MHL 3 specification.
“The USB Type-C cable and connector is designed to be a long-lasting, robust solution that is ideal for all platforms and devices,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president and COO. “The USB-IF will be working in conjunction with MHL LLC to establish complementary certification and compliance programs to properly support USB Type-C hosts and devices that incorporate MHL Alt Mode. The USB-IF is also in the process of developing joint port identification guidelines. We’re coordinating with MHL LLC to ensure consumers can recognize when MHL Alt Mode is supported on USB Type-C devices.”
The MHL Consortium said it will continue to advance the MHL specification to support additional capabilities and connectors, such as USB Type-C, ahead of industry demand.
In extending compatibility to other forms of connectors the consortium said MHL support has grown to more than 650 million devices in a few years.
Mobile devices designed with a USB Type-C receptacle and built to support the MHL Alt Mode will be able to connect to a large ecosystem of MHL TVs, monitors, AVRs, Blu-ray Disc players, projectors, set-top boxes and automotive products using USB Type-C to HDMI Type A MHL cables.
Mobile devices with USB Type-C MHL Alt Mode can also connect to HDMI legacy displays using adapters that support MHL-to-HDMI protocol conversion.
“MHL Alt Mode enables a USB Type-C connector to support the MHL 3 specification, which includes 4K video, multichannel surround-sound audio and HDCP 2.2,” said Rob Tobias, MHL LLC president. “This benefits consumers and systems designers because a single connector reduces costs and increases functionality.”
MHL Alt Mode for the USB Type-C specification supplement for the MHL 1, 2 and 3 specifications are available at: MHLTech.org.
