video-out

USB Audio and Video out coming to Windows Phone 7

November 20, 2010 | By Surur

zune-dock-m

Paul Thurrott has posted on the various car technologies supported in Windows phone 7, which unfortunately excludes Audio Out via the USB port.

Paul does however note that this feature is in fact on its way.

He writes:

However, I know that Microsoft is using USB audio- and video-out with their own devices, in fact, that’s how they’re doing all of their onstage public demos. This internally developed software is very buggy and it’s not clear what form it will take when it reaches the public, but I’ve been told it’s coming.

This is indeed welcome news, as it opens up the options for accessories such as bedside docks and of course car kits. The Zune, which much of Windows Phone 7 technology is based on, of course does already support Audio and Video out via its standard connector.

Read more about car kit support at Windows Phone Secrets here.

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New HD video-out plug for phones in the works

April 15, 2010 | By Surur

Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Silicon Image, Inc. , Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation today announced the formation of the MHL™ (Mobile High-Definition Link) Consortium to develop a new mobile audio/video interface standard for directly connecting mobile phones and other portable consumer electronics (CE) devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs) and displays. The MHL standard features a single-cable with a low pin-count (and therefore smaller) interface able to support up to 1080p high-definition (HD) video and digital audio while simultaneously providing power to the mobile device. The MHL Consortium is also announcing the availability of an abridged draft specification available for review at www.mhlconsortium.org.

The MHL Consortium was established by the Mobile High-Definition Interface Working Group announced on September 28, 2009 and is responsible for developing, licensing and promoting the new mobile connectivity technology as an industry standard open to anyone desiring to become an adopter and enabling the development of compliant mobile and display products across a broad connectivity ecosystem. Products implementing MHL technology will feature:

· HD Video and Digital Audio

Consumers will be able to display HD video content with up to 1080p picture quality and digital audio from their mobile device on an HDTV.

· Low Pin-Count Interface

HD video and digital audio is transmitted via a low pin-count interface simultaneously providing data, control and power, which allows mobile devices to maintain their small form factor and keep implementation costs low.

· Provision of Power to the Mobile Device

Digital HD content can be output from the mobile device over a single cable while power is provided to the device. For example, a mobile phone can play back a full-length movie on an HDTV without draining power, so when the playback is completed the mobile phone can continue to be used for other purposes, such as calls and emails.

· Content Protection

High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) technologies protect high-value digital motion pictures, television programs and audio against unauthorized interception and copying.

Silicon Image had previously developed a physical connector on which the standard will be based, and importantly the connector was also compatible with the USB standard, making it useful as a general purpose connector rather than just a new mini-HDMI replacement.

Now that microUSB is just catching on, do we really need another connector? On the other hand, with our devices set to become particularly media-heavy, now may just be the right time. Let us know your thoughts below.

Via Phonescoop.com

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Samsung Omnia 2 video out demoed

August 6, 2009 | By Surur

This video shows the Samsung Omnia 2’s video out feature, which seems to work via the headphone jack. While the video chosen was likely not the best to demonstrate the feature, it mostly appears smooth with good performance. Of interest is that, unlike the feature on the HTC Touch Pro, the software does not seem to blindly mirror the display, but intelligently chooses the video stream only.

See the video below:

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Great HTC Touch Pro video out demo

October 17, 2008 | By Surur

We have posted before about the video-out capability of the HTC Touch Pro, but a video is probably a lot better to show of the functionality. I came across this one while wandering the internet, and it not only shows the usefulness of the feature, but gives a good overview of the functionality built into the HTC Touch Pro (which explains its near 11 min length)

I know if I traveled regularly I would be sorely tempted to buy this add-on. At £16.99 its not even really that expensive.

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