Next-gen MHL technology for mobile devices

MHL Consortium has announced the superMHL specification, the next-generation of MHL technology for CE and mobile devices.

The superMHL specification will be available for download at the end of January 2015.

The superMHL delivers significant mobile advancements such as higher resolution and frame rates along with 40W of power charging, while broadening MHL’s reach in home theater connectivity by supporting 8K video resolution and expanded audio formats, a statement said.

With superMHL, consumers can link their mobile devices, set-top boxes (STBs), Blu-ray Disc players, AVRs, streaming media sticks and other source devices to TVs and displays. The release of a new reversible superMHL connector supports enhanced video formats to deliver lifelike, immersive content between home theater products and displays, it added.

To support these advanced features, MHL has introduced the new reversible superMHL connector. This 32 pin connector can carryconcurrent video, data and power charging all in a slim, consumer-friendly form factor.

“As the world’s leading TV brand, Samsung continues to innovate as an MHL Promoter to create the first 8K interface and the release of a reversible, consumer-friendly superMHL connector,” said John Ryu, vice president of Visual Display, Samsung Electronics.

“SuperMHL is designed for higher performance to deliver the best possible TV resolution so consumers can enjoy superior color, incredible contrast and true-to-life picture,” Ryu added.

With more than 750 million MHL devices on the market, superMHL is backward-compatible with previous MHL 1, 2 and 3 specification versions and supports the latest HDCP 2.2 content protection for the secure delivery of premium content.

“MHL enables consumers to share what they love – photos, videos, music and ideas – with the world around them. Our goal is to make content more meaningful and accessible,” said Rob Tobias, president, MHL, LLC.

The MHL Specification was developed by Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Silicon Image, Inc , Sony Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation as a standard for mobile wired video/audio connectivity.