MHL: What It Is and How to Use It

This article explains what MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) is and how it is it used

What Is MHL?

HDMI is the default wired audio and video connection protocol for home theaters. However, there's another way to extend its capabilities: MHL

An MHL port lets you connect a smartphone, tablet, or another portable device to an HDTV, audio receiver, or video projector using either a special MHL-enabled HDMI input or an adapter.

HDMI combines high-resolution digital video (which includes 4K, 3D, and 8K depending on the version) and audio (up to eight channels) into a single connection, reducing the amount of cable clutter. It can send control signals between connected devices. This is referred to by several names depending on the manufacturer. Still, its generic name is HDMI-CEC.

Another HDMI feature is ARC (audio return channel). This lets a single HDMI cable transfer audio signals in both directions between a compatible TV and home theater receiver or soundbar.

MHL uses the same physical end-connector HDMI uses, but it's not HDMI. It transmits HD video and audio from a connected device while charging that device at the same time. Certain smartphones and tablets support MHL, as do select TV sets.

MHL 1.0

MHL ver 1.0, introduced in June 2010, supports the transfer of up to 1080p high-definition video and 7.1 channel PCM surround audio from the compatible portable device to a TV or home theater receiver, using a mini-HDMI connector on the portable device and a full-size HDMI connector on the home theater device that's MHL-enabled.

The MHL-enabled HDMI port also supplies power to your portable device (5 volts/500ma), so you don't use up battery power to watch a movie or listen to music.

If you have an MHL-enabled smartphone or other device and your TV doesn't have an MHL-HDMI input, you can use a compatible adapter or dock to connect the two.

MHL 2.0

Introduced in April 2012, it allows device charging from 4.5 watts at 900ma to 7.5 watts at 1.5 amps. It also adds 3D compatibility.

MHL 3.0

Released in August 2013, MHL 3.0 adds the following features:

• 4K (Ultra HD/UHD) signal input supporting up to 30 fps (2160p/30).
• 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound support.
• Simultaneous High-Speed Data Channel accessibility.
• Improved Remote Control Protocol (RCP) with support for external devices such as touchscreens, keyboards, and mice.
• Power and charging up to 10 watts.
• Compatibility with HDCP 2.2.
• Multiple simultaneous display support (up to 4K monitors or TVs).
• Backward compatibility with previous MHL 1.0 and 2.0 versions (including physical connections). However, devices with MHL versions 1.0 or 2.0 may not be able to access version 3.0 capabilities.

SuperMHL

Introduced in January 2015, superMHL supports 8K Ultra HD 120 Hz High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. It also supports object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Remote Control Protocol (RCP) was extended so that multiple MHL-compatible devices can be linked and controlled with a single remote.

Here is what Super MHL connectivity provides:

• 8K 120 fps video pass-through capability.
• Expanded 48-bit Deep Color and BT.2020 color gamut support.
• Support for High-Dynamic Range (HDR).
• Support for advanced surround sound audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D audio, as well as audio-only mode support.
• Single remote control for multiple MHL devices (TV, AVR, Blu-ray player, or STB).
• Power charging up to 40W.
• Multiple display capability from a single source.
• Backward compatibility with MHL 1, 2, and 3.
• Support for the MHL Alt Mode for the USB Type-C specifications.

Integrating MHL With USB

The MHL Consortium's version 3 connection protocol is also designed to integrate with the USB 3.1 framework using a USB Type-C connector. This is referred to as MHL Alt (Alternate) Mode.

MHL Alt Mode allows transfer up to 4K Ultra HD video resolution and multi-channel surround audio (including PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio). It also provides simultaneous MHL audio and video, USB data, and power for connected portable devices when using a USB Type-C connector to compatible TVs, home theater receivers, and PCs equipped with a USB Type-C or full-size HDMI (via adapter) ports. MHL-enabled USB ports can use both USB or MHL functions.

One additional MHL Alt Mode feature is the Remote Control Protocol (RCP). RCP enables MHL sources plugged into compatible TVs to operate using the TV's remote control.

Products using the MHL Alt Mode include selected smartphones, tablets, and laptops equipped with USB 3.1 Type-C connectors.

To make adoption more flexible, cables are available with USB 3.1 Type-C connectors on one end and HDMI, DVI, or VGA connectors on the other end. Docking products for compatible portable devices that include MHL Alt Mode compatible USB 3.1 Type-C, HDMI, DVI, or VGA connectors can also be used.

The decision to implement MHL Alt Mode on a specific product is determined by the product manufacturer. Just because a device might be equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C connector doesn't mean that it's automatically MHL Alt Mode-enabled.