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HDMI connectors in small cameras can go away
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    HDMI Licensing, LLC today announced that it is releasing the HDMI Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) developed by the HDMI Founders for the USB Type-C™ Specification. This will allow HDMI-enabled source devices to utilize a USB Type-C connector to directly connect to HDMI-enabled displays, and deliver native HDMI signals over a simple cable without the need for cumbersome protocol and connector adapters or dongles.

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    This enables two of the most popular solutions for connectivity to come together—the small form factor, reversible, and multi-purpose USB Type-C connector being adopted by smartphones, tablets and PC products, and HDMI, which is the leading display interface with an installed base of billions of displays. Almost 290 million HDMI-enabled display devices are expected to ship in 2016, including projectors, monitors and 100 percent of flat panel TVs.

    HDMI Alt Mode will support the full range of HDMI 1.4b features such as: resolutions up to 4K, Audio Return Channel (ARC), 3D, HDMI Ethernet Channel, and Consumer Electronic Control (CEC). The HDMI cable will utilize the USB Type-C connector on the source side and any HDMI connector on the display side. Unlike the other Alt Mode display technologies which require various adapters or dongles to connect to HDMI displays, HDMI Alt Mode enables an easy connection via a simple USB Type-C to HDMI cable.

    For now it is only HDMI 1.4b, but it is enough good inceptive to save on connectors and leave only one - USB-C .

  • 3 Replies sorted by
  • TscheckoffTscheckoff

    Makes sense (especially for mobile devices and compact cameras). But not just according the single port solution - Also because it´s specified to more wrenching stress from scratch on. Most Micro HDMI connections are specified to 0-20N (plug and receptacle) or 20-40N (just the receptacle). And USB Type-C has 0-50N for both - Plug and receptacle / port.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    If you ask me, small good lemo connector is much better :-)

  • TscheckoffTscheckoff

    Would LOVE to see lemos or mini SDI (or similar) too - But at least it´s a step up from the less stable micro HDMI ports. Funny thing: Many new cameras are using mini HDMI again (instead of micro). I really hate the micro ports - Every time you use an external screen or recorder, you need to have an eye on them. Really draws attention away from the shooting. Even if you use a cable protector there is still a risk to break it accidently - And then you have a problem (especially if you need to record externally).

    I just hope for bigger ports with the new upcoming cameras ...
    GH5, E-M1 II, A7 Mk.3 and all the others which are coming soon.

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