Question:

What are the additional features and terminology related to HDMI ports?

Answer:

HDMI PORT: ADDITIONAL FEATURES & TERMINOLOGY: DVI, MHL & ARC

The HDMI technology is evolving quickly. Its firmware version 1.4 enables features that facilitate connection within high end devices like TV, mobiles (Smartphones or Laptop…) and other CE products. Here are the simplified details:

MHL:

The MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) specification is an HD video and digital audio interface optimized for connecting mobile phones and portable devices to HDTV’s, displays and other home entertainment products. It features a single cable with a 5-pin interface able to support up to 1080p HD video and digital audio while simultaneously providing power to the connected mobile device, and utilizing established connectors.

More info on http://www.mhlconsortium.org/

Enabled Devices:

TV:                                                        Mobile Phones :

       -       UN**ES8000                                     - Galaxy S III

       -       UN**ES7500                                     - Galaxy S II

       -       UN**D8000                                       - Galaxy Nexus

       -       UN**D7900                                       - Galaxy Note

       -       UN**D7000

ARC :

The Audio Return Channel in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio system, increasing user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF (optical) audio connection.

TVs have always been able to receive multi-channel audio through an HDMI connection, and this is still a typical use-case, with the TV positioned “downstream” from content sources and any connected audio equipment. However, if a user had a TV with a built-in tuner or DVD player, and wanted to send content “upstream” from the TV back to the audio system, a separate connection had to be installed, typically an S/PDIF cable.

DVI:

The DVI port allows connecting eligible PC to a screen or a monitor. For PC having such port, it is recommended to use a DVI to HDMI adaptor and connect it to the HDMI (DVI) port of your HDTV.

The following three (3) features are shown on eligible TVs as pictured below:

       1-     HDMI IN (MHL)

       2-     HDMI IN (ARC)

       3-     HDMI IN (DVI)