Display Port to HDMI Cable Illegal !?!

krs · Jun 28th, 2012, 01:52 PM

What do people think about that?

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables must be withdrawn | News | TechRadar

The story is a bit inconsistant - the head line says must be withdrawn and then in the story the wording is several times should not be sold.

The rationale provided by HTML.org is pretty flimsy if I really want to be generous.
Actually makes no sense at all if a Mini Display port to HDMI connector dongle is acceptable.
Electrically the dongle and the cable are identical except for the cable length and the gender of the connector.

Question is, is there a spec to test the Mini DVI to HTML dongle against?
If so, it's easy enough to adapt that to include the Mini Display Port HDMI cable.
If not, why is the dongle then legal?

Someone at HDMI.org just woke up and noticed that they are missing out on lots of licensing dollars.

BTW - There is probably nothing actually "illegal" in selling a Mini Display port to HDMI cable; even if there is, Chinese manufacturers and sellers will just have a field day because they won't pull these off the market.

Paddy · Jun 28th, 2012, 02:42 PM

Given that these stories are a year old, it's obviously not a recall with any teeth.

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables deemed "illegal," millions to be recalled ? Computer Chips & Hardware Technology | Geek.com

Even Apple is still selling them.

Kanex Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cable with Audio Support (10 ft./3 m) - Apple Store (Canada)

Though why on earth you'd want to spend $45 for it, instead of oh, $7, or $10 is beyond me.

For only $7.42 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 6ft 32AWG Mini DisplayPort to HDMI® Cable - White | Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables

Yellowknife - Premium Mini Display Port 6-Feet (2M) White MDP Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Male Adapter Cable: Amazon.ca: Electronics

krs · Jun 28th, 2012, 03:14 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Paddy
	Given that these stories are a year old, it's obviously not a recall with any teeth.

You know, I actually looked at the date but 2011 didn't register, neither did "July"
I read June 2012 into it and thought - oh that is quite current.

PosterBoy · Jun 28th, 2012, 10:26 PM

Wait, HDMI and MDP are designed to carry the same audio/video signal. I wonder if it was just a "holy **** this is a way around our DRM" moment?

PosterBoy · Jun 28th, 2012, 10:29 PM

Also that article is pretty poorly written. Not really relevant, except that it irks me.

PosterBoy · Jun 28th, 2012, 10:33 PM

Also, there's no link to any actual recall or notice from HDMI Licensing LLC, which is what it's called not "HDMI Org."

So I am pretty sure it's just bullshit.

pm-r · Jun 29th, 2012, 12:19 AM

I guess the HDMI folks were told to poke it...

Odd that I could not find any mention of "Mini DisplayPort" with a search on their site.

Also they seemed to be a bit hypocritical with their "acceptance" of any "licensed" HDMI cables with HDMI connectors at each end, while also allowing and accepting the use of the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI dongle/adapters that had different connectors on the cable ends. Oh right, the dongle/adapters used just a female HDMI connector on one end which I guess was allowed!!!

Edit: HDMI.org: Your Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable is “unlicensed and should not be sold” | 9to5Mac | Apple Intelligence

macintosh doctor · Jun 29th, 2012, 09:23 AM

I bought a bunch of the mini display port to hdmi which carries video and audio last year - because I hear it was banned.
seriously - it is the dumbest law I have heard.. its okay to carry video buy not sound.. come on really?!?

krs · Jun 29th, 2012, 09:38 AM

Does anyone know what the current status of this is?
The most recent article I could find was dated March 2012 and nothing seems to have changed since June of last year.

A mDP to HDMI cable still cannot be licensed officially but they are still sold in large quantities and not just by the Chinese.

I just bought a mDP to DVI cable through Amazon.ca, theoretically that should be banned as well but mine was shipped, no problem.

JCCanuck · Jun 29th, 2012, 09:47 AM

Bought a mini display port to hdmi cable yesterday at Canada Computer. Tons of the cables displayed.