A staggering number of unlicensed Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables are to be recalled, after HDMI Org, the firm that licenses HDMI cables, said that the product should not be sold.
The Mini DisplayPort is famously used in Apple’s Mac range, but also in computers from Dell, HP and Toshiba. However, there are a number of reasons why Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables should not be sold.
In talks with TechCrunch, HDMI Org explained:
The HDMI specification defines an HDMI cable as having only HDMI connectors on the ends. Anything else is not a licensed use of the specification and therefore, not allowed.
All HDMI products undergo compliance testing as defined by the Compliance Testing Specification.
The CTS clearly defines necessary tests for all products defined in the HDMI Specification. Since this new cable product is undefined in the Specification, there are no tests associated with this product. It cannot be tested against the Specification.
So, basically, because there isn’t an HDMI connector on both ends of these cables, they are not allowed. However, Mini DisplayPort to female HDMI is okay — because licensed HDMI cables can be plugged into them rather like a dongle.
The news will obviously be a blow to Apple and the other big tech companies that use the Mini DisplayPort, but I’m confident those companies will ensure the situation is resolved shortly.
Just in case these cables do vanish, though, maybe it would be a good idea to go and grab a few of them today.
[via Gizmodo]
