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]
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
28 responses to “Millions of “Illegal” Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables to be Recalled”
Crap. I bought one of these this morning.
Another reason why I don’t like HDMI. Add it to the list!
Seriously… this is just idiotic. There’s no reason for this other than politics. If someone has a use for this sort of cable… let them make it. The people who own HDMI instead would have you use an adapter. Why? This is of no benefit to the end user.
HDMI to DVI cables don’t have HDMI on both ends, so what’s the problem?
I already got one and I will not be returning it :)
Pretty silly for them to do this. Folks are just trying to connect their equipment with a simple cable. They didn’t care about HDMI to DVI adapters, but I guess that’s because they don’t carry audio.
http://appledrunk.com/hdmi-org…
how lame… they want a bunch of dongles sticking out of our computer when we could just buy a cable with the right connector on both ends… screw HDMI. They are just BITTER that Apple didn’t put an HDMI connector on the Macbook Pros.
Yup, this is clearly a case where HDMI . org wants the cable manufacture to comply (i.e. send them money). This has nothing to do with the total and complete usefulness of a cable without an adapter. I have adapters and would have bought this cable in a second if I saw it in the store. I will probably go buy one soon. I look for one thing in a cable, if it “Works” as described and intended. Gotta love politics and MONEY interfering with useful stuff. Whoever HDMI . org is, I wish they were hacked and shut down for being morons.
I’m sure you’ll still be able to pick these up dirt-cheap straight from China, where they don’t give a rat’s ass about some greedy American organization’s logo requirements (these are the same guys who made their own bastardized CD format to bypass licensing DVD players for their home territory…)
While I already have a collection of mini-DP dongles, including a knock-off HDMI with audio, I’d rather have a regular cable. Much less bulk, and looks neater too.
And? It’s not like its going to stop working all cause they claimed it was ‘illegal’
Wow certainly the strangest tech news today.
hoping for some interesting development to this mess.
Amazon UK are still selling them, so be quick ;)
Lame HDMI org., just lame. You’re starting to sound like a branch of the government. Realize you made a stupid mistake and reverse the dumb move.
Just relabel them “High Def Interface” and tell HDMI to get bent.
Why bother? That sh*t doesn’t work right for monitors with HDMI input anyway. I use MDP > DVI > HDMI chain for my 24″ LG L245WP.