The Sony Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet are the first devices to get MHL 3.0 support, which is great to see. The new standard allows the native output of 4K2K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video through a single cable, as well as being able to charge the phone at the same time (up to 10W).
Another core feature is increased data bandwidth, enabling concurrent 4K video and high-speed peripheral support of mass storage and input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard and mouse.
The demo video below shows an Xperia Z2 outputting 4K video to a Sony 4K television. You can see that the TV remote can be used to control the video (play pause, rewind, forward etc). This is similar to functionality we have seen before with TV’s that had CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) enabled HDMI ports.
MHL 3.0 Specifications
• 4K (Ultra HD): Support of 4K formats up to 2160p30
• Simultaneous high-speed data channel
• Improved Remote Control Protocol (RCP) with support for peripherals such as a touch screen, keyboard and mouse
• Power charging up to 10W
• Backward compatible with MHL 1 and MHL 2
• Latest HDCP 2.2 content protection
• Enhanced 7.1 surround sound with Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD
• Connector agnostic – uses as few as five pins
• Support for simultaneous multiple displays
MHL 3.0 video demo using the Xperia Z2
Via Engadget and MHL Consortium.
