Manufacturers may have to recall their line of Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables as this type of connection is unlicensed. TechRadar has confirmed with HDMI Org that straight through MiniDisplay Port to HDMI male-to-male connectors (which you can find on Monoprice for example) are affected.
“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.”
It also noted: “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.”
There is an exception, however, in that Mini DisplayPort to HDMI female adapters (such as Moshi’s cable that Apple recommends with the purchase of a MacBook) are acceptable. MacBook Pro and iMac owners who need to connect to the big screen have viable workaround — you’ll have to use two cables instead of one while the current batch of unlicensed cables are yanked off the shelves. Apple sells Moshi’s Mini DP to HDMI adapter for $34.95 and an Apple HDMI cable for $19.99 in their online store.
[via TechRadar]
Image via Cables.com