MHL vs superMHL: A Detailed Comparison of MHL Standards

This article delves into the differences between various MHL standards, namely MHL-1, MHL-2, MHL-3, and superMHL. MHL, which stands for Mobile High-Definition Link, serves as an interface to transmit video and audio output from mobile devices like smartphones to display devices.

These display devices can include HDTVs, PC monitors, projectors, and even A/V receivers or Blu-Ray Disc players. Essentially, the mobile device functions as the source, and the display acts as the sink within the MHL connection. MHL also conveniently provides power to the mobile device. It leverages TMDS (Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling) technology, similar to HDMI and DVI. This similarity allows for easy MHL-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-MHL conversion using readily available adapters. For a more comprehensive understanding, you might want to explore the basics of HDMI.

MHL-1

Here are the key features of MHL-1:

• Maximum Resolution: 1080p60 (1080 video at 60 frames per second)
• Audio Support: Up to 8 channels
• Remote Control: Supports MHL Control (RCP) for single remote operation
• Power Charging: Up to 2.5 Watts
• Content Protection: HDCP 1.4 (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is used as an encryption protocol.

MHL-2

The features of MHL-2 are as follows:

• Maximum Resolution: 1080p60
• Audio Support: Up to 8 channels
• Remote Control: Supports MHL Control (RCP) for single remote operation
• Power Charging: Up to 7.5 Watts
• Content Protection: HDCP 1.4

MHL-3

MHL-3 brings some improvements:

• Maximum Resolution: 4k30
• Audio Support: Up to 8 channels
• Blu-ray Audio: Supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD formats.
• Remote Control: Supports MHL Control (RCP) for single remote operation
• Power Charging: Up to 10 Watts
• Content Protection: HDCP 2.2
• Multiple Displays: Supports up to 4 displays simultaneously

SuperMHL

SuperMHL takes it up a notch:

• Maximum Resolution: 8K120 (8K video at 120 frames per second!)
• High Dynamic Range: Supports HDR, BT.2020, and Deep Color (10-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit)
• Audio Support: Up to 8 channels
• Blu-ray Audio: Supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD formats.
• Advanced Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Remote Control: Supports MHL Control (RCP) for single remote operation
• Power Charging: Up to 40 Watts
• Content Protection: HDCP 2.2
• Multiple Displays: Supports up to 8 displays simultaneously
• Backward Compatibility: SuperMHL is compatible with older MHL-1, MHL-2, and MHL-3 devices.
• Connector Variety: Adapters exist for USB Type-C, Micro-USB, HDMI Type-A, and other proprietary connectors.