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Consumer technology is constantly evolving, so it’s not uncommon for outdated inputs and outputs to go the way of the stone of choice. In modern smart TVs and mobile devices, one connection that is all but forgotten is Mobile High Definition (MHL). It was an HDMI technology that allowed consumers to plug a phone or tablet into an MHL-compatible port on televisions, monitors and projectors. MHL transmitted video and audio data to a display, making it one of the pioneers of screen mirroring.
Using MHL often required an MHL adapter. How it worked, you ran a USB cable through one end of the adapter (which sometimes required AC power) and an HDMI cable from the adapter to an MHL-certified input on your TV. MHL 3.0 (released in 2013) added 4K support, device charging, and a few other features to MHL’s feature list, but nothing could trump “wireless.”
Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Miracast introduced screen mirroring and wireless content streaming, a convenience that MHL simply couldn’t compete with, not to mention the fact that no additional hardware was needed to complete the link between device A and device B. The 2010s also introduced streaming devices and smart TVs, meaning that many of the apps and services you used to rely on on your phone (e.g. Netflix, YouTube) were now integrated into your TV or streaming device.
The rise and fall of connectivity in the 2010s, or how wireless and USB-C killed MHL
Once wireless mirroring and content streaming became widespread, the MHL standard did its best to persevere. In early 2015, consumers were treated to superMHL, an upgrade that improved resolution and frame rate performance (offering up to 8K/120Hz), increased charging power, and added USB-C compatibility – which the MHL Consortium would call “MHL Alt Mode.” But there wasn’t enough support for the new standard, and it wouldn’t be long before brands like Samsung – once deeply involved in the development of MHL – ended their support.
As the 2020s dawned, the MHL was still struggling to maintain a presence. This was also around the time that smartphone makers, including Apple, were switching to USB-C, paving the way for DisplayPort Alt Mode, a wired connection that provided video, audio, and power when your device was connected to a display via USB-C. Smart TV software also quickly evolved to the point where streaming apps from your phone was no longer necessary.
These days, MHL in all its forms is a relic of the past, and your only solid chance of seeing an MHL port lies on older TVs and other display technology. Wireless device mirroring and USB-C connectivity reign supreme, and HDMI technology has also made major strides, especially in gaming optimizations (e.g. variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode). The reality is that the world doesn’t need MHL much anymore, but the ingenuity of the adapter was fun while it lasted.