First MHL-Enabled Smartphones Now in Mass Production

MHL Technology Reaches Major Milestone

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — MHL, LLC, the entity responsible for administering the MHL Consortium and the adoption, licensing and promotion of the MHL™ (Mobile High-Definition Link) Specification, today announced that the first mobile phones with MHL connectivity are now in mass production – the Samsung Galaxy S II and Infuse™ 4G. MHL technology enables the delivery of up to 1080p HD video and 7.1 digital surround sound audio via a cabled connection from the mobile phone to the display, while simultaneously providing power to the phone.

“Enabling a seamless experience across multiple devices and screens is critical to the new era of the connected consumer, and MHL’s specification contributes to this development of smart consumer devices,” said Michael J. Palma, IDC’s research manager for electronics manufacturing services. “With its market share position in smartphones, Samsung’s adoption of the MHL specification represents a step forward for MHL technology.”

Samsung is a founding member of the MHL Consortium and, along with Nokia, Silicon Image, Sony, and Toshiba, played a significant role in creating and driving the Consortium forward. The goal of the Consortium is to establish MHL technology as a cost-effective and easily integrated audio/video interface standard optimized for mobile connectivity.

“2011 is expected to be an exciting year for MHL technology as partners and licensees of the standard introduce MHL-enabled products that provide consumers with a great optimized-for-mobile user experience every time they connect their device to their display,” said Tim Wong, president of MHL, LLC. “Samsung is taking the mobile experience and bringing it to the big screen with the release of the first MHL-enabled smartphones.”

Key features outlined in the MHL specification include:

• Mobile Device Charging by Display: MHL technology enables the delivery of power from MHL-enabled displays to operate the mobile device and charge its battery, while simultaneously playing content.
• HD Video and Audio: 1080p high-definition video and 7.1 digital audio is supported for the optimal mobile viewing and listening experience.
• Command and Control: Consumers can use DTV remotes to control any MHL-enabled mobile device.
• Thin Cables: Portable, five-wire cables are used for the delivery of high-definition video and digital audio.
• Use of Existing and Popular Connections: Does not need an additional connector.

MHL adapters will be available so that consumers can connect these smartphones to existing displays and also enjoy the MHL benefit of charging the device while viewing HD content on the big screen.