New USB-C to HDMI cable connects USB-C devices to HDMI displays

2 min. read

Published on September 4, 2016

published on September 4, 2016

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Connecting USB-C devices to HDMI displays is now possible thanks to a new standard developed by the HDMI Founders. The new HDMI Alternate Mode has especially been developed for the USB Type-C specification, allowing HDMI-enabled source devices to use a USB Type-C connector to connect to HDMI-enabled displays.

In other words, the source side will use a USB Type-C connector, while the display side will use a HDMI connector. In this manner, native HDMI signals can be delivered over a simple cable, eliminating all adapters or dongles.

The HDMI Alt Mode can support the following features:

Resolutions up to 4K
Surround sound
Audio Return Channel (ARC)
3D (4K and HD)
HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC)
Consumer Electronic Control (CEC)
Deep Color, x.v.Color, and content types
High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP 1.4 and HDCP 2.2).

This new HDMI Alt Mode will definitely become very popular among users as it connect two of the most popular connectivity solutions. USB-C connectors are heavily used on smartphones and tablets due their reduced size, while HDMI is the main display interface used on billions of displays.

USB Type-C is quickly becoming the connector of choice for many types of consumer electronics products wanting a single solution for audio, video, data and power. Easily connecting devices with USB Type-C to the huge installed base of HDMI-enabled TVs is a substantial benefit to consumers. We’re also coordinating with HDMI Licensing to ensure consumers can recognize when HDMI Alt Mode is supported on USB Type-C devices.

The availability of this new USB Type-C to HDMI cable is up to the manufacturers, but according to HDMI Founders’ estimates, products incorporating this feature may be launching at the beginning of 2017.

For more information about the HDMI Alt Mode, you can check out the FAQ section of HDMI Founders.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies -- AI and DNA computing in particular. Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.