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DisplayPort-To-HDMI Cables May Be Recalled Over Licensing

Posted by timothy on from the now-there's-a-product-defect dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "PC Magazine reports that the licensing company overseeing the HDMI specification has confirmed that existing Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters which are designed by several cable makers and sold by several PC OEMs, are apparently illegal and could be recalled. According to Charlene Wan, director of marketing for HDMI LLC, any cable that does not include HDMI connectors on both ends violates the specification. 'The HDMI specification defines an HDMI cable as having ONLY HDMI connectors on the ends,' says Wan. 'Anything else is not a licensed use of the specification and therefore, not allowed.' That apparently includes Apple's mini-DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters, which are sold by Belkin on Apple's Web site. However a representative for Belkin denies that the cable it sells on Apple's Web site is illegal. 'Essentially, the product you mention in your post is not out of compliance because it is just an adaptor and not a cable,' the representative wrote in an email. 'We do not sell a cable with a male Mini-DP and male HDMI port, which is what falls out of compliance with the spec. HDMI does recognize a product that has a Mini-DP connector and HDMI receptacle with an internal active circuitry as it falls into the definition of a source device.' There may also be a glimmer of hope, in that HDMI Org understands that there is a need for this type of cable: 'We do recognise that there may be a market need for a cable solution rather than a dongle solution. However, at this time, there is no way to produce these cable products in a licensed manner.'"

7 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. Arrest them... by impaledsunset · · Score: 2, Funny

    I say arrest those cable pirates stealing HDMI connectors without paying for them.

  2. no HDMI involved by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The licensing company is in error. These are not Display Port to HDMI cables, they are bananas. One end of the banana was equipped to be able to link up to a High Definition Multimedia Interface, the other end was equipped to link up to Apple's display port. Cabling was run between these two ends and the banana was removed.

    It's still a banana, though.

    You're welcome.

    1. Re:no HDMI involved by shutdown+-p+now · · Score: 3, Funny

      Does it have all the pertinent BNAA licenses?

  3. Re:Easy by kinabrew · · Score: 4, Funny

    High Definition Innovative Video Information Interface

    HDIVII

  4. Ill be sure and send mine right back! by gearloos · · Score: 3, Funny

    Oh wow, sorry about that, I'll be sure and send my unlicensed cables right back. I wouldn't want to be in any violation. Of couse I'll pay for shipping. It's the Fanbois Manifesto, after all.

    --
    "Computers are a lot like Air Conditioners" "They both work great until you start opening Windows"
  5. Re:It would be very interesting to know WHY? by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Funny

    But I have to give it to you, "DRM" is quite a bit shorter than "greed, incompetence and arrogance". Saves typing time.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  6. Re:So fucking what by click2005 · · Score: 3, Funny

    The HDMI LLC want more money to display their HDMI logo.

    Can I suggest that from now on the alternative name for the 'unlicensed' HDMI port be the Cartel Restricted Appliance Port.

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