Re:Apple may be hiring engineers to redesign 30-pin dock con...
by rogerbinns on Thursday May 31, 2012 @03:44PM
(#4049954)
There is a standard for doing HDMI from a micro usb connector. It even includes bidirectional control - ie a device connected to a TV using this can be controlled using the TV remote control. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-definition_Link
It has been implemented for quite a while in several devices (eg my phone has it). I don't know if they left room for expansion (eg a different signalling to get analog audio).
It is also possible to talk to "apps" on the device such as how the MTP protocol works. That requires more effort than analog plumbing but can provide a far richer experience.
The other big issue is power (beyond the original 5V 500mA). Apple have gone one (incompatible) way with that while the USB standard went a different way. Even that had to be extended somewhat further especially by tablet manufacturers since they need a lot of power to charge quickly. (The signalling is done with differing resistances.)
It has been implemented for quite a while in several devices (eg my phone has it). I don't know if they left room for expansion (eg a different signalling to get analog audio).
It is also possible to talk to "apps" on the device such as how the MTP protocol works. That requires more effort than analog plumbing but can provide a far richer experience.
The other big issue is power (beyond the original 5V 500mA). Apple have gone one (incompatible) way with that while the USB standard went a different way. Even that had to be extended somewhat further especially by tablet manufacturers since they need a lot of power to charge quickly. (The signalling is done with differing resistances.)