HDMI Announces USB-C to HDMI Cables for 4K Displays and TVs

Thursday September 1, 2016 7:31 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

The licensing group behind the HDMI interface has introduced a new HDMI Alternate Mode that will allow for USB-C devices like the 12-inch MacBook, smartphones, and tablets to connect to HDMI-enabled 4K displays and TVs over a single cable, with no adapters or dongles required.

The new specification will lead to the release of simple HDMI to USB-C cables that support the full range of HDMI 1.4b features, including 3D, Ethernet, and CEC. Connecting an HDMI-enabled 4K display or TV to a 12-inch MacBook currently requires using Apple's $79 USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

Thunderbolt remains the more popular I/O protocol for connecting 4K displays and TVs to Macs, since existing models are unable to drive 4K displays or TVs at 60Hz over HDMI by default. HDMI-enabled 4K displays and TVs connected to a 12-inch MacBook via adapter, for example, only support a 30Hz refresh rate.

In addition to the 12-inch MacBook, Apple is rumored to release updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models featuring USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 as early as October. Those notebooks would support HDMI to USB-C cables, providing Mac users with another option for connecting 4K displays and TVs.

Tags: USB-C, 4K displays, HDMI

Top Rated Comments

jmh600cbr

59 months ago

Hopefully this doesn't lead to a lack of HDMI on the MBP. The reason I love it so much is when I'm at a random place and I can just unplug their BRplayer or random or cable box or android box and just plug in.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

TurboPGT!

59 months ago

This sounds unequivocally good. Waiting for everyone to explain why it sucks.

Only 30 Hz. Which means, its just another thing thats possible, that no one wants to use.

Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)

bjjp2

59 months ago

This sounds unequivocally good. Waiting for everyone to explain why it sucks.

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

bluespark

59 months ago

This is yet another reason why Lightning should be replaced with USB-C on iPhones/iPads.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Bkxmnr

59 months ago

So does the power from the display keep the MacBook charged? Or can you only use the external display for as long as the MacBook stay powered by its battery?

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

iamgalt

59 months ago

Oh my! More dongles.... >_<

It's not a dongle, its a wire. A wire that removes the need for a dongle.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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