Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support

admin · Site Admin Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 2048 Location: U.S.A

Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support
Friday, July 10, 2009
Posted by: Fran

Apogee has announced the release of its Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with USB digital audio. The new adapter joins their Kanex family of Mini DisplayPort adapters and allows Macs with a Mini DisplayPort to be connected to an HD source and have digital audio be outputted through the adapter.

Since HDMI is able to support both audio and video, users wondered why it wasn't possible to have the option of having audio come out the Mini DisplayPort adapter as well. The new adapters will be able to output digital audio signals through the USB port. USB audio was integrated into the adapter with HDMI output to allow the audio pass through. Two USB 2.0 ports are also conveniently located next to the Mini DisplayPort, which allows easy access to plug both cables in.

The new adapter still has the same specifications as its predecessor as it still will be version 1.3b and support resolutions of up to 1080p. The adapter also looks similar to the current Mini DisplayPort to HDMI. The significant difference for the adapter will be the extra USB cable next to the Mini DisplayPort cable. The new adapter also supports uncompressed audio such as LPCM.

Apogee said it plans to release the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with USB digital audio in August. No word on pricing, but we'll keep you posted.

http://www.123macmini.com/news/story/1259.html

Huff · Member Joined: 01 Jan 2009 Posts: 149

I'm definitely getting one if the prices aren't bad.

Aargh-a-Knot · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:40 pm Post subject:

Too bad HD audio won't passthru USB....

Sad

Bandit Bill · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject:

If I understand this product correctly. The image above is incorrect. There should be two pigtails on the adapter, one for the Mini DisplayPort and the other for USB. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

What a mess if you ask me. The mini should have HDMI output built in. This is nonsense. On a positive note, it's great to see companies stepping up to the plate to support Apple products. I hope this product does work well for most people.

Glenn · News Moderator Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 175

Bandit Bill · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:06 pm Post subject:

Here you go Glenn Smile

WheelSpinners · Veteran Member Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 743

The regular DisplayPort supports eight channels of audio through the same cable. I can't understand why Apple wouldn't offer the same. I think they even mention audio in their own spec for other people to use. That's so freaking lame!!!!!

So what exactly will be supported through USB?

g5g5 · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:48 pm Post subject:

I'm very disappointed that Apple doesn't allow audio to pass through the Mini Displayport. I just got a Dell Latitude E6400 from work that's a go though. In fact, was looking around for an inexpensive Displayport to HDMI cable earlier today. I also thought about getting an adapter from Monoprice, but I'm not sure if they allow audio to pass through either. I've seen similar adapters on other shopping sites that say no.
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Dinshaw · Member Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 135 Location: OR

I'm a little confused on how it integrates USB audio into the adapter, but it sounds like an interesting product.

devo · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:09 pm Post subject:

I just wanted to say that I generally hate proprietary video connectors and adapters. Mad

dungeon92 · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject:

jdryyz · Junior Member Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 46

Hmm....the specs say uncompressed LPCM audio is supported. Does USB 2.0 have enough bandwidth for that? No mention of multi-channel support, though. My guess is the audio specs will be no greater than what the digital optical out already provides, thus no advantage for me.

Apple should just get on with passing audio through the Mini DisplayPort already. I wonder what the issue is, if any.

Bandit Bill · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject:

jdryyz · Junior Member Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 46

You're probably right but DVD playback has been available in the Mac OS for quite some time. Why should the availability of newer media types present an obstacle with regard to HDMI output? Has Apple still not resolved the whole HDCP problem? I know "Blu-Ray is a bag of hurt" but what's so challenging about HDCP? Perhaps it has something to do with Apple's reluctance to embrace other proprietary standards.

[quote="Bandit Bill"
I'm not sure if it is a technical issue. It probably has to do with not losing TV sales and copyright issues (DRM, HDCP) and all that other good stuff.[/quote]

Smithcraft · Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:24 pm Post subject:

Apple has already embraced HDCP.

They won't put HDMI on the mini 'cuz who would buy an AppleTV if they did?

SC
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