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This is a bad and hardly structured review with a focus mainly on video playback. This is not a full review, and there's more things I want to test (and probably info I will post) for the future. It is also 4 AM, so don't expect any literary gymnastics.
So, I've had the (Euro) HDMI dock for a few weeks now (as well as the black leather sleeve, which is nice) but hadn't really gotten around to testing it. Primarily because I hadn't gotten around getting a mini-to-normal HDMI cable - yes the dock has a mini-HDMI output. The cable in question is commonly known as an HDMI "A<->C" cable with male ends on both sides.
Let's get the details you all know already out of the way. We're talking about the ECR-D980, more info here.
The dock itself comes packaged with nothing. No extra USB cable, no HDMI cable (or even converter plug), nothing. Keep in mind that these up the total cost of ownership for the dock quite a bit. I got the dock for about 29 euro, add about 20 euro total before you have a second SGT USB cable and a mini-to-normal HDMI cable. So that's 50 euro or about $70 US minimum cost at the time of writing, significantly more if you don't search a bit to find the cheapest deals. You don't strictly need the extra USB cable, but it becomes annoying in most setups if you don't have it - you'd be switching the cables location a lot.
The dock itself feels like a solid piece of equipment, much like the Tab itself. It features a 3.5mm audio out, mini-HDMI out, and 30-pin Samsung "PDMI" USB / power connector (the same connector on the Tab itself).
I started out testing at a friend two weeks ago, using his Sony soundsystem (several HDMI ins & outs) and his 42" high-end-4-years-ago Philips LCD. We were however completely unable to get it to work. Having no clue which component the problem was, we gave up after a bit. Note that his LCD doesn't do 1080p, but max 1080i (at time of purchase, even 1080i was rare). So I borrowed his cable, and today I tried it (with his A-C cable) in my home, on my Samsung 6-series 37" LCD that does do 1080p, without any special soundsystem. Note again that I used a converting cable, not an A-C converter plug. I know people have reported problems using those.
As soon as I plugged everything in, I immediately had display on my screen. We still don't know what the issue was at my friend's house, but keep in mind that it may be a requirement that the display device supports 1080p. The signal received by the TV was 1080p30. I think this is the maximum the device will do, as my TV does support both 1080p50 and 1080p60 as well (and I regularly use both those modes).
Immediate snags:
(1) First, the dock needs to be connected (via the USB cable) to a power, or HDMI will not work. I actually used an old HTC adapter instead of the Samsung one, that delivers 1a instead of 2a, and that worked fine. Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet).
(2) Second, the Samsung USB cable you got with your Tab is really short, using an extender cable is almost certainly necessary for most situations.
(3) Third, the 3.5mm audio out does NOT work while HDMI is connected (reported by others, not tested myself)
(4) Last, the backlight will NEVER go off when connected over HDMI. Not even using the power button.
So, when you have it all connected, you will see one of two things: a really narrow output of your portrait screen, or a screen-filling output of your landscape screen. I advise everyone to put the device in landscape mode and enabling the orientation lock before connecting. Note that the HDMI dock is also a really handy standard for landscape mode!
When in the normal Android UI, you can clearly see the artifacts of upscaling. You'll see whatever happens on the Tab on the TV as well, scaled up (and not using a good resampler). The Android UI does NOT suddenly see a FullHD screen (as I expected, but some may be surprised).
However, some applications that go full-screen do see and use the FullHD resolution. I have not extensively tested this on many applications. For example, the YouTube app appears to see FullHD, but I can not be certain. The stock Samsung video player does see and use the FullHD resolution, as far as I can make out.
I have tested playback of the following videos, in the stock video player:
(1) Iron_Man_2-DivXPlusHD.mkv - 81mb, 2:30, CCV1 1920x800 23.98fps, AAC 48000Hz stereo, 4.4mbps
(2) Cowboys & Aliens - Trailer.mp4 - 174mb, 2:31, CCV1 1920x816 23.98fps, AAC 48000Hz stereo, 9.2mbps
(3) v.2009.s02e03.720p.hdtv.x264-ctu.mkv - 1118mb, 41:22, CCV1 1280x720 23.98fps, Dolby AC3 48000Hz 6ch, 3.6mbps
(4) the.mentalist.s03e12.720p.hdtv.x264-ctu.mkv - 1119mb, 41:48, CCV1 1280x720 23.98fps, Dolby AC3 48000Hz 6ch, 3.6mbps
These four videos all played fine, with audio and everything. V even had subtitles, and those worked well. However I must note that the button to disable subtitles is disabled while outputting to HDMI. Not sure what that is about. DTS is still on my to-test list, but I'll get around to that when we get the setup working on my friend's soundssystem, where I can also test whether or not the output is more than stereo or always downsampled to 2-channel.
The video output is pretty good, but not without buts.
(1) First, as stated before, the backlight on the Tab will not go off no matter what you do, and you will see one of the first frames of the video as a still on the Tab. You can however still use much of the videoplayer UI (which is suddenly slightly different: amongst other things options like brightness and scaling disappear), and that UI only appears on the Tab, NOT on the TV. Now if only I could control that UI, over Wi-Fi, with my SGS ... (might be possible through DLNA, btw, a nice test for the future)
(2) When you look closely at the image produced, you will see that the postprocessing is not quite up to par to the quality you get from CoreAVC or even ffmpeg on a laptop or HTPC or whatnot. The difference does really seem to be postprocessing though, not bad decoding or scaling.
(3) There is some shift in framespeed. Not traditional suttering you might see when the player cannot decode fast enough, though, the speed seems to be fine. I think this has to do with the fact that first the Tab has to scale 24fps to 30fps, which is probably done with some pulldown scheme, and then my TV has to scale that to 100hz, again with some pulldown scheme. I'm sure the videophiles amongst you will understand what I am talking about, even if the jargon is not correct. If you're not following, you are probably someone who wouldn't even notice it. Also note that I have all video-enhancing features on the TV itself turned off (as always). Enabling the 100hz motion interpolation mode makes the issue mostly disappear, but I really hate the "homevideo" effect you get when doing that. All in all, when watching a 40 minute show, you don't really notice it anymore after a few minutes, but if you're like me you know it's there and see it. If it were 1080p25 instead of 1080p30, the issue would probably not exist.
All in all, it does look good and works pretty well. Unfortunately, though most of these individual issues are small, together they are big enough to prevent this from being more than a casual playback device. It comes close, but not close enough to being a home-theater device. However, who knows maybe XBMC can be ported and we'll get past a number of these problems.
I won't make any claims as to whether the HDMI dock is worth the money or not. You know the price, and you have a bit of information here, and more in other reviews online. You have to decide for yourself it it's worth it. Hope this is helpful and/or interesting to someone.
For me the dock was totally worth it. The framespeed issue you describe is definitely there, but I do not notice that unless I am consciously looking for it. I have watched a lot of movies quite comfortably using the dock on Full HD TV.
And yes, if TV is not 1080p, for example just HD Ready and not Full HD, the video output is not HD at all. I think it's the same as Tab's screen: 1024x600.
"Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet). "
USB from my computer (Kies drivers installed) works fine with the Dock. I have an HDMI capable computer monitor and this also works fine with the dock.
Thanks for the review!
For those who purchase movies through MediaHub, you will not be able to play back through HDMI dock to TV. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-D980BEGSTA-reviews
GeorgijSapkin said:
For me the dock was totally worth it. The framespeed issue you describe is definitely there, but I do not notice that unless I am consciously looking for it. I have watched a lot of movies quite comfortably using the dock on Full HD TV.
And yes, if TV is not 1080p, for example just HD Ready and not Full HD, the video output is not HD at all. I think it's the same as Tab's screen: 1024x600.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried movies with DTS ? And on a surroundl soundsystem ? If so, can you share the details ?
Re: 1080p, you are saying even if the TV does not support 1080p, you do still get output ? Would mean that 1080i is not the problem on my friends' system, as we got no output at all.
(good info on this dock is hard to find )
specmac said:
"Connecting it to a computer USB port (0.5a) reportedly does not work, but I have not tested this myself (yet). "
USB from my computer (Kies drivers installed) works fine with the Dock. I have an HDMI capable computer monitor and this also works fine with the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant using the computer as power source for HDMI. Do you get HDMI output when the USB cable is connected to a computer ? I read on some other reviews people did not get that to work.
quattr0 said:
Thanks for the review!
For those who purchase movies through MediaHub, you will not be able to play back through HDMI dock to TV. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/ECR-D980BEGSTA-reviews
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Click to collapse
That is really silly ...
Yes, dock connected to my computer via usb and connected to my monitor via hdmi. Outputs to the computer monitor just fine with this configuration.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Tab
Dock but no audio
I have this dock but I get no audio what so ever... Have you had to do anything at all to enable it?
gsjurseth said:
I have this dock but I get no audio what so ever... Have you had to do anything at all to enable it?
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Worked out of the box for me, through HDMI. Haven't tried 3.5mm jack. Have heard that complaint before though.
Nice review its a bit dissapointing for me that they chose the mini HDMI standard as there is plenty of space to have included a normal size plug.
Maybe I'm just annoyed because I have HDMI cables laying around but now need to buy a mini HDMI cable
Ghostwalker9 said:
Nice review its a bit dissapointing for me that they chose the mini HDMI standard as there is plenty of space to have included a normal size plug.
Maybe I'm just annoyed because I have HDMI cables laying around but now need to buy a mini HDMI cable
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Click to collapse
100% agree
YouTube is great when you're docked. You can flip through videos and playlists on the tab while a YouTube clip continues to pay fullscreen on your TV - nice! It's a shame you can't play HD though.
I stripped the DRM off all the free movies that came with my Tab so I can play them directly through the dock. Inception looks great! You're right though, post-processing looks a little rough at times.
The dock is pretty overpriced for what you get but I'm happy with it all-in-all. If it came with a mini HDMI cable it would be perfect.
are you using a stock rom or custom rom? wondering if that will matter in regards to dock performance, i am on the rotohammer jme v4 and love how fast it is compared to the stock roms.
thanks for the notes/review!
Chainfire said:
Have you tried movies with DTS ? And on a surroundl soundsystem ? If so, can you share the details ?
Re: 1080p, you are saying even if the TV does not support 1080p, you do still get output ? Would mean that 1080i is not the problem on my friends' system, as we got no output at all.
(good info on this dock is hard to find )
I meant using the computer as power source for HDMI. Do you get HDMI output when the USB cable is connected to a computer ? I read on some other reviews people did not get that to work.
That is really silly ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My projector is 1024x768 and the dock work well with it, so 1080p is not necessary for it to work, and as a power source I use an external battery rated 500mh, so I guess a computer usb port should be able to power it.
My problem is that my projector doesn't have an audio out jack, and when the hdmi cable is connected all the audio port of the tab get disabled, INCLUDING bluetooth audio. This is why I now use this dock as an overpriced charging dock
Sent from my Galaxy Tab
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=236523&t=2611349
Just an FYI. $37 Shipped.
FYI, I got this 6 foot long Samsung sync/charge cable for only $8 (with shipping) that is a great companion for the Dock because the stock Samsung cables are way too short.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300509955254
w4rmk said:
FYI, I got this 6 foot long Samsung sync/charge cable for only $8 (with shipping) that is a great companion for the Dock because the stock Samsung cables are way too short.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300509955254
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Click to collapse
Just what I needed !
does SGT screen needs to be turned on while docked, because while streaming / watching vids i dont want to hav twin/identical display
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
erlz said:
does SGT screen needs to be turned on while docked, because while streaming / watching vids i dont want to hav twin/identical display
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As metioned in the first posting of this thread, unfortunately you cannot turn off the screen on the Tab when it's in the doc. When watching video's the first frame of the video stays visibile on the Tab the entire time. When your not watching videos the displays on the Tab and your TV are mirrored.
I buy the HDMI station dock and I find it no really good!
A HD photo is not so nice on the LCD, it ok buy when you see then at the real resolution with the camera, it's bad!
The only way that I can have good resolution is when i plug the tab into the PS3 like a hard drive annd the I see the same photos like they are and my videos arein real 720P or 1080P
I will returned it and wait for a new model or plug into my PS3
I just picked one of these up and was a bit disappointed with the video quality too. Videos looks great in HD on the Tab but jaggy and average quality on the TV - no better than a DVD really.
I bought one so I could connect it to the TV in my hotel room when I go on Holiday soon. Is it true that if you get no audio over HDMI, you can't use the line out at the same time? I was going to take some small speakers just in case the TV in the hotel didn't support audio (should be fine, think they're Samsung 32" LCD TVs).
I'm a bit surprised there's no settings you can tweak on the Tab other than PAL or NTSC to correct the overscan and advise on resolution and FPS.
Surprised about the quality, I loaded a webpage up in Xscope and could hardly read it on the TV, very poor. I genuinely thought it would be near HD. I could just take my 13.3" Laptop with HDMI out but that's 2.5KG.
At least I'll get lots of films on the Tab as there's no point putting HD ones on there if they don't look HD on the big screen. What an oxymoron that they look better on the Tab screen!
2 days ago, I've successfully tested the Galaxy TAB AllShare function connecting to
my new Samsung 46" 3D LED TV (UA46C7000). Using the free given USB Wi-Fi dongle
(and a free HDMI v1.4 cable too) that come with my new 3D Blu-Ray Player (BD6900),
plugged it into the TV and connecting to my home Wi-Fi router access was a breeze.
After key-in the Wi-fi passcode using the on-screen keyboard of the 3D LED TV and
launch the AllShare function on the TV and Galaxy TAB, the setup is all done within
a minute or 2. During the AllShare connection, I can launch either from the 3D LED TV
or Galaxy TAB to playback those MP4, MP3 or pictures files that stored in my Galaxy TAB.
Before this great thing happening, I was thinking of buying into Galaxy TAB Multimedia
Dock Station, a HDMI v1.3 Type C and an audio cables for doing the same job I wanted.
Now I does not require them anymore. I'm contented and a very happy man now.
Tks for sharing! But this cool feature is just only for samsung products! You still need multimedia dock, tvout cable for other brand name ones which not support DLNA!
I have the same TV and Bluray Player and HTTYD bundle. And I got the Galaxy TAB Multimedia Dock Station. I have not tried the HDMI out. I don't really need do that!
btw, just wondering how much it's cost for your TV bundle in S'pore?
blackbeans said:
Tks for sharing! But this cool feature is just only for samsung products! You still need multimedia dock, tvout cable for other brand name ones which not support DLNA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it won't work with systems that don't support DLNA, but that's pretty obvious! I don't have a Samsung TV, but I do use DLNA to stream from/to my Tab. I also have the multimedia dock and TV out cable for those situations where I can't stream.
Regards,
Dave
blackbeans said:
Tks for sharing! But this cool feature is just only for samsung products! You still need multimedia dock, tvout cable for other brand name ones which not support DLNA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowaday there's a lot of DLNA certified devices, including Motorola, Nokia, SE, LG and so on...
You can check out DLNA sites,
http://www.dlna.org/product
rogconnect said:
I have the same TV and Bluray Player and HTTYD bundle. And I got the Galaxy TAB Multimedia Dock Station. I have not tried the HDMI out. I don't really need do that!
btw, just wondering how much it's cost for your TV bundle in S'pore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the below complete new boxed items bundle for SG$3287, approx. US$2563.
1. 1x UA46C7000 + 1 pair of 3D glasses
2. 1x BD-C6900 + 1x HMDI v1.4 cable, 1x Wi-Fi USB dongle
3. Free 5x 3D Blu-ray movies disc, Monster vs Alien + Shrek1 to 4.
4. Free another 4 pairs of 3D glasses.
5. Free normal wall mounting + installation.
6. Free delivery.
foxmeister said:
Of course it won't work with systems that don't support DLNA, but that's pretty obvious! I don't have a Samsung TV, but I do use DLNA to stream from/to my Tab. I also have the multimedia dock and TV out cable for those situations where I can't stream.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right too Dave. There'll be occasion a multimedia dock and kits needed.
Just in case someone like to know...
The model no. of the TV USB WiFi Dongle used was, WIS09ABGN
Does it all work with your Ferrari aswell?
natious said:
Does it all work with your Ferrari aswell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know I having a Ferrari? Are you Pete or my some other friends?
Fyi, currently awaiting for my new 458 delivery while still hanging around with my outgoing 430.
Btw folks, the best conection for playing back Galaxy TAB video, picture and music files was,
GT with it USB cable on Mass Storage connection + TV with USB port & media play function.
The benefits from this conection was,
1. Single cable connection.
2. Only need connect GT to TV USB port, so less works & movements retriction between TV, couch/bed, power socket.
3. TV not only playback GT files but also provide power charging to GT.
After playback 1 hour of Full HD video, my GT battery power now up to 71% from initial around 50%+ (can't remeber the exact number).
4. Able to move around GT directory & playback files using one TV remote control.
That's saving troubles of using 2 devices, GT screen + TV remote.
For those of us who dont have a tv that supports dlna (why do you need a 3d tv dont see the point myself) the tabs allshare also works to a ps3. Open allshare and select my device as a source, then go to the ps3 and go to music or video and select the tab. Remember they must be on the same network (should work if ps3 is on ethonet but havent tried it but it works on wifi for me) i have a netgear dg834g v3
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
NewForce said:
I've got the below complete new boxed items bundle for SG$3287, approx. US$2563.
1. 1x UA46C7000 + 1 pair of 3D glasses
2. 1x BD-C6900 + 1x HMDI v1.4 cable, 1x Wi-Fi USB dongle
3. Free 5x 3D Blu-ray movies disc, Monster vs Alien + Shrek1 to 4.
4. Free another 4 pairs of 3D glasses.
5. Free normal wall mounting + installation.
6. Free delivery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that for a tv? I dont see the point in 3d. sure it may be like hd in 9 years but at the moment there is little content
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
brilldoctor said:
All that for a tv? I dont see the point in 3d. sure it may be like hd in 9 years but at the moment there is little content
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've knew there's only limited 3D BD contents before buying into 3D TV.
But that doesn't stopping me from getting the 3D LED TV as I'm buying it to replace my 6~7 years old 40" HD LCD,
and it's also for my Chinese New year celebration. Also the price between a FHD LED TV with 3D FHD LED TV
was just a few hundreds different. So that's why I straight up my purchase. (not all the way of course)
Btw, all Samsung 3D TV can convert any 2D content to 3D.
Be it DVD, TV broadcast or web streaming video. That's another plus for buying it.
Im getting a UN55C8000 with the same blueray you have. Its great to see you had great results. Had read bad reviews about the networking between samsung products.
Sent from my GT-P1000
brilldoctor said:
All that for a tv? I dont see the point in 3d. sure it may be like hd in 9 years but at the moment there is little content
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a 3D LED TV several months ago and the picture on it is jaw-dropping. Truly the best TV I have ever owned. The 3D is just extra....however, we do own a couple of 3D movies.
eholmann said:
Im getting a UN55C8000 with the same blueray you have. Its great to see you had great results. Had read bad reviews about the networking between samsung products.
Sent from my GT-P1000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's another great model from Samsung.
I'm might getting the same thing to replace my living hall 14 years old 51" Panasonic projection tv.
Btw, I'm great to know my sharing benefitted & gave positive side of view to you.
I seriously hope it continue to inspire people who intended to own similar setup.
csmith75 said:
I bought a 3D LED TV several months ago and the picture on it is jaw-dropping. Truly the best TV I have ever owned. The 3D is just extra....however, we do own a couple of 3D movies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, 3D is just extra function for most of time. 95% of time we'll be watching 2D tv/video contents,
and that's where buying into 3D LED TV a better choice when compare to 3D Plasma or LCD.
Someone can tell me if when playing games or films with AllShare (GT + TV Samsung) there's any lag or no?
Clearing up DLNA confusion.
brilldoctor said:
For those of us who dont have a tv that supports dlna (why do you need a 3d tv dont see the point myself) the tabs allshare also works to a ps3. Open allshare and select my device as a source, then go to the ps3 and go to music or video and select the tab. Remember they must be on the same network (should work if ps3 is on ethonet but havent tried it but it works on wifi for me) i have a netgear dg834g v3
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3D TV != DLNA
DLNA is actually a media sharing technology that works with most Smart TVs, most game consoles, many portable devices and any computer with a few bits of software. For example, I have Coherence and Serviio installed on my Linux machine and Windows Media Player on my Windows machine and I can play media to and from the Tab.
The method you mention actually uses DLNA, since the PS3 is capable of reading in DLNA streams (thats all its actually doing).
Alite said:
Someone can tell me if when playing games or films with AllShare (GT + TV Samsung) there's any lag or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, Alite, I don't think what you're trying to do is actually possible. DLNA can be used to stream movies, music and pictures to another device, like the TV you mention, but it cannot simply mirror the display of your Tab on your TV and you can't therefore play games on the TV through DLNA. It could be done with HDMI (possibly) but not wirelessly with DLNA. There is no way (that I know of) to get wireless display mirroring with a Galaxy Tab.
And as a last aside, I've got a 3D Samsung and it's pretty incredible. 3D content (games, movies, upscaled TV) all looks incredible and the newest sets particularly are really great TV's. But it's not for everyone, certainly.
Good day,
Just bought this HDMI cable for my phone is it suitable?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/6FT-Micro-H...ltDomain_0&hash=item336b725922#ht_3308wt_1037
Last Q, when you connect these cables must you turn off your phone or are they "plug and play"
Thanx!
Looks like it will do the job, you just plug it in and the picture appears on the screen.
Plug and play.
Its a bit of a wank really, show off pretty games to friends.. no real use i can think of.
Unless you wana watch a movie on a tv that has hdmi but no USB.
Sent from my LG-P990 using Tapatalk
Would have been better if when you plug the phone into the telly, the screen on the phone then becomes a touchpad that you control a cursor on the screen with.
Would have made for pretty good Angry Birds etc. experiences.
Thanx guys, great for showing off yeah
didn't u got the cable with phone???
HDMI cable was included in box when i bought it.and it works great even can play games without lagging ,full hd support..but ya videos little bit lags...
In Vodafone Romania box HDMI cable wansn't included.
RobYyY said:
In Vodafone Romania box HDMI cable wansn't included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those thieves!!!, even in Mexico (Telcel as carrier) included the HDMI cable, the main reason I brought this phone! (went from Iconia A500 to this... to watch anime without a PC, I have been without a laptop 3 years straight, I found myself not using it, now with tegra 2 and LG more reason not to).
RobYyY said:
In Vodafone Romania box HDMI cable wansn't included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they robbed you blind bro.. Cause I have the Canadian (Fido) Version and I got the works.. HDMI, headphones.. usb and Ac adapter.
Mine doesn't have the HDMI cable included as well...
Is it really useful? I don't see I'm gonna need this, but heck I might be wrong...
Hello!
In Germany there isn't a HDMI-cable included either...
I use this adapter and a cable I have always installed in case I want to connect my laptop to the TV.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cablesson®-...HVPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324144699&sr=8-1
I use it for slideshows, video playback and online radio playback.
...works fine.
And on the phone side it is plug and play, but you TV might need to be changed to the right source channel (i.e. HDMI 3 in my case) – but some TV sets might do this automatically if there isn't connected any other video source.
Heh just remembered, my HDMI cable is hanging out the back of my telly... shame the phone is gone
HDMI is not that useful imho. Some games are great to play on big screen but there is problem with short cable, you need to be very close to TV.
I also tried GTA 3 on big screen (plasma hd ready). Very poor graphic, i would rather install this game on my PC again.
Platoon said:
HDMI is not that useful imho. Some games are great to play on big screen but there is problem with short cable, you need to be very close to TV.
I also tried GTA 3 on big screen (plasma hd ready). Very poor graphic, i would rather install this game on my PC again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HDMI can be extended http://www.dealextreme.com/p/gold-plated-hdmi-female-to-female-adapter-converter-29363 so you can get at least 3-4m from TV.
Bought it along with micro HDMI and a normal HDMI cable, works just fine. But, it's not so useful, really. Photos are not in high res, movies are sometimes ok but some don't work at all (mkv 4.1 profile and up, there are multiple threads about that). So... maybe it's better to use DLNA and ordinary PC, PS3, real media players.
I never got an HDMI cable in my UK box either.
Hi there,
i was searching for a way i could stream the video output of my ouya on my Notebook. Without using the HDMI output.
The Idea came because i only have one HDMI TV and i am not livng alone, so for basic things the sreaming would be good for me.
Anyone some ideas?
Greetz
Jabbad
Jabbad said:
Hi there,
i was searching for a way i could stream the video output of my ouya on my Notebook. Without using the HDMI output.
The Idea came because i only have one HDMI TV and i am not livng alone, so for basic things the sreaming would be good for me.
Anyone some ideas?
Greetz
Jabbad
Click to expand...
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Mods, please move this thread to the q&a section..
To kind of answer your question, look for something that shares the screen from a phone/tablet over tcp to a laptop and sideload it.
You can by ALIENWARE m18x laptop, it has separate both HDMI in and out.
So you can connect OUYA via hdmi cable to it.:silly:
Simonius007 said:
You can by ALIENWARE m18x laptop, it has separate both HDMI in and out.
So you can connect OUYA via hdmi cable to it.:silly:
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with that kinda of reply he is far better getting a new tv.
just get one of these
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2
It seems like everything uses HDMI these days, from home theater equipment to your Android phone. With so many HDMI devices in use, most televisions quickly run out of available HDMI input ports. You don't want the hassle of plugging and unplugging cables whenever you want to watch or play something different and you don't want the expense of new TV. Just get this 4x1 Enhanced HDMI Switch from Monoprice!
What he is looking for is a alternative option to the TV he shares. I don't think many laptops have video in. You would need to get a USB device to do that. However those are capture devices and I believe the OUYA signal has DRM restrictions.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Some USB capture devices have been known to work, you'll have to look that up, but there is a dev working on a way to do it over a network. Right now it's still in the concept phases, however, and I wouldn't expect to see it anytime soon.
Looking for something to stream my content wirelessly. I know htc has their own media link device but the chrome cast is way cheaper. Would I be missing out on anything if I went with the chrome cast vs the media link?
Really I just want to show off videos and photos. I could care less about streaming games.
Does anyone have experience with either device? Thank you
chivamex10 said:
Looking for something to stream my content wirelessly. I know htc has their own media link device but the chrome cast is way cheaper. Would I be missing out on anything if I went with the chrome cast vs the media link?
Really I just want to show off videos and photos. I could care less about streaming games.
Does anyone have experience with either device? Thank you
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They appear to be basically the same other than physical appearance. I don't know how much the HTC Media Link costs but unless it's $35 or less I doubt it makes sense to buy it over chrome cast. Plus the chromecast is just a stick you plug in. No extra wires or nonsense. Just plug and play. Whereas the Media Link has more of an Apple TV feel to it in the way it connects to the tv and requires a power cable.
All that being said, it is a device made by htc for htc devices while the chromecast has to cater to all android, or at least majority of them.
At the end of the I don't think you can go wring with either choice. But are sub $100 and won't break the bank. Both of them do the job they say they'll do. Just your preference as to which to get I suppose.
pretty sure the chromecast, even though it would probably be lower speced, it will be much more sold and therefore, more support with apps and stuff...
Get the chromecast, I've got one and is pretty slick. There will be a ton more compatible apps soon. It does need a hdmi port and a 5v micro usb supply. But your t.v.should have a usb spare. I use it in the bedroom to stream movies etc via plex app.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
if your tv is a smart tv and has dlna you wont need either. The m8 will broadcast to dlna enabled tv's on the same wifi network. I have the media link hd i used for my m7 and my m8. i honestly dont use it anymore because all my tv's have dlna.
It would depend on what you are trying to watch. I don't remember if the medialink does full mirroring by default (it did on my evo 4g lte), but if you don't need to mirror due to a non-chromecast supported streaming app like crunchyroll or xfinityTV, I would recommend the chromecast over the medialink, which in my personal experience had tons of compression and didn't look very good on even a 32 inch 1080 screen. The chromecast, on the other hand, when paired with the Allcast app, can steam pretty much anything you can play locally on your phone to the TV flawlessly. If you're gonna watch netflix/youtube/hulu or any of the officially supported apps, then its a no brainer. I wish i had cancelled my order on my original medialink HD when they told me it was on backorder and asked me what i wanted to do. I used it for a week and then went straight back to MHL because of the compression. When the chromecast came and Allcast was released, I forgot i even had the medialink.
wranglerray said:
if your tv is a smart tv and has dlna you wont need either. The m8 will broadcast to dlna enabled tv's on the same wifi network. I have the media link hd i used for my m7 and my m8. i honestly dont use it anymore because all my tv's have dlna.
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I want to buy the HTC Media link for my M8
wanna install it on my car to stream videos and music. curious on what model your media link is?
I want to buy this one is this the correct one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-HTC..._Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item43c59cff0b
Z51 said:
I want to buy the HTC Media link for my M8
wanna install it on my car to stream videos and music. curious on what model your media link is?
I want to buy this one is this the correct one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-HTC..._Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item43c59cff0b
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Media Link & Chromecast are NOT the same. They use different protocols. Media Link uses WiFi Direct. It is what used to be called WiFi p2p networking. It is great for certain things, HD video is not really one of them. The CVhromecast makes its own connection to the internet via WiFi & is only controlled by the device for most uses right now. Wifi Direct is supported in a rudimentary fashion, which will likely improve, but they are most definitely not the same thing.
Media link is better suited for presentations. Chromecast is better suited for entertainment.
Also, if all you want to do is get content to a TV, MHL may work better. It handles 1080p & audio flawlessly & if you are patient, as soon as a real MHL 3.0 device is available, it will support 4K video & 8 audio channels.
GSLEON3 said:
Media Link & Chromecast are NOT the same. They use different protocols. Media Link uses WiFi Direct. It is what used to be called WiFi p2p networking. It is great for certain things, HD video is not really one of them. The CVhromecast makes its own connection to the internet via WiFi & is only controlled by the device for most uses right now. Wifi Direct is supported in a rudimentary fashion, which will likely improve, but they are most definitely not the same thing.
Media link is better suited for presentations. Chromecast is better suited for entertainment.
Also, if all you want to do is get content to a TV, MHL may work better. It handles 1080p & audio flawlessly & if you are patient, as soon as a real MHL 3.0 device is available, it will support 4K video & 8 audio channels.
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I dont need it for my home TV
I need it for my car. I wanna be able to stream music (spotify) to my car. it has the RCA connectors and I have a RCA to HDMI cable so I would use it like so. would it work?
Z51 said:
I dont need it for my home TV
I need it for my car. I wanna be able to stream music (spotify) to my car. it has the RCA connectors and I have a RCA to HDMI cable so I would use it like so. would it work?
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there has to be a wifi network for the media link to work. HTC does have a Bluetooth stereo adapter you can use to stream music wireless to anything with a aux input jack.
http://www.htc.com/us/accessories/htc-bluetooth-stereoclip/
you can find a rca to aux input cable for 3$ at any Walmart or radio shack
wranglerray said:
there has to be a wifi network for the media link to work. HTC does have a Bluetooth stereo adapter you can use to stream music wireless to anything with a aux input jack.
http://www.htc.com/us/accessories/htc-bluetooth-stereoclip/
you can find a rca to aux input cable for 3$ at any Walmart or radio shack
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THERE DOES NOT have to be WiFi for Media Link to work. It is the same thing as the Push2TV from Netgear. It uses WIFi Direct, aka WiFi p2p, it creates it's own network between two devices. Chromecast on the other hand communicates via WiFi, needing a wireless network to get content, the handset acting only as a controller.
MHL will play video, or audio, but I don't know about HDMI to RCA conversion. It does have the least amount of lag, aside from Chromecast, which doesn't really count because it is using it's own seperate Wifi & app interface. With MHL or WiFi Direct, you are literally streaming, screen casting, from your device to your 2nd display. With chromecast, the CC device actually connects to the network & content is played directly on it.
The downside to CC is you need to have a wifi AP. The downside to MHL or WiFi Direct is that you have to have you phone screen on or content will not play.
connect to car's head unit?
Hi,
i am trying to find a solution to get my M8 content mirrorlink to my Honda City 2014.
i don't really intend to stream video on it but all i want is to display the GPS on the 7" screen.
had tried the MHL to HDMI cable but somehow it will just connect audio and nothing else.
would it be better for me to just get a media link or chromecast in this case?
p/s: Honda Malaysia (where i'm from) doesn't supply GPS integrated HU in their vehicles..
p/s: i had also done wire bypass so i'm able to use the HU visuals even when driving.
please help
I love my ChromeCast. If you have the power on a separate source, it turns on your tv automatically with whatever you're casting.
Chromecast takes care of just about every bit of media streaming I do. Definitely recommended.
HTC Media link feature to chromecast
I apologize if I should post this elsewhere, new member, I'm trying to find out if I could use the HTC One M7 three finger swipe feature, which automatically goes to dual screen mode to duplicate screen via a HTC media link HD on TV, with the chromecast instead? I know I can use chromecast with it normally, just would be nice to have three finger swipe feature, cheers in advance