2-Port HDMI Automatic Video Switch w/ Aluminum Housing and MHL Support - 4K 30Hz

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) allows a standard USB connector to carry digital video signals. To use the MHL output from a mobile device using a micro-USB connector, the MHL output must be converted by using an MHL adapter. MHL can only be adapted to HDMI.

Although many mobile devices use the micro-USB connector and the MHL adapters can plug into your mobile device, the mobile device still requires MHL support. MHL support is a hardware specification on your mobile device, and it cannot be resolved by applying updates of any type.

To determine if your mobile device supports MHL, research the manufacturer specifications for your mobile device. You can also search for your device on the following website: http://www.mhltech.org/devices.aspx.

To make sure that you select the correct adapter, you need to determine if you are using a 5-pin or 11-pin micro-USB. This information can usually be found with the MHL specification on your mobile device. 

Different types of Samsung devices that use an 11-pin micro-USB require external power to perform the conversion. First-generation Samsung MHL 2.0 requires external power, whereas the second generation does not. A passive 11-pin cable can be used with second-generation Samsung mobile devices.

StarTech.com 5-pin and 11-pin adapters have a micro-USB receptacle to provide additional power to the mobile device. You can use a standard micro-USB cable with a USB charger to power the converter.

This device outputs HDMI video signals. If you have a display or video destination that uses another type of video connection, there are ways that you can convert the video signal or connection. These options are outlined below and organized by the target connection.

HDCP

When you consider whether to convert an HDMI video signal to another connection type, it is important to know if the media that is being converted from the HDMI video connection is protected by High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). If the media is protected by HDCP, you cannot convert to analog video connections because they do not support HDCP. You may experience this issue when you use devices like Blu-ray players, DVD players, and certain gaming consoles.

This device has an HDMI input port.  If you have a video source that uses another video connection, there are options available to convert the video signal or connection. These options will be outlined below for each video source connection.

DisplayPort Passive and Active Conversions

The converter that you require depends on the type of DisplayPort video source that you are using. For more information about converting DisplayPort video signals, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/DisplayPort_Converter_DP_Multi_Mode.

When you troubleshoot issues with a video splitter, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:

• Video cables

• Video switch

• Video source (such as a DVD player or computer)

• Video destination (such as a monitor or projector)

Note: When you are testing setup components, you should avoid using video adapters. For example, if you are converting a VGA source to HDMI for use with an HDMI switch, you should use an HDMI source when you test the components.

To test your setup components, try the following:

• Use the cable, video switch, video source, and video destination in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.

• Use a different cable, video switch, video source, and video destination in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.

When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Test each cable individually.

• Use short cables when you are testing.

When you test the video source and video destination, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Remove the video switch from your setup and test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together without the video switch.

• Test to make sure that the video source and video destination work together at the resolution that you want to use.

Note: In order for your setup to work properly, the video source, switch, and destination all need to support the resolution that you are using.

When you troubleshoot issues with an MHL adapter, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:

• Mobile device

• Display

• Video cables (if required)

To test your setup components, try the following:

• Use the mobile device, display, and video cables in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.

• Use a different mobile device, display, and video cables in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.

When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Test each cable individually.

• Use short cables when you are testing.

Note: You should avoid using adapters to further convert the HDMI signal. If you need to further convert the HDMI signal, make sure that all of the adapters and displays are compatible with the output resolution of the mobile device.

When you test your setup, make sure that the following is true:

• Your mobile device is MHL compliant. For more information, navigate to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/mhl_compliance.

• The correct source is selected on your display.

• The display is compatible with at least 1080p.