MHL allows you access to media files on your phone through an HDMI-enabled screen. Although this is a simple, convenient and cheap way to make this happen, lots of people are either unaware of MHL while others do not really make use of it.

Possible uses such as accessing stored media files to a big screen, to more innovative applications such as converting your smartphone into a personal computer by combining it with a mouse and keyboard, MHL has lots of potential you can leverage. Although wireless streaming is now possible, this does consume a lot of power, and you may even notice lag whilst the information transmit over your network. MHL is (in my opinion) a far superior solution.

What is MHL?

Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is a wired solution that acts as an interface between mobile smartphone devices and high definition audio receivers and televisions. MHL compatible devices include AV receivers, tablets, smartphones, Blu-ray disc players, monitors, cables and adapters. A unique HDMI input type is utilized for AV receivers and televisions to connect a number of MHL adapter compatible phones, tablets, and other media devices. With a single connection, it allows you showcase all the content on your device, and with MHL 3.0 supporting 7.1 surround sound audio and Ultra HD (4k resolution), you can conveniently and easily watch high definition video as well as transmit 7.1 surround sound, making it perfect for family movie nights.

How to use MHL

An MHL adapter made up of a HDMI port on one end and slave connection on the other (can be micro USB, Type C or Lightning). If your smartphone device has one of these port, all you need do is connect the MHL adapter to your compatible smartphone and then connect the HDMI cable from the MHL adapter to the compatible port on your television. You can easily identify the right port on your television as it has the label “HDMI”.

Why use MHL?

As mentioned earlier, there are a host of wireless solutions that perform similar functions – while offering much more convenience. Chromecast from Google, Miracast for Android smartphones, and Airplay from Apple are a few of these wireless methods. However, they do not always provide the same audio and video quality as MHL.

MHL is especially ideal for those without a network enabled television In such cases, you can load media files such as games and movies unto the big screen from your phone, converting your television set into an entertainment centre.

In addition to a lag-free process that MHL offers, it also provides charge up to 40W for mobile devices while showcasing the content on the screen. MHL also helps in the convenient transmission of control data, ensuring that the remote that controls the content display on your screen may also control the MHL compatible device. What’s more, you can even connect your device into a compatible system in your car, allowing you access to your the music library on the go. T