One of the more interesting announcements from this afternoon’s iPad 2 unveiling was its new HDMI output capability, which Apple dubbed Video Mirroring. This is accomplished using Apple’s new Digital AV Adapter, which was also announced today. This accessory plugs into the iPad 2’s standard 30 pin connector, and adds both an HDMI port, […]
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Apple Adds HDMI Output Capability to the iPad 2

Mar 2nd 2011 by

Source: Apple.com

 

One of the more interesting announcements from this afternoon’s iPad 2 unveiling was its new HDMI output capability, which Apple dubbed Video Mirroring. This is accomplished using Apple’s new Digital AV Adapter, which was also announced today. This accessory plugs into the iPad 2’s standard 30 pin connector, and adds both an HDMI port, and another 30 pin connector for powering your iPad 2 during operation. Video Mirroring will display any video or app on your HDTV in 1080p, exactly as it appears on your iPad’s screen. However, like the Apple TV, movies are limited to 720p output.

Apple and other 3rd party manufacturers have made Composite and Component output cables for the 30 pin connector for a few years now, so the addition of HDMI is not a big shock. It is probably a product cycle late, to be honest, but it is still very much appreciated.  This new capability should open the door to wider adoption of the iPad as a professional presentation device and teaching aid, as many meeting and classrooms have added HDTVs either along with or in place of expensive and less versatile projectors and screens. With Apple’s Digital AV and VGA cables in hand, as well as  a copy of either Keynote or DocsToGo installed, your iPad should be able to handle just about any presentation situation.

The addition of the 30 pin adapter port is also a big bonus for those who already employ the iPad for classroom or presentation use. While the Apple Composite and Component cables included charging capability, last year’s VGA adapter, which was geared toward these same markets, did not. This addition makes the Digital AV Adapter the better and more reliable choice for professional situations when an  HDMI input is available.

While Apple reserved the new Video Mirroring technology for the iPad 2 and its powerful new A5 chip, the Digital AV Adapter is also compatible with the original iPad, iPhones, and iPod Touches. The drawback for these other devices is that they are limited to 720p resolution, and video and presentation playback only. We’ll have to wait and see what the jailbreak community is able to offer us in the way of expanded gaming and screen output. I have a feeling that it won’t be too long before iPhone 4 games will be zipping along the big screen, as well.

Video Mirroring and the Digital AV Adapter have already appeared on Apple’s website. The adapter is listed with a price of $39.99, with no shipping date given.  I would assume, based on the original iPad release, that the adapter will be available in at least limited quantities on March 11. The price is in line with Apple’s previous AV Cables for consumer devices, so with the added charging functionality and broad device compatibility, this seems like a pretty good deal.

The big question left after the announcement of Video Mirroring is where this whole thing leaves the Apple TV. What is the purpose of the Apple TV going forward if most of its features are available with the iPad and a $39.99 cable? AirPlay wireless sharing has its advantages, but unless Apple unveils some more software upgrades to the the service, and for the Apple TV as well, the Digital AV Adapter can actually do more. It can natively duplicate the entire iPad screen in 1080p, something we all wish (and still hope) Apple TV could do.

Apple’s presentation and Video Mirroring web page mentions playing movies and video, but the focus is squarely on business presentations and education use. I’m sure the Digital AV adapter will get plenty of use in those areas, but I would also imagine a lot of gamers turning their non-jailbroken iPads into handheld HD gaming consoles. I’m sure the jailbreak community will also provide us with some cool goodies to go along with the already strong native features. And how about those Netflix subscribers who don’t already have an Apple TV or another set top box? Are they going to put down $99 to get Netflix and streamed content from all of their devices, or just pay the $39 and get Netflix and the iPad experience in 1080p, just sans the wireless? I’m just a little curious about the marketing here. It would make a little more sense to me if Apple beefed up AirPlay to do Video Mirroring for the iPad 2, as well, but I just can’t imagine that this setup won’t cannibalize some Apple TV sales as it stands.

Whatever the repercussions on Apple TV, Video Mirroring and the Digital AV Adapter are a match made in heaven, and I can’t wait to try them out. In fact, after thinking about the prospects of this pair, especially on a jailbroken iPad running Wiimote compatible emulators, I am seriously considering moving up to the 32 GB iPad to hold more movie and game content for streaming. When you think about it, this is what Apple does best. They not only get you to come back and get the next cool toy every year, they also get you to buy more and more to go with it each time out.

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