HDMI Output

[jcalbano]

Does anyone know how Google demonstrated the ability to show the device screen on a large screen display. Like to project my device to the TV.

[Drew]

It might have been wireless as I didn't notice a cable in video.  But, that said, I do believe some dev tabs and oversea tabs do have a micro-HDMI port.  Not us, but thank God for the micro-USB.  We can hopefully use it for an HDMI converter and a SDCard reader.

Possible, yes, known, not yet..I wish someone from Google I/O (who has a Nexus 7) could try the above adapters (if they have them, maybe asking for too much) and let us know if they work with the micro-USB.  I had heard it does have MHL, so that would be great.  We can only hope!

[Drew]

Sorry, the MHL is apparently not there, so no HDMI unless someone comes up with a pogo pin adapter or dock.

[Babyfacemagee]

What exactly is a pogo pin adaptor?

[Drew]

Sorry, I should not have called it that.  I'm old and senile!!  Not really an adapter, but what hooks up to the pins on the bottom of a device (like a dock), which in this case would be USB/power outlet.

I wish I could remember the site where I saw the video, but it showed a Nexus 7 that had a micro-HDMI output on the bottom near the USB/power (developer/oversea models).  Has anyone else seen this or is my senility kicking in again?  Only reason is I'm thinking the hardware would be there for HDMI.

[jcalbano]

Thanks for writing in. No, the device does not support video out. The Nexus 7 demo was done in conjunction with the Nexus Q.  Here is some more information about the Nexus Q.

About Nexus Q:

Nexus Q combines the power of Android and Google Play - and is the first ever social streaming device. Nexus Q streams music and videos directly from Google Play and YouTube to the best speakers and screen in the house. It has a state of the art, audiophile-grade amplifier built in so you can hook your speakers right up and at 25 watts, this small sphere can really fill a room with beautiful, clear, crisp sound.
This is why we made Nexus Q the first ever social streaming media player: it’s a cloud-connected jukebox where everyone brings their own music to the party. Fall in love with listening to music again.

* Nexus Q encourages social interactions - music is often best enjoyed with friends, Nexus Q allows everyone to bring their music, movies and Youtube videos to the party

* Nexus Q has optical digital audio and micro HDMI outputs, so you can stream music and 1080p video to the best speakers and the best TV in your home.

[chotis]

Thanks for writing in. No, the device does not support video out. The Nexus 7 demo was done in conjunction with the Nexus Q.

That's a good theory.  However, that wouldn't explain how they showed a demo of the Google Maps "Compass View" feature.  Check out this part of the keynote that shows the feature:

Nexus Q is for streaming content from Google Play.  So how did they do that demo?  Also, you definitely can see that the tablet is wired during that demo.

[Babyfacemagee]

It's very common for demo devices during tradeshows to be modified in order to show the content on a big screen.  If they don't specifically mention that video out ability during the Keynote then it's highly unlikely its meant as part of the consumer version of the device.   But that doesn't mean that there won't be a hack eventually that will allow some kind of video out.  Just might take a few weeks or months for it to show up.

[Drew]

It looks like the first dock will be coming out (audio only).

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/46308/asus-nexus-7-audio-dock

Apparently, the 7 has four docking connectors on the side and will sit horizontally on this dock.  I wonder what else you can do with these docking connectors?

[samalex]

I really hope they add a dock with HDMI out because that'd make this unit completely perfect!  The Nexus 7 has everything I wish my Kindle Fire had except of the HDMI out, so that'd just be some sweet icing  

[tsruggles]

The four gold dots are pogo pins and are not capable of outputting video. I called Google and at first the rep told me that it would put video out via a micro usb to hdmi cable. I asked him to verify this and he went to actually test this on a tablet. He came back and had been told to tell me that this capability was not supported. He said that if it did work, the device was not designed to do so. I suspect they want to sell their Q.

[samalex]

The four gold dots are pogo pins and are not capable of outputting video. I called Google and at first the rep told me that it would put video out via a micro usb to hdmi cable. I asked him to verify this and he went to actually test this on a tablet. He came back and had been told to tell me that this capability was not supported. He said that if it did work, the device was not designed to do so. I suspect they want to sell their Q.

That's what I'm thinking, they didn't add it in hopes that the Q would sell, but honestly I doubt most people would spend $299 so they could output video from a $199 device.  I hope someone adds this to a dock or something else, even if it's not Google sanctioned, because video out is the one thing keeping me from calling the N7 perfect.  I mean heck it's just one more connector on the motherboard...  Maybe someone will find a way to add it since Android supports it natively.

[tsruggles]

You should be able to search the topic. I'm not sure what forum I was reading but it was a general consensus that the components were not installed (based on ifixit's teardown) and that it was unlikely that video output would be capable. I'll try and find the thread for your viewing displeasure.

I'm not sure offhand of this forums rules, but in an effort to be compliant, this is how to find more technical information on this issue. Go to the world largest developer forum and search for the topic "TV out via MHL yes or no"

[halibaitor]

Reading the various forums on this issue reveals massive confusion by almost everybody. 

My take on this is as follows:  Android itself supports the function, as other devices have HDMI output, one way or another.  What is probably missing is just a driver to support it.  If that is indeed the case, then a rooted N⁷ will have the ability, with the proper software installed and a USB to HDMI converter.

Is that a good guess?

[tsruggles]

Reading the various forums on this issue reveals massive confusion by almost everybody. 

My take on this is as follows:  Android itself supports the function, as other devices have HDMI output, one way or another.  What is probably missing is just a driver to support it.  If that is indeed the case, then a rooted N⁷ will have the ability, with the proper software installed and a USB to HDMI converter.

Is that a good guess?

If you read what I read (see my previous post) it seems that the issue is deeper than just software and an external converter. Does this forum allow links to other forms? If not, just read my last posting.