Miracast is a wireless communications standard created by the Wi-Fi Alliance which is designed to transmit video and sound from devices (such as laptops or smartphones) to display receivers (such as TVs, monitors, or projectors). It uses Wi-Fi Direct to create an ad hoc encrypted wireless connection [1] and can roughly be described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi", replacing cables in favor of wireless. [2] Miracast is utilised in many devices and is used or branded under various names by different manufacturers, including Smart View (by Samsung), [3] [4] SmartShare (by LG), screen mirroring (by Sony), Cast (in Windows 11) and Connect (in Windows 10), wireless display and screen casting. [5] [6] [7]
A related enterprise protocol named Miracast over Infrastructure (MS-MICE) functions using a central local area network instead, and is supported in Microsoft Windows. [8]
The Wi-Fi Alliance launched the Miracast certification program at the end of 2012. [9] Devices that are Miracast-certified can communicate with each other, regardless of manufacturer. Nvidia announced support in 2012 for their Tegra 3 platform, [10] and Freescale Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Marvell Technology Group and other chip vendors have also announced their plans to support the Miracast standard. [11] [12]
The Wi-Fi Alliance maintains a list of certified device models, which numbered over 13,200 as of 31 October 2024. [update] [13]
Miracast is based on the peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Direct standard. It allows sending up to 1080p HD video (H.264 codec) and 5.1 surround sound (AAC and AC3 are optional codecs, mandated codec is linear pulse-code modulation –16 bits 48 kHz 2 channels). [14] The connection is created via WPS and therefore is secured with WPA2. IPv4 is used on the Internet layer. On the transport layer, TCP or UDP are used. On the application layer, the stream is initiated and controlled via RTSP, RTP for the data transfer. [15] [16] [17] [18]
Version | Date | Remarks [19] |
---|---|---|
1.0 | 2012-08-24 | Public release version |
1.1 | 2014-04-24 | Public release for HDCPv2.2 updates. |
2.0 | 2017-04-21 | Release 2 final version. |
2.1 | 2017-07-31 | Corrected heading errors in sections 4.3 and 4.4. Miracast as a use for Wi-Fi Direct. [1] Miracast hardware now supports HD, FHD and 4K screen streaming. |
The technology was promoted to work across devices, regardless of brand. Miracast devices negotiate settings for each connection, which simplifies the process for the users. In particular, it obviates having to worry about format or codec details. [20] Miracast is "effectively a wireless HDMI cable, copying everything from one screen to another using the H.264 codec and its own digital rights management (DRM) layer emulating the HDMI system". The Wi-Fi Alliance suggested that Miracast could also be used by a set-top box wanting to stream content to a TV or tablet.
Both devices (the sender and the receiver) need to be Miracast certified for the technology to work. However, to stream music and movies to a non-certified device, Miracast adapters are available that plug into HDMI or USB ports. [21] Certification does not mandate a maximum latency (i.e. the time between the display of pictures on the source and display of the mirrored image on the sync display). Even with certification, it is possible an underpowered device will be constrained in performance or bandwidth.[ citation needed ]
Miracast can stream videos that are in 1080p, media with DRM such as DVDs, as well as protected premium content streaming, enabling devices to stream feature films and other copy-protected materials. This is accomplished by using a Wi-Fi version of the same trusted content mechanisms used on cable-based HDMI and DisplayPort connections. [22]
Mandatory: ITU-T H.264 (Advanced Video Coding [AVC]) for HD and Ultra HD video; supports several profiles in transcoding and non-transcoding modes, including Constrained Baseline Profile (CBP), at levels ranging from 3.1 to 5.2
Optional: ITU-T H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding [HEVC]) for HD and Ultra HD video; supports several profiles in transcoding and non-transcoding modes, including Main Profile, Main 444, SCC-8 bit 444, Main 444 10, at levels ranging from 3.1 to 5.1
Mandated audio codec: Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM) 16 bits, 48 kHz sampling, 2 channels
Optional audio codecs, including:
A device's wireless network adapter must support Wi-Fi Direct and Virtual Wi-Fi for it to work with Miracast; generally most adapters built since 2013 should meet the criteria. In Windows computers this can be checked by looking at the adapter's NDIS version which must be 6.3 or above. [24] However Miracast support also depends on the software implementation by manufacturers. Most modern devices support Miracast, with notable exceptions being products from Google [25] and Apple. [26]
Microsoft also added support for Miracast in Windows 8.1 (announced in June 2013) [27] [28] and available on hardware with supported Miracast drivers from hardware (GPU) manufacturers. Windows 10 and Windows 11 support Miracast transmitting along with User Input Back Channel (UIBC) support to allow for human interface devices (touch screens, mouse, keyboard) abbreviated as HID, to also have wireless connectivity (provided the host hardware also supports this). The transmit feature is built-in from launch for all Miracast devices with no additional setup past using the WIN+K keystroke to pair with a compatible display sink (including Microsoft's own Wireless Display Adapter).
Developers can also implement Miracast on top of the built-in Wi-Fi Direct support in Windows 7 and Windows 8. [29] Windows 8.1 supports broadcasting/sending the screen via Miracast. [30] Another way to support Miracast in Windows is with Intel's proprietary WiDi (v3.5 or higher).
While Linux does not feature native support, several add-on software solutions exist. [31] [32] [33] In the GNOME ecosystem, the GNOME Network Displays application has allowed for Miracast screen sharing. As part of the 2023 Google Summer of Code, an effort to integrate this as a feature in the GNOME Settings was announced, which would mean functionality would be had out of the box with that desktop environment. [34]
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (since Windows 10 version 2004) also have the ability to use Miracast to make a monitor display (of a computer running Windows) act as a secondary screen of another device. This feature can be set up in the Projecting to this PC setting. It requires the downloading of the optional Wireless Display add-in feature in Windows, which adds the UWP-based Wireless Display app (known as Connect before Windows 11 version 22H2) [35] and is launched on the receiving device. [36] [37]
Miracast support was built into stock Android as of version 4.2 (Android Jelly Bean) [38] [39] [40] - as of January 2013, the LG Nexus 4 and Sony's Xperia Z, ZL, T and V officially supported the function, [41] as did HTC One, Motorola in their Droid Maxx and Droid Ultra flagships, and Samsung in its Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II under the moniker AllShare Cast. [42] The Galaxy S4 uses Samsung Link for its implementation. [43] Some devices such as the Nexus 7 don't support it due to hardware limitations. [44]
Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow released in 2015, Google dropped [25] Miracast support in favor of their own proprietary Google Cast protocol [25] which was introduced with their Chromecast device. [45] Despite this there are third-party Miracast apps for Android available. [46] Many device manufacturers have retained Miracast support through their customized versions of Android (for example: Smart View on Samsung's One UI, Cast on Xiaomi's MIUI, Screencast on Oppo's ColorOS, Wireless Projection on Huawei's EMUI, HTC Sense, LG UX, Asus ZenUI, Sony Xperia devices, OnePlus's OxygenOS etc.). [47] The performance and quality of the streamed video is dependent on the device's hardware.
Nokia devices, which ran a near-stock version of Android, originally did not support Miracast. However, Nokia 7 Plus, 8, 8 Sirocco, and 8.1 smartphones that have been upgraded to Android 9 or 10 are able to support Miracast, after enabling Wireless Display Certification in Developer Options. Devices such as Nokia 2.3, 2.4, 3.4, 5.4, and 8.3 5G have Miracast support enabled by default. [48] The same option is present to stock Android as well, with Google describing it as based on the "Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Display Specification", [49] but it tends to be useless as Miracast code was removed. [50]
Samsung televisions support Miracast [51] where it is named Smart View (including all models made since 2016 [52] ). Miracast is also supported on LG smart TV models, some Toshiba TVs, [53] Sharp, Philips (Wireless Screencasting), [54] and Panasonic televisions and Blu-ray players. [55] [56] Sony Bravia models of televisions released between 2013 and 2020 normally have Miracast. The feature is named screen mirroring. [57] Newer models with Android TV instead make use of the Google Cast protocol. [58]
On 23 September 2014, Microsoft announced the Microsoft Wireless Display Adaptor, a USB-powered HDMI dongle for high definition televisions. [59] [60] Simple dongles such as these can be used to provide Miracast to a television (or other display) that lacks the feature built-in. [58]
Miracast over Infrastructure Connection Establishment Protocol (MS-MICE) allows the capabilities of Miracast but through a local network instead of directly. It has been supported in Microsoft Windows since Windows 10, version 1703. MS-MICE connects with computers that are connected to the network via secure Wi-Fi or through Ethernet. [67]
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a set of interoperability standards for sharing home digital media among multimedia devices. It allows users to share or stream stored media files to various certified devices on the same network like PCs, smartphones, TV sets, game consoles, stereo systems, and NASs. DLNA incorporates several existing public standards, including Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for media management and device discovery and control, wired and wireless networking standards, and widely used digital media formats. Many routers and network attached storage (NAS) devices have built-in DLNA support, as well as software applications like Windows Media Player.
WirelessHD, also known as UltraGig, is a proprietary standard owned by Silicon Image for wireless transmission of high-definition video content for consumer electronics products. The consortium currently has over 40 adopters; key members behind the specification include Broadcom, Intel, LG, Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, SiBEAM, Sony, Philips and Toshiba. The founders intend the technology to be used for Consumer Electronic devices, PCs, and portable devices.
Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is an industry standard for a mobile audio/video interface that allows the connection of smartphones, tablets, and other portable consumer electronics devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs), audio receivers, and projectors. The standard was designed to share existing mobile device connectors, such as Micro-USB, and avoid the need to add video connectors on devices with limited space for them.
Wireless HDMI is the wireless transmission of high-definition audio and video signals between devices, using unlicensed radio frequencies like 5 GHz, 60 GHz, or 190 GHz. This technology eliminates the need for an HDMI cable, allowing users to transmit signals wirelessly between the component device and the display device. Wireless HDMI converts the HDMI cable signal into a radio frequency which is broadcast across the wireless spectrum. This allows for video source and display device to be in different rooms, without the need for cables. The technology emerged in the early 2000s.
Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) is a consumer electronic specification for a wireless HDTV connectivity throughout the home.
The Wireless Gigabit Alliance was a trade association that developed and promoted the adoption of multi-gigabit per second speed wireless communications technology "WiGig" operating over the unlicensed 60 GHz frequency band. The alliance was subsumed by the Wi-Fi Alliance in March 2013.
WiGig, alternatively known as 60 GHz Wi-Fi, refers to a set of 60 GHz wireless network protocols. It includes the current IEEE 802.11ad standard and also the IEEE 802.11ay standard.
Wi-Fi Direct is a Wi-Fi standard for wireless connections that allows two devices to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection without an intermediary wireless access point, router, or Internet connection. Wi-Fi Direct is single-hop communication, rather than multi-hop communication like wireless ad hoc networks. The Wi-Fi Direct standard was specified in 2009.
The Motorola Photon 4G was a high end Android-based mobile smartphone that was distributed exclusively by Sprint. A very similar model was available as the Motorola Electrify from U.S. Cellular.
The Acer Iconia is a range of tablet computers from Acer Inc. of Taiwan.
Wireless Display (WiDi) is technology developed by Intel that enables users to stream music, movies, photos, videos and apps without cables from a compatible computer to a compatible HDTV or through the use of an adapter with other HDTVs or computer monitors. Intel WiDi supports HD 1080p video quality, 5.1 surround sound, and low latency for interacting with applications sent to the TV from a PC running Windows 7 or later.
The Sony Xperia acro S is a dust- and water-resistant Android smartphone produced and developed by Sony Mobile Communications.
Chromecast is a discontinued line of digital media players developed by Google. The devices, designed as small dongles, can play Internet-streamed audio-visual content on a high-definition television or home audio system. The user can control playback with a mobile device or personal computer through mobile and web apps that can use the Google Cast protocol, or by issuing commands via Google Assistant; later models introduced an interactive user interface and remote control. Content can be mirrored to video models from the Google Chrome web browser on a personal computer or from the screen of some Android devices.
Google Cast is a proprietary protocol developed by Google for playing locally stored or Internet-streamed audiovisual content on a compatible consumer device. The protocol is used to initiate and control playback of content on digital media players, high-definition televisions, and home audio systems using a mobile device, personal computer, or smart speaker. The protocol was first launched on July 24, 2013, to support Google's first-generation Chromecast player.
The Amazon Fire HDX, formerly named Kindle Fire HDX, is a high-end model in the Amazon Fire line of tablet computers. It was announced on September 25, 2013, and was available in two models, 7 inch and 8.9 inch. The 7 inch WiFi model was released on October 18, 2013, and the 8.9 inch WiFi model was released on November 7, 2013, in the United States.
Amazon Fire TV is a line of digital media players and microconsoles developed by Amazon since 2014. The devices are small network appliances that deliver digital audio and video content streamed via the Internet to a connected high-definition television. They also allow users to access local content and to play video games with the included remote control or another game controller, or by using a mobile app remote control on another device.
The Chromebit is a stick PC running Google's ChromeOS. It is able to be plugged into any display via HDMI to act as a personal computer. Keyboards and mice are able to be connected over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The device was announced in April 2015 and began shipping November 2015.
Samsung DeX is a feature included on some high-end Samsung handheld devices that enables users to extend their device into a desktop-like experience by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The name "DeX" is a contraction of "Desktop eXperience".
EZCast is a line of digital media players, built by Actions Microelectronics, that allows users to mirror media content from smart devices, including mobile devices, personal computers, and project to high-definition televisions.
{{cite web}}
: |last=
has generic name (help){{cite web}}
: Missing or empty |title=
(help){{cite web}}
: Missing or empty |title=
(help)