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Miracast

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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]

Development

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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.[13]

Technical details

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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 history

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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.

Functionality

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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]

Types of media streamed

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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]

Display resolution

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  • 27 Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) formats, from 640 × 480 up to 4096 × 2160 pixels, and from 24 to 60 frames per second (fps)
  • 34 Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) formats, from 800 × 600 up to 2560 × 1600 pixels, and from 30 to 60 fps
  • 12 handheld formats, from 640 × 360 up to 960 × 540 pixels, and from 30 to 60 fps
  • Mandatory: 1280 × 720p30 (HD)
  • Optional: 3840 × 2160p60 (4K Ultra HD)[23]

Video

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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

Audio

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Mandated audio codec: Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM) 16 bits, 48 kHz sampling, 2 channels

Optional audio codecs, including:

  • LPCM mode 16 bits, 44.1 kHz sampling, 2 channels
  • Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) modes
  • Dolby Advanced Codec 3 (AC3) modes
  • E-AC-3
  • Dolby TrueHD, Dolby MAT modes
  • DTS-HD mode
  • MPEG-4 AAC and MPEG-H 3D Audio modes
  • AAC-ELDv2

Hardware and software support

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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]

Windows and Linux PCs

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Cast in Windows 11 having discovered three Miracast receivers and attempting to connect to one (shortcut ⊞ Win+K)

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 Wireless Display

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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]

Android

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Smart View icon, which appears in the Samsung One UI quick settings panel or when viewing media in the Gallery

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]

Televisions and dongles

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The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, a Miracast HDMI dongle

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]

Miscellaneous

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Miracast over Infrastructure

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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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Wi-Fi Direct". Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  2. ^ On Wifi-Display, Democratic Republics and Miracles, Patrick Herrmann, on the development of Miraclecast, 2014-02-17.
  3. ^ Kew-Denniss, Zachary (2023-07-22). "Samsung screen mirroring finally supports casting to a Chromecast". Android Police. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  4. ^ "Display your Galaxy tablet on a TV with Smart View". Samsung ca. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  5. ^ Hoffman, Chris (March 15, 2019). "Wireless Display Standards Explained: AirPlay, Miracast, WiDi, Chromecast, and DLNA". How-To Geek.
  6. ^ a b Hoffman, Chris (2013-12-04). "Wireless Display Standards Explained: AirPlay, Miracast, WiDi, Chromecast, and DLNA". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  7. ^ "Connect a wireless display to your Windows PC - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  8. ^ "[MS-MICE]: Overview". learn.microsoft.com. 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  9. ^ "Wi-Fi Alliance to Launch Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast to Deliver Display Applications". Wi-Fi.org. Wi-Fi Alliance. Archived from the original on 2016-04-12. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  10. ^ "Nvidia supports Miracast". 26 July 2012.
  11. ^ "Airplay for all?". 10 July 2012.
  12. ^ "NVIDIA Announces Compatibility with WiFi Display Miracast Specification". AnandTech. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  13. ^ "Product finder results". Promotional web site. Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  14. ^ "What formats does Miracast support?". Wi-Fi.org. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  15. ^ "Miracast unter Linux ist schrecklich", golem.de, 2014-02-02.
  16. ^ "Wi-Fi Certified Miracast : Extending the Wi-Fi experience to seamless video display" (PDF). Wi-Fi.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  17. ^ Lutz, Zachary (2012-07-26). "NVIDIA throws support behind Miracast as wireless display standard". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  18. ^ Brodkin, Jon (2012-07-10). "AirPlay for all? Miracast promises video streaming without the router". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  19. ^ "certification url check" (PDF). Wi-Fi.org. Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
  20. ^ Wagner, Kyle (19 September 2012). "What Is Miracast?". Gizmodo.
  21. ^ Chacos, Brad (21 September 2012). "How Miracast Could Finally Make Your Smartphone Run Your Home Theater". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  22. ^ Parrish, Kevin (19 September 2012). "Wi-Fi Alliance Announces First Miracast-Certified Devices". Tom's Hardware.
  23. ^ "certification url check" (PDF). Wi-Fi.org. Wi-Fi Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
  24. ^ Shareef, Tashreef (2022-11-01). "5 Ways to Check If Your Windows 11 PC Supports Miracast". MUO. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  25. ^ a b c Raphael, J.R. (2017-12-05). "Android nostalgia: 13 once-trumpeted features that quietly faded away". ComputerWorld. Archived from the original on 2024-01-14. Retrieved 2017-12-06.
  26. ^ "Miracast iPhone: How to Mirror iPhone Screen to TV,PC,Mac?". www.airdroid.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  27. ^ "Miracast for Windows 10". WindowsAble.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
  28. ^ "What's New For The Enterprise In Windows 8.1". Blogs.windows.com. Archived from the original on 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  29. ^ "DMR support for Wi-Fi Direct (WFD-01)". MSDN.microsoft.com. 2013-07-26. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  30. ^ a b "Windows 8.1 on your big screen with Miracast". blogs.microsoft.com. 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  31. ^ "GNOME Network Displays". GNOME GitLab. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  32. ^ "Miraclecast". miraclecast GitHub. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  33. ^ "WDS". WDS GitHub. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  34. ^ Bouvier, Scott (May 6, 2023). "Wireless Displays & New System Panel Among GNOME's GSoC Plans". OMG! Linux. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  35. ^ Jones, Luke (31 August 2020). "Windows 10 Wireless Display is Now Optional and Not Available by Default". Winbuzzer. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Screen mirroring and projecting to your PC or wireless display - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  37. ^ "How to use your Windows PC as a wireless display".
  38. ^ "Miracast: Everything to know about mirroring Android". CNET. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
  39. ^ "Android Kitkat Overview". Developer.Android.com. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  40. ^ Android 4.2 adds official support for Miracast wireless display
  41. ^ "Wi-Fi Miracast Screen Mirroring demoed on the Xperia T [Video]". Xperia Blog. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  42. ^ Umpad, Leomar (2014-11-16). "How Do I Mirror My Samsung Galaxy Phone's Screen on My TV?". Tech-Recipes.com. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  43. ^ "Trying Samsung's renewed application: Samsung Link". SamMobile. 2013-03-27. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  44. ^ "PSA: Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 do not support Miracast wireless display". Phandroid.com. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
  45. ^ Smith, Ryan. "Google's Chromecast 2 is Powered By Marvell's ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus - Dual-Core Cortex-A7". Anandtech. Retrieved 2018-09-06.
  46. ^ "Top 5 Miracast App for Android | Miracast | Apowersoft". Apowersoft. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 2019-03-13.
  47. ^ See, for example, HTC Connect.
  48. ^ "How to Cast/Project screen on Nokia smartphones (Step-by-step)". NokiaPowerUser.com. 21 April 2021.
  49. ^ "Configure on-device developer options". Android Developers.
  50. ^ Davenport, Corbin (19 April 2022). "Android Developer Options Explained: Here's everything you can do with these settings". XDA Developers.
  51. ^ Business, Samsung for (2022-07-29). "How to use Samsung DeX wirelessly on your TV". Samsung Business Insights. Retrieved 2024-07-01. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  52. ^ https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/tv-buying-guide/what-is-samsung-smart-view/ [bare URL]
  53. ^ "24" - 24WL3A63DB - Toshiba TV". toshiba-tv.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  54. ^ "Philips | How can I wirelessly cast content to my Philips TV?". Philips. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  55. ^ "Can I mirror my smart device (tablet, phone) using the DMP-UB900?". support-uk.panasonic.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  56. ^ "Co to jest Miracast i Dublowanie ?". support-pl.panasonic.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  57. ^ https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00044548. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  58. ^ a b https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00135865. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  59. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (23 September 2014). "Announcing the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter". Windows Experience Blog. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  60. ^ Sams, Brad (9 October 2014). "Hands On: Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter". Neowin. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  61. ^ "Miracast Will not Be Available on the BlackBerry Z10, Wi-Fi Direct Supported Instead". CrackBerry. MobileNations. 14 Aug 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  62. ^ "Touch/ReleaseNotes/OTA-11 - Ubuntu Wiki". Retrieved 2016-06-04.
  63. ^ "Introducing Roku Screen Mirroring Beta for Microsoft Windows and Android Devices". Retrieved 2014-10-02.
  64. ^ Kerns, Taylor (2019-04-05). "Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K picks up Miracast display mirroring". Android Police. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  65. ^ "Checking Miracast support". www.vive.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  66. ^ "Wireless Display Solutions | Miracast | ScreenBeam". ScreenBeam. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
  67. ^ "Miracast on existing wireless network or LAN - Surface Hub | Microsoft Learn". 2022-10-06. Archived from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
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