Miracast
View on WikipediaMiracast 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
[edit]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]
Technical details
[edit]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
[edit]| 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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- 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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]- Xbox One since 2019 using the optional downloadable Wireless Display app.[6]
- Windows Phone 8.1.[30]
- BlackBerry 10 devices since update 10.2.1 in 2013 (as of March 2015, the BlackBerry Q10, Q5, Z30, and later models support Miracast streaming).[61]
- Ubuntu Touch-powered Meizu Pro 5 supported Miracast in OTA-11.[62]
- The Roku streaming stick and Roku TV (starting October 2014).[63]
- Most Amazon Fire TV models (except 2017 Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote).[64]
- HTC Vive[65]
- ScreenBeam from Actiontec Electronics[66]
Miracast over Infrastructure
[edit]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
[edit]- AirPlay
- Discovery and Launch (used by Netflix app)
- Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)
- WiDi version 3.5 to 6.0 supports Miracast; discontinued
- Google Cast
- Smart Display (codename Mira, early 2002 screencasting by Microsoft)
- Wireless HDMI
- FCast
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Wi-Fi Direct". Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ On Wifi-Display, Democratic Republics and Miracles, Patrick Herrmann, on the development of Miraclecast, 2014-02-17.
- ^ Kew-Denniss, Zachary (2023-07-22). "Samsung screen mirroring finally supports casting to a Chromecast". Android Police. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- ^ "Display your Galaxy tablet on a TV with Smart View". Samsung ca. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- ^ Hoffman, Chris (March 15, 2019). "Wireless Display Standards Explained: AirPlay, Miracast, WiDi, Chromecast, and DLNA". How-To Geek.
- ^ a b Hoffman, Chris (2013-12-04). "Wireless Display Standards Explained: AirPlay, Miracast, WiDi, Chromecast, and DLNA". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- ^ "Connect a wireless display to your Windows PC - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
- ^ "[MS-MICE]: Overview". learn.microsoft.com. 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Nvidia supports Miracast". 26 July 2012.
- ^ "Airplay for all?". 10 July 2012.
- ^ "NVIDIA Announces Compatibility with WiFi Display Miracast Specification". AnandTech. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ "Product finder results". Promotional web site. Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ "What formats does Miracast support?". Wi-Fi.org. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
- ^ "Miracast unter Linux ist schrecklich", golem.de, 2014-02-02.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Lutz, Zachary (2012-07-26). "NVIDIA throws support behind Miracast as wireless display standard". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (2012-07-10). "AirPlay for all? Miracast promises video streaming without the router". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ "certification url check" (PDF). Wi-Fi.org. Wi-Fi Alliance. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ Wagner, Kyle (19 September 2012). "What Is Miracast?". Gizmodo.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Parrish, Kevin (19 September 2012). "Wi-Fi Alliance Announces First Miracast-Certified Devices". Tom's Hardware.
- ^ "certification url check" (PDF). Wi-Fi.org. Wi-Fi Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ Shareef, Tashreef (2022-11-01). "5 Ways to Check If Your Windows 11 PC Supports Miracast". MUO. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
- ^ 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 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2017-12-05.
- ^ "Miracast iPhone: How to Mirror iPhone Screen to TV,PC,Mac?". www.airdroid.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Miracast for Windows 10". WindowsAble.com. Retrieved 2016-07-02.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "DMR support for Wi-Fi Direct (WFD-01)". MSDN.microsoft.com. 2013-07-26. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ a b "Windows 8.1 on your big screen with Miracast". blogs.microsoft.com. 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
- ^ "GNOME Network Displays". GNOME GitLab. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
- ^ "Miraclecast". miraclecast GitHub. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
- ^ "WDS". WDS GitHub. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
- ^ Bouvier, Scott (May 6, 2023). "Wireless Displays & New System Panel Among GNOME's GSoC Plans". OMG! Linux. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Jones, Luke (31 August 2020). "Windows 10 Wireless Display is Now Optional and Not Available by Default". Winbuzzer. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Screen mirroring and projecting to your PC or wireless display - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "How to use your Windows PC as a wireless display".
- ^ "Miracast: Everything to know about mirroring Android". CNET. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
- ^ "Android Kitkat Overview". Developer.Android.com. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
- ^ Android 4.2 adds official support for Miracast wireless display
- ^ "Wi-Fi Miracast Screen Mirroring demoed on the Xperia T [Video]". Xperia Blog. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Trying Samsung's renewed application: Samsung Link". SamMobile. 2013-03-27. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ "PSA: Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 do not support Miracast wireless display". Phandroid.com. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2013-10-17.
- ^ Smith, Ryan. "Google's Chromecast 2 is Powered By Marvell's ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus - Dual-Core Cortex-A7". Anandtech. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015. Retrieved 2018-09-06.
- ^ "Top 5 Miracast App for Android | Miracast | Apowersoft". Apowersoft. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 2019-03-13.
- ^ See, for example, HTC Connect.
- ^ "How to Cast/Project screen on Nokia smartphones (Step-by-step)". NokiaPowerUser.com. 21 April 2021.
- ^ "Configure on-device developer options". Android Developers.
- ^ Davenport, Corbin (19 April 2022). "Android Developer Options Explained: Here's everything you can do with these settings". XDA Developers.
- ^ 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) - ^ "What is Samsung Smart View | Samsung UK". www.samsung.com. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "24" - 24WL3A63DB - Toshiba TV". toshiba-tv.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Philips | How can I wirelessly cast content to my Philips TV?". Philips. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Can I mirror my smart device (tablet, phone) using the DMP-UB900?". support-uk.panasonic.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Co to jest Miracast i Dublowanie ?". support-pl.panasonic.eu. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/00044548.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ a b https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00135865.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ LeBlanc, Brandon (23 September 2014). "Announcing the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter". Windows Experience Blog. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ Sams, Brad (9 October 2014). "Hands On: Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter". Neowin. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ "Miracast Will not Be Available on the BlackBerry Z10, Wi-Fi Direct Supported Instead". CrackBerry. MobileNations. 14 Aug 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
- ^ "Touch/ReleaseNotes/OTA-11 - Ubuntu Wiki". Retrieved 2016-06-04.
- ^ "Introducing Roku Screen Mirroring Beta for Microsoft Windows and Android Devices". Retrieved 2014-10-02.
- ^ Kerns, Taylor (2019-04-05). "Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K picks up Miracast display mirroring". Android Police. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
- ^ "Checking Miracast support". www.vive.com. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
- ^ "Wireless Display Solutions | Miracast | ScreenBeam". ScreenBeam. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
- ^ "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.
External links
[edit]- Official website

- Wi-Fi Alliance list of Miracast certified devices
- "Wi-Fi Certified Miracast: Extending the Wi-Fi experience to seamless video display - Industry". Wi-Fi Alliance. 2012. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2014-05-02. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
Miracast
View on GrokipediaIntroduction
Definition and Standards
Miracast is a certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance that enables the wireless transmission of video, audio, and control signals from source devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, to display receivers like televisions, monitors, and projectors.[3] This standard facilitates seamless screen mirroring and content casting without requiring an intermediary Wi-Fi network or cables, effectively functioning as a "wireless HDMI" for multimedia sharing across compatible devices.[3][4] The technology is built on Wi-Fi Direct, a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connectivity protocol, and adheres to the IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless local area networking.[3] As a cross-platform solution, Miracast ensures interoperability among devices from different manufacturers, promoting widespread adoption for applications like projecting presentations or streaming media.[3] The Wi-Fi Alliance launched the Miracast certification program in September 2012, with the first devices receiving certification shortly thereafter.[1] It was developed as an open alternative to proprietary wireless display technologies, such as Intel's Wireless Display (WiDi), which Intel later discontinued in favor of Miracast support.[5]Primary Applications
Miracast enables screen mirroring from smartphones, tablets, and laptops to televisions, projectors, or other displays, facilitating activities such as presentations, gaming, and media consumption without physical connections.[3] This technology also supports wireless extension of displays, allowing users to expand their workspace across multiple screens for enhanced productivity, such as duplicating or extending a laptop's desktop to a larger monitor.[3] Additionally, on Windows 10 and later, users can configure a laptop to serve as a wireless secondary display (external monitor) for a desktop computer using the built-in "Project to this PC" feature, enabling extension or duplication of the desktop workspace over the same Wi-Fi network.[6] Key benefits include the elimination of cables for seamless setup, the ability to share content across rooms within wireless range, and support for interactive control, where users can navigate the source device using the receiver's input methods like a TV remote for volume adjustment or basic commands.[3][7] A distinctive feature is its peer-to-peer direct connection capability, which operates without requiring an existing Wi-Fi router for basic functionality.[8] In home entertainment, Miracast allows streaming videos and photos from mobile devices to large-screen TVs for family viewing.[3] For business meetings, it projects slides or documents from laptops onto conference room displays, promoting collaboration.[9] Additionally, integration with automotive infotainment systems enables projecting navigation, music, or videos from smartphones to car displays, enhancing in-vehicle experiences.[3] It supports high-resolution video transmission up to 4K Ultra HD, as detailed in the media streaming features section.[3]History and Development
Origins and Standardization
Miracast originated as an initiative by the Wi-Fi Alliance to establish an open standard for wireless display technologies, addressing the fragmentation caused by proprietary solutions in the early 2010s, such as Intel's Wireless Display (WiDi). The Alliance sought to promote interoperability among devices from different manufacturers, enabling seamless screen mirroring and media sharing without reliance on vendor-specific protocols. This effort built on the need for a unified approach to wireless connectivity for consumer electronics, culminating in the development of the Wi-Fi Display Technical Specification.[10][11] On May 31, 2012, the Wi-Fi Alliance publicly announced the upcoming Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast certification program, stating that it would deliver interoperable display applications across Wi-Fi devices. The foundational Wi-Fi Display Technical Specification version 1.0 was subsequently released on August 24, 2012, defining the core protocols for peer-to-peer wireless connections using Wi-Fi Direct. This specification served as the technical backbone for Miracast, emphasizing low-latency video and audio transmission without requiring an existing network infrastructure.[11][12] The certification program officially launched on September 19, 2012, marking the initial public release of Miracast-enabled products and paving the way for widespread standardization. Early certified devices included the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone and Samsung Echo-P Series TV, demonstrating immediate industry commitment. By 2013, major manufacturers such as Microsoft (integrating support in Windows 8.1), Samsung, and Sony had adopted the standard, with Sony incorporating it into devices like the Xperia Z series and Samsung across its Galaxy lineup, accelerating device certification and market rollout.[1][13][14]Version History
Miracast version 1.0 was released by the Wi-Fi Alliance in September 2012, establishing the foundational standard for wireless screen mirroring with support for up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, H.264 video compression, and stereo audio transmission using Wi-Fi Direct connections.[15] This initial version focused on enabling seamless, cable-free display of content from source devices like smartphones and laptops to receivers such as TVs, without requiring additional infrastructure like a router.[1] Version 1.1 followed in April 2014, introducing support for HDCP 2.2 to facilitate the secure transmission of protected high-definition content, while also incorporating enhancements for improved connection stability and reliability during sessions.[16] In April 2017, the Wi-Fi Alliance released version 2.0 (also known as Release 2 or R2), which expanded capabilities to include 4K Ultra HD resolution support, High Dynamic Range (HDR) for enhanced color and contrast, and multi-channel audio up to 7.1 surround sound, adapting the standard to contemporary video and audio technologies.[17] These updates leveraged advancements in Wi-Fi capabilities to reduce latency and improve overall performance for high-resolution streaming.[18] Version 2.1, issued in July 2017 as a refinement to Release 2, included minor corrections such as updated section headings, removal of specific branding references (shifting emphasis to the generic Wi-Fi Display terminology), and clarifications without adding substantial new features.[16] Version 2.1 remains the most current specification, capable of delivering 4K content at up to 60 frames per second while addressing earlier latency concerns through optimized protocols and compatibility with modern Wi-Fi enhancements like those in Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices; the Wi-Fi Alliance continues to issue certifications for compliant products without announcing a major new version.[3][19]| Version | Release Date | Key Features and Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | September 2012 | Basic screen mirroring; 1080p@60fps; H.264 video; stereo audio; Wi-Fi Direct-based.[15] |
| 1.1 | April 2014 | HDCP 2.2 for protected content; enhanced stability.[16] |
| 2.0 | April 2017 | 4K resolution; HDR support; 7.1 multi-channel audio; latency reductions via Wi-Fi advances.[17] |
| 2.1 | July 2017 | Specification corrections and clarifications; no major functional additions.[16] |
Technical Specifications
Architecture and Protocols
Miracast employs a peer-to-peer architecture that leverages Wi-Fi Direct to establish direct connections between a source device, such as a smartphone or laptop, and a sink device, like a television or monitor, thereby bypassing traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure and access points.[20][21] This setup enables low-latency streaming by forming a dedicated Wi-Fi Direct group, where one device typically acts as the group owner to coordinate the link. While designed for low latency, Miracast's end-to-end latency typically ranges from 100 to 166 milliseconds. In comparison, alternatives like AirPlay achieve lower latencies of 10 to 50 milliseconds through optimized protocols, resulting in better overall smoothness, particularly noticeable in video playback with less audio-video desync, smoother slide scrolling in presentations with fewer jumps, and reduced irritating lag in simple games or scrolling.[22][23][20] At its core, Miracast relies on the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) for session control and capability negotiation between the source and sink devices, allowing them to exchange parameters such as supported resolutions and audio formats via peer-to-peer (P2P) negotiation messages.[20][24] Media transport is handled by the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) and Real-time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP), which encapsulate compressed audio and video streams—primarily using H.264/AVC for video compression—within MPEG-2 Transport Stream packets over UDP/IP.[21][20] H.264 is mandatory for video encoding, supporting profiles like Constrained Baseline to ensure compatibility across devices.[24] Additional protocols enhance usability and security, including Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for simplified pairing and authentication during the initial connection.[20] The User Input Back Channel (UIBC) provides an optional mechanism for transmitting remote control inputs, such as touch or keyboard events, from the sink to the source over TCP/IP.[24] For scenarios involving existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, Miracast supports Tunnel Direct Link Setup (TDLS) to enable direct peer links through an access point, reducing latency in tethered modes.[20][21] The system operates across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, utilizing 802.11n/ac standards to achieve data rates sufficient for high-definition streaming, with Wi-Fi Direct supporting link speeds up to 250 Mbps sufficient for the compressed audio and video streams.[25] This bandwidth allocation prioritizes the direct link for media transport while accommodating control signaling.[25]Connection and Discovery Process
The connection and discovery process in Miracast relies on Wi-Fi Direct to enable peer-to-peer communication between a source device (e.g., a smartphone or laptop) and a sink device (e.g., a display or TV), without needing an access point. Discovery begins with the source scanning for available sinks using probe requests and responses that include Wi-Fi Display (WFD) Information Elements (IEs) to indicate Miracast compatibility.[26] Sinks advertise their presence through beacons containing these IEs, allowing the source to identify potential partners within range. Once potential sinks are detected, the source performs service discovery using Wi-Fi Direct's P2P Service Discovery protocol, which queries for "Wi-Fi Display" services via Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) frames.[26] This step confirms the sink's Miracast capabilities, such as supported audio/video formats. The user then selects a sink, prompting the source to send a P2P invitation to initiate group formation, where one device becomes the Group Owner (GO) through negotiation. If direct P2P fails (e.g., due to interference), Miracast can fallback to an infrastructure mode over an existing Wi-Fi network.[27] Pairing follows to secure the link, supporting automatic configuration or manual entry via PIN or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).[26] During this, devices exchange capabilities using Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) messages M1 through M4: M1 and M2 handle OPTIONS requests to list supported methods; M3 queries the sink's parameters (e.g., resolutions and codecs); and M4 sets the negotiated values.[26] A security handshake then applies WPA2 encryption with AES-CCMP to protect the session. The source finalizes establishment by sending an RTSP SETUP message (M5-M6), triggering the Wi-Fi Direct group to activate and form the data channel.[26] The entire process typically takes 5-10 seconds from discovery to readiness.[28] For subsequent connections, stored profiles enable faster reconnection by skipping full discovery and pairing.[27] The specific steps are as follows:- Probe requests/responses: Source broadcasts probes; sinks respond with WFD IEs to announce availability.[26]
- Service discovery: P2P queries confirm "Wi-Fi Display" services and basic capabilities.[26]
- P2P invitation: Source invites selected sink to form the group and negotiate GO role.
- Security handshake: WPS/PIN pairing and WPA2 encryption secure the link.[26]