HTC Explains 30FPS HDMI Out Limitation on Sprint HTC EVO 4G

When our favorite gadgets have limitations, we love to find, exploit and whine about them. Today, HTC explains the 30FPS limitation on the EVO 4G – more specifically, the 30FPS limitation on the HDMI out. Apparently, the frame rate cap is a hardware issue, but we’re also learning that it is imposed by the Evo 4G software itself. Double caps! But why would HTC place a limitation on both the hardware and the software?

Android Guys decided to get in touch with the manufacturer for an explanation for this blasphemy, this outrage!

We were advised that the frame rate cap is hardware related, although the cap itself is imposed by the EVO’s software. The reason for the limitation is directly related to the EVO’s HDMI port, which, we were told, requires a sizable portion of the Snapdragon processor’s output in order to operate. Subsequently, a limit needs to be placed on the amount of the processor’s output that is allocated to the display.

Ah, well there you have it. The explanation is that the Snapdragon processor, powerful as it is, still needs to allocate its resources to other functions so that the phone still performs satisfactorily. It makes good sense and should quell any bitterness that the most picky of users might have had about this particular issue.

However, can we really consider this an HDMI limitation? Most TV sets display videos at 24FPS or 30FPS and will even cut down frame rates when displaying video from a source that is going at a higher rate. HTC Evo 4G users were still getting annoyed when scrolling through pictures, web pages and home screens where the issue is really noticeable. To them, I say: seriously, guys? Seriously?! You have a phone so capable, with a screen so huge, with 4G connectivity where it’s available — and the one thing you want to complain about is the not-so-smooth scrolling of screens when you connect the HDMI port to another monitor or display? Yikes.

Now that that’s all sorted, your next biggest decision is: black or white?

Don’t forget to check out our Sprint HTC Evo 4G review here!

[Via: Android Guys]

About The Author

Marc Flores

Marc has been a mobile fanatic for the better part of a decade and has had more devices pass through his hands than he would care to count. Originally from Los Angeles and briefly in San Francisco, Marc now lives in Brooklyn where, unlike Will Park, he longs for simpler times and simpler technology. All the while, he writes about gadgets and wireless technology as he tinkers, hacks and ultimately breaks most of his gadgets in the process. Marc has written about the mobile industry for Boy Genius Report, MobileCrunch, Laptop Magazine and has had his work appear in the Wall Street Journal, Gizmodo, CrunchGear and more.

Pachi

Well that sux…nothing like 60fps when scrolling thru browser etc..
jay

Can they just have it where its uses 30fps when u use the hdmi outlet and 60fps when you're not ?
nonono

Marc, the issue is that while we're NOT using the HDMI port, we're still limited to 30 fps, creating choppy transitions…. get it?
SysFailure

Marc, listen to "nonono" who posted above me. I just went to the sprint store to buy one. I tried it out first like I do all phones and the screen is choppy or sluggish. This is NOT plugged in via HDMI this is in hand in the middle of the store. Its choppy and its annoying. I didn't even know that it was because of the 30Hz limitation but I definitely noticed it was slower than the Droid (or my iPhone) when just navigating the screen, pictures, video camera, etc. Needless to say I walked out of the store and performed some research… which just led me here LOL.
David

I usually don't post to these forums, but I have to say as an owner of the EVO for more than two weeks if you have this phone and return it and or don't but it because of 30fps then you probably lask the sagacity to own a smartphone.
ARR22

Marc you are a moron. The 30fps cap also affects the scrolling in the phone itself. It does not have to be connected via HDMI to notice how it lags and jerks while you are scrolling through menus/settings/web pages. Do yourself a favor and do some research before you make an assessment.
nuttymac

Had my Evo for about a month and change, and there’s no complaining from me about speed internet and function wise. Also, the hot spot is a hands down winner, in my opinion. The cherry on the top is the kick-stand. Come on, how cool is that. If that doesn’t sell you then you can always go for the hand grip of death…I mean iphone 4. I heard it has awesome connectivity.
Gee

Here's a question. Would upping the output to 60fps drain the battery — I'm talking about system display not HDMI out.
Ben

This has already been uncapped, (mine is at least doing 46fps now) check over at xda. It definitely flows a lot better through screens.