Scosche USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter provides HDMI, USB-A, pass-through power for Ma...

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2017
Accessory producer Scosche has launched the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, a dongle for MacBook that offers users a HDMI port for connecting a 1080p monitor or television, a function offered by previous generations of Apple portable computers.




The new hub uses a USB-C connection on a short cable to connect to the MacBook Pro, and has three ports for connecting other devices. For those wanting to transfer data to an iPhone or iPad, or wish to use devices using previous versions of USB with their MacBook, the adapter includes a single USB Type-A port.

Conflicting information suggests that the adapter supports 4K resolution, but Scosche has confirmed to AppleInsider that only 1080p is supported.

The third connection offered is a USB-C port, allowing it to be used in tandem with other USB-C devices. Aside from offering data transfers through the connection, the USB-C port can also be used to provide power to a MacBook for charging. It is not immediately clear if it provides sufficient power for the 87W MacBook Pro, however.

Scosche's product may be seen as less useful than other USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 docking systems launched by other manufacturers in the recent past, with offerings from Elgato, CalDigit, Henge, and others offering a multitude of connectivity options. The reduced port selection of Scosche's adaptor may win over some customers simply wanting to connect a TV to their MacBook, as well as the relatively low price tag compared to other options.

The Scosche USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is available to buy now from the company's store, priced at $59.99.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 12
    PanifexPanifex Posts: 5member
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    Solinetroxretrogusto
  • Reply 2 of 12
    randominternetpersonrandominternetperson Posts: 3,089member
    Panifex said:
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    That is a much better comparison than the $160+ docks mentioned in the article.

    The reviews on the Apple version are terrible however.  (http://www.apple.com/shop/reviews/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter) It would be good to see a head-to-head comparison of those two products.  I'm much more likely to buy a $50/$60 accessory than one 3 or 4 times that price.
  • Reply 3 of 12
    randominternetpersonrandominternetperson Posts: 3,089member
    From the product description:  "Connect any standard USB (USB-A) devices to your MacBook / MacBook Pro while maintaining your ability to charge using a USB-C charging cable."  Seems odd that the review would cast doubt on the ability of the device to charge the MacBook Pro when it says so right in the description.
  • Reply 4 of 12
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,861administrator
    randominternetperson said:
    From the product description:  "Connect any standard USB (USB-A) devices to your MacBook / MacBook Pro while maintaining your ability to charge using a USB-C charging cable."  Seems odd that the review would cast doubt on the ability of the device to charge the MacBook Pro when it says so right in the description.
    Given that most of these provide 60W or less, I'm waiting on specific details on that before we say that it will. Technically, it's providing power at that wattage, but not sufficiently.
    Soli
  • Reply 5 of 12
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,861administrator
    Panifex said:
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    Currently is the key word. The USB-C sale ends in March.
    Soliwatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 12
    rob53rob53 Posts: 3,253member
    Ok, now I'd like to see a miniDisplay Port/TB-1 adaptor that gives me a USB 3 output, with or without the HDMI port. Are there any other than the OWC TB2 dock?

    Need it for my 2011 MBP.
    Soli
  • Reply 7 of 12
    Mike WuertheleMike Wuerthele Posts: 6,861administrator
    rob53 said:
    Ok, now I'd like to see a miniDisplay Port/TB-1 adaptor that gives me a USB 3 output, with or without the HDMI port. Are there any other than the OWC TB2 dock?

    Need it for my 2011 MBP.
    Kanex has a TB1 to USB 3 and eSATA adapter.

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LOLBBQQ/?tag=reality


    I have one, and reviewed it in a previous life. Still going after 2.5 years.

    http://www.macnn.com/reviews/kanex-ktu10-thunderbolt-to-usb-3.0-and-esata.html

  • Reply 8 of 12
    randominternetpersonrandominternetperson Posts: 3,089member
    Mike Wuerthele said:
    Panifex said:
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    Currently is the key word. The USB-C sale ends in March.
    Wanna bet?  I expect Apple to quietly drop mention of the "sale" and keep the prices at their current levels in March.  This was just a face-saving move by Apple to lower the prices without admitting that they got it wrong initially.  I guess we'll find out soon.
    retrogusto
  • Reply 9 of 12
    anomeanome Posts: 1,533member

    Mike Wuerthele said:
    randominternetperson said:
    From the product description:  "Connect any standard USB (USB-A) devices to your MacBook / MacBook Pro while maintaining your ability to charge using a USB-C charging cable."  Seems odd that the review would cast doubt on the ability of the device to charge the MacBook Pro when it says so right in the description.
    Given that most of these provide 60W or less, I'm waiting on specific details on that before we say that it will. Technically, it's providing power at that wattage, but not sufficiently.
    Even the Apple USB-C Multiport Adapter is only rated at 60W, making it unsuitable as a single-cable solution for the rMBPwTB 15". Not sure what the precise problem is, but there are very few devices out there that support 85W+ for the 15".
  • Reply 10 of 12
    retrogustoretrogusto Posts: 1,112member
    randominternetperson said:
    Panifex said:
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    That is a much better comparison than the $160+ docks mentioned in the article.

    The reviews on the Apple version are terrible however.  (http://www.apple.com/shop/reviews/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter) It would be good to see a head-to-head comparison of those two products.  I'm much more likely to buy a $50/$60 accessory than one 3 or 4 times that price.
    Wow. I hadn't noticed those reviews. I have the Apple multiport adapter, and I've only used it to connect an HDMI projector to my 2016 MBP, but I haven't had any problems with it. I did have to install a firmware update for the adapter as soon as I started using it, but that was no big deal.
  • Reply 11 of 12
    adrayvenadrayven Posts: 460member
    IMO you're way better off with HyperDrive for $79 which you can still pre-order at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hyperdrive-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-macbook-pro#/
    See review here:

    More ports, 4k support, supports full 85w power of 15" MBP, and SDCard slots and an extra USB-C port for pass-through..
    edited January 2017 randominternetperson
  • Reply 12 of 12
    randominternetpersonrandominternetperson Posts: 3,089member
    retrogusto said:
    randominternetperson said:
    Panifex said:
    Hmm. It looks cheaply made and it performs exactly the same functions as Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which is currently selling for $49...
    That is a much better comparison than the $160+ docks mentioned in the article.

    The reviews on the Apple version are terrible however.  (http://www.apple.com/shop/reviews/MJ1K2AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter) It would be good to see a head-to-head comparison of those two products.  I'm much more likely to buy a $50/$60 accessory than one 3 or 4 times that price.
    Wow. I hadn't noticed those reviews. I have the Apple multiport adapter, and I've only used it to connect an HDMI projector to my 2016 MBP, but I haven't had any problems with it. I did have to install a firmware update for the adapter as soon as I started using it, but that was no big deal.
    Thanks for the data point.  I find that the comments on the Apple store are overly negative compared to other sources.
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