Silicon Image and four of the biggest consumer electronics manufacturers in the world have come together to develop a new standard for connecting mobile devices directly to HDTVs. 

Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Toshiba and Silicon Image have formed what they’re calling the Mobile High-Definition Interface Working Group, which intends to create an industry standard for an audio/video interface to connect mobile phones or portable consumer electronics (CE) devices directly to HDTVs and HD displays.

The communications protocol is to be based on Silicon Image’s Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) technology. The group intends to offer it as an open standard. The aim is develop a single-cable with a low pin count interface able to support up to 1080p high-definition (HD) digital video and HD audio in addition to delivering power to a portable device.

The working group is expected to organize a consortium of founding members who will develop a mobile connectivity technology standard specification that governs transmission and reception of high-definition content between portable devices and display devices to support connectivity in accordance with the new specification.

Meanwhile, Silicon Image CFO Hal Covert has taken over as president and COO following the departure of former president and CEO Steve Tirado. The company said it has hired an executive search firm to find a new chief executive. The company gave no reason for Tirado’s departure.

“We want to thank Steve for his contributions to Silicon Image over the past 10 years,” said Peter Hanelt, the chairman of the company’s board of directors. “Steve played a key role in leading the company to achieve its vision of delivering digital content everywhere with the development of exciting technology initiatives including the HDMI Standard, the formation of the SPMT Consortium, and continued developments with our Mobile High-Definition Link and LiquidHD technology efforts.”

Hanelt also said: “Moving forward, Silicon Image has strong talent, leading-edge technology and a solid balance sheet with no debt and approximately $160M in cash. The management team is focused on our customers, executing on our product strategy, and enhancing shareholder value.”

Silicon Image has retained the services of an executive search firm to find a new CEO.

At the same time, the company announced it expects revenue for fiscal third quarter 2009 to be below the $44 million to $46 million previously provided in July. The company now expects its Q3 2009 revenue to be in the range of $37 to $39 million.

The company attributed the revision to declining sales of “legacy products,” combined with customers’ shift in production from high-end products to mid-range and low-end products.