USB to HDMI adapter

Askic · 27 Feb 2021

Hello guys, I need some kind adapter for using additional monitors on my laptop. I have found this

Now, I'd like to understand how this is really possible to transmit video (and audio data) using USB port. Does it have some addtional active logic, or it is using GPU on the motherboard?

I have only a mini display port on my laptop, but it seems that this is a very good solution, to use simple hdmi to usb adapter.
I wonder how this works, and if this adapter is used, does it mean mini display port is not active? Does some special drivers need to be installed?

I have windows 10 Home edition.

Thank you!

bro67 · 28 Feb 2021

It has a circuit board inside with a chip that takes the signal from the USB and converts to a signal that can be sent through HDMI. That is all that it does. Some of these adapters do not always send audio, so you need a VGA or DVI with USB for sound and video to HDMI. The Display Port is always active, regardless of these adapters.

bobkn · 28 Feb 2021

I've never used anything like that.

On my desktop syetem, the nVidia graphics card requires additional drivers to send video through USB-C.

Is there any reason you're not considering a mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter? The possible complication there is whether you need a passive (cheap) adapter or an active one.

sygnus21 · 28 Feb 2021

Does your laptop feature a micro-HDMI port?
If so, are you wanting to connect an external monitor to the laptop?
And does the monitor itself use an HDMI connection?

If yes to all three you could try this cable... High Speed HDMI to Micro HDMI Cable (Micro HDMI to HDMI).

I use it for my 2013 Asus notebook when I want to connect to my 24 inch NEC monitor. The laptop has the micro-HDMI port and the monitor uses a full HDMI port.

Also, since my monitor supports PIP (Picture In Picture) I don't have to disconnect it from the desktop since it also supports multiple inputs - DisplayPort connected to my desktop, HDMI to laptop. The down side is the laptop screen size is small on PIP mode.

Anyway, if yes to all 3 above, that cable will work and it's only $11 dollars for a two pack. And Cable Matters makes good cables so nothing cheap.

Hope this helps.

Helmut · 28 Feb 2021

The simplest arrangement is to daisy chain the two external monitors utilising the Mini DisplayPort.
The Monitors would have to have DisplayPorts and daisy chaining ability.
A feature worth looking for when purchasing monitors.

Askic · 28 Feb 2021

Hello guys and thank you for the replies.
My main motive to ask this is to try to understand how this works. If I want additional monitor to have extended desktop, the simplest solution would be to buy mini Dp to hdm adapter.
But I have found this Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMi adapter and it was very interesting to me. I didn't even know there is such a thing, so I wonder how this works.

So, it must have addition "active logic" inside to convert the signals, but I wasn't sure if it would "occupy" spare mini display port by taking its resources...

Try3 · 28 Feb 2021

sygnus21 said:

Does your laptop feature a mini-HDMI port?

If yes to all three you could try this cable... High Speed HDMI to Micro HDMI Cable (Micro HDMI to HDMI).
The laptop has the mini-HDMI port and the monitor uses a full HDMI port.

This post contains typos.
Mini-HDMI & Micro-HDMI are different things.

USB to HDMI adapter-hdmi-port-types-diagram-trimmed.jpg

Denis

sygnus21 · 28 Feb 2021

Yeah, it should say "micro" NOT "mini".

Sorry for the typo. I did link to the item so reading/visiting the link would have clarified things

NavyLCDR · 28 Feb 2021

Askic said:

Hello guys and thank you for the replies.
My main motive to ask this is to try to understand how this works. If I want additional monitor to have extended desktop, the simplest solution would be to buy mini Dp to hdm adapter.
But I have found this Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMi adapter and it was very interesting to me. I didn't even know there is such a thing, so I wonder how this works.

So, it must have addition "active logic" inside to convert the signals, but I wasn't sure if it would "occupy" spare mini display port by taking its resources...

You think that little adapter is something? Look at this:
Plugable USB 3.0 Dual 4K Display Horizontal Docking Station

The standard USB to HDMI (or other video output such as VGA/DVI) is usually DisplayLink:
DisplayLink - For enterprises, offices, homes and meeting rooms.