Author Topic: Dual Monitors (Read 2686 times)

Pheeny · « **on:** January 31, 2021, 11:41:27 am »

I have dual monitors set up with my desktop.

I have one connected with HDMI and one with VGA.

Is there anyway I could get them both set up using HDMI even though there is only one outlet on my PC,

I've tried a splitter but that just duplicates the screen...

Jwils21 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2021, 11:51:40 am »

As far as I know, a HDMI splitter will only duplicate the screens. I use a Lenovo Thinkpad for work and I know the only way to have separate HDMI screens is through a docking station... Lenovo’s standard dock (which I had to leave in the office last March prior to WFH, so cannot use!) is around £160. A girl in work bought a third party dock which seems to work.

I’m stuck with using the laptop as my 2nd screen with a HDMI routed to a monitor.

Pheeny · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2021, 11:53:57 am »

I'm using a desktop so don't think a docking station would work would it?

McrRed · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2021, 12:03:48 pm »

Wouldn't you use a dedicated video card if you're using a pc:

https://multimonitorcomputer.com/top-4-best-videocard-for-multiple-monitor-computers.php

https://www.amazon.com/Triple-Monitor-Video-Card/s?k=Triple+Monitor+Video+Card&ref=d6k_applink_bb_marketplace

Pheeny · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2021, 12:17:28 pm »

Quote from: McrRed on January 31, 2021, 12:03:48 pm

Wouldn't you use a dedicated video card if you're using a pc:

https://multimonitorcomputer.com/top-4-best-videocard-for-multiple-monitor-computers.php

https://www.amazon.com/Triple-Monitor-Video-Card/s?k=Triple+Monitor+Video+Card&ref=d6k_applink_bb_marketplace

I'm using the "onboard" video card which has a HDMI and a VGA connector it's working OK but wanted to try connecting both via HDMI to see if the quality was any better.

Didn't want to pay out too much though.

Elmo! · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2021, 12:22:48 pm »

You can't daisy chain HDMI and a splitter will just duplicate.

Only option here is to get a new graphics card.

Malaysian Kopite · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2021, 01:47:48 pm »

You can use a VGA to HDMI adapter like this:

I think this downgrades the signal to VGA standards though so might not fit your use case

Riquende · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2021, 02:26:23 pm »

In general, you can't do this. Even if you convert the VGA to HDMI, you're not getting any sort of increase in quality, it only helps with compatibility (if neither of your monitors has a VGA etc).

The best recommendation would be to find a cheaper GPU - even if it only has a single HDMI, your other options will likely now bw DisplayPort and DVI, which are high quality than VGA and easier to convert into HDMI. GT1030 or GTX1050 run from £90 to £150 I think, and should give you a boost over most integrated options. The 1030 is available as a passive card which means no additional noise from fans, but I have a 1050 with a small fan in one box and can't hear it.

The only other idea that occurs to me is if your PC is new enough to have an integrated USB-C connection as you can find docks and hubs that will fit that which include HDMI.

Pheeny · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2021, 02:57:10 pm »

I've just ordered a Usb to HDMI and will see how that goes.

TepidT2O · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2021, 03:26:27 pm »

Quite a porn habit...

Graeme · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2021, 07:14:54 pm »

Quote from: Jwils21 on January 31, 2021, 11:51:40 am

I use a Lenovo Thinkpad for work and I know the only way to have separate HDMI screens is through a docking station

Depends on what other ports are on your laptop. My works Lenovo L480 has HDMI and USB-C. You can use USB-C to HDMI on that. I’ve actually got a Lenovo USB-C Travel Hub sat in my drawer that can do the same job (https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/accessories-and-monitors/travelers/CABLE-BO-Lenovo-USB-C-Travel-Hub/p/4X90M60789)

stoa · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2021, 11:27:42 pm »

Quote from: Riquende on January 31, 2021, 02:26:23 pm

The best recommendation would be to find a cheaper GPU - even if it only has a single HDMI

Just out of interest, would that work, because you would be connecting your monitors to different devices (one to the onboard graphics and one to the dedicated graphics card)? Haven't done anything like that and I would have thought that it would be either or and not both, unless you can basically turn the onboard graphics into just an output for the graphics card.

Riquende · « **Reply #12 on:** February 1, 2021, 11:38:09 am »

Quote from: stoa on January 31, 2021, 11:27:42 pm

Just out of interest, would that work, because you would be connecting your monitors to different devices (one to the onboard graphics and one to the dedicated graphics card)? Haven't done anything like that and I would have thought that it would be either or and not both, unless you can basically turn the onboard graphics into just an output for the graphics card.

No, the GPU has multiple outputs and you run everything through that. Even if it only has 1 HDMI you'll find DVI or DisplayPort on it, and as all 3 are higher quality digital signals I'd have far fewer concerns using adapters (DisplayPort is superior to HDMI anyway).

This is the rear of the GPU that I have in one of my machines. It can technically use all 4 at once if you have compatible displays or adapters, but you have to remember that the more screen estate you're driving the greater the strain on the GPU, so I'd probably not go over 2. In this case I have dual HDMI but if I had to I'd be fine running something out of the DisplayPort to an HDMI TV/monitor.

stoa · « **Reply #13 on:** February 1, 2021, 12:08:32 pm »

No, I know that. My question was about using both the GPU (with only one hdmi output) and the onboard graphics' hdmi output at the same time as suggested in the post I quoted. So, essentially using the onboard graphics as an additional output to the GPU. My view used to be that you can only use either of them but not both of them at the same time.

Elmo! · « **Reply #14 on:** February 1, 2021, 12:39:24 pm »

Quote from: stoa on February 1, 2021, 12:08:32 pm

No, I know that. My question was about using both the GPU (with only one hdmi output) and the onboard graphics' hdmi output at the same time as suggested in the post I quoted. So, essentially using the onboard graphics as an additional output to the GPU. My view used to be that you can only use either of them but not both of them at the same time.

It depends on the motherboard, some support it.

Riquende · « **Reply #15 on:** February 1, 2021, 01:28:48 pm »

Quote from: stoa on February 1, 2021, 12:08:32 pm

No, I know that. My question was about using both the GPU (with only one hdmi output) and the onboard graphics' hdmi output at the same time as suggested in the post I quoted. So, essentially using the onboard graphics as an additional output to the GPU. My view used to be that you can only use either of them but not both of them at the same time.

But I didn't suggest it in the post you quoted. You cut off immediately after I said "even if it only has a single HDMI", when I went on to say ", your other options will likely now be DisplayPort and DVI, which are high(er) quality than VGA and easier to convert into HDMI". At no point was I saying use both onboard and discrete graphics at the same time (which is possible on some motherboards, but I wouldn't recommend it anyway except as a last resort).

stoa · « **Reply #16 on:** February 1, 2021, 02:00:19 pm »

Quote from: Riquende on February 1, 2021, 01:28:48 pm

But I didn't suggest it in the post you quoted. You cut off immediately after I said "even if it only has a single HDMI", when I went on to say ", your other options will likely now be DisplayPort and DVI, which are high(er) quality than VGA and easier to convert into HDMI". At no point was I saying use both onboard and discrete graphics at the same time (which is possible on some motherboards, but I wouldn't recommend it anyway except as a last resort).

Sorry, I understood it that way, but I was not criticising you just genuinely wondered whether that would be possible...

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #17 on:** February 2, 2021, 07:18:10 pm »

I use a ton of adapters.

One of them is a HDMI which I convert into SVGA for convinience (As the split HDMI ports are both being used) and the picture is fine.

I also use HDMI splitters on all of my monitors so that they all have two or three HDMI ports (Just switch using your finger by clicking a switch)

For one of my older laptops I have a SVGA -> HDMI adapter and that too produces a great picture.

hixxstar · « **Reply #18 on:** February 5, 2021, 07:46:48 pm »

Forget VGA.... you need at least 2 outputs (hdmi-DVI-display port) problem is VGA is old, analog..
plenty of older graphics cards out there (ebay etc) will do the job better than any usb to hdmi adaptor.
using 2 outputs to 2 monitors will give you better resolution on both monitors..

what motherboard do you have ? ..
what monitors are they ? (refresh rate 60hz, 75hz, 144hz)

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/accessories/pc-monitors/1404476/hdmi-vs-displayport-vs-dvi-vs-vga-every-connection-explained

Graeme · « **Reply #19 on:** February 5, 2021, 07:57:53 pm »

VGA will do 1920x1080 @ 60Hz. You won’t see any noticeable improvement using HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort upto that resolution.

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #20 on:** February 7, 2021, 12:41:10 am »

Quote from: hixxstar on February 5, 2021, 07:46:48 pm

Forget VGA.... you need at least 2 outputs (hdmi-DVI-display port) problem is VGA is old, analog..
plenty of older graphics cards out there (ebay etc) will do the job better than any usb to hdmi adaptor.
using 2 outputs to 2 monitors will give you better resolution on both monitors..

what motherboard do you have ? ..
what monitors are they ? (refresh rate 60hz, 75hz, 144hz)

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/accessories/pc-monitors/1404476/hdmi-vs-displayport-vs-dvi-vs-vga-every-connection-explained

As Graeme said - SVGA does 1920 x 1080 - works perfectly and a cracking picture too

Pheeny · « **Reply #21 on:** February 7, 2021, 08:15:46 pm »

Thread is now irrelevant as my new computer arrived today and it has two HDMI connectors

hixxstar · « **Reply #22 on:** February 7, 2021, 08:21:42 pm »

Quote from: Open the fucking pubs in Allerton on February 7, 2021, 12:41:10 am

As Graeme said - SVGA does 1920 x 1080 - works perfectly and a cracking picture too

All good then...

Just wondered what kit you were using to get the best out of them

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #23 on:** February 8, 2021, 10:36:57 am »

Quote from: hixxstar on February 7, 2021, 08:21:42 pm

All good then...
Just wondered what kit you were using to get the best out of them

Looks great on the Mac with an adapter and on the latop with an adaptor

PaulF · « **Reply #24 on:** February 9, 2021, 10:37:30 am »

Quote from: Pheeny on February 7, 2021, 08:15:46 pm

Thread is now irrelevant as my new computer arrived today and it has two HDMI connectors

Was just about to ask what sort of work you do ? If it's office based stuff the VGA is fine.
That said having been a dual monitor advocate for decades ('developer') , I recently plumped for a 34" wide screen. Not missing dual at all

ChaChaMooMoo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 13, 2021, 09:43:56 am »

I have a weird issue on my dual monitor setup. I basically extend my 15' laptop screen into my brand new Dell 27 inch monitor.

The issue I have is when I open Netflix/Amazon Prime/Disney+. Both the app and directly from the website. The monitor temporarily goes blank and then goes into power-saving mode and turns black. The weird thing is I can still drag a window up there. I just can't see anything in the monitor. The laptop seems all fine. It is connected by HDMI cable.

I close the Netflix/Prime/Disney window and it takes a couple of minutes for it to come back to normal.

Anyone else face this issue?

Graeme · « **Reply #26 on:** February 13, 2021, 11:42:32 am »

Quote from: ChaChaMooMoo on February 13, 2021, 09:43:56 am

I have a weird issue on my dual monitor setup. I basically extend my 15' laptop screen into my brand new Dell 27 inch monitor.

The issue I have is when I open Netflix/Amazon Prime/Disney+. Both the app and directly from the website. The monitor temporarily goes blank and then goes into power-saving mode and turns black. The weird thing is I can still drag a window up there. I just can't see anything in the monitor. The laptop seems all fine. It is connected by HDMI cable.

I close the Netflix/Prime/Disney window and it takes a couple of minutes for it to come back to normal.

Anyone else face this issue?

Looks almost certainly like a HDCP issue. Can you try a different HDMI cable?

ChaChaMooMoo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 13, 2021, 12:20:30 pm »

Oh I have to buy one in that case. I will pop in the electronic store and let you know.

Graeme · « **Reply #28 on:** February 13, 2021, 12:31:39 pm »

Is your new monitor 4K or 1080p?

ChaChaMooMoo · « **Reply #29 on:** February 13, 2021, 12:46:57 pm »

Of monitor?

27 Inch, IPS Panel, 2560 x 1440, 16:9 & 75 Hz.

Graeme · « **Reply #30 on:** February 13, 2021, 12:59:03 pm »

Just asking as 4K from Netflix would require HDMI 2.0 but the monitor will more than likely be HDMI 1.4

Try a new cable certified for HDMI 1.4 (or higher as they’re backwards compatible) and see how you get on.

ChaChaMooMoo · « **Reply #31 on:** February 13, 2021, 01:31:10 pm »

I have a spare HDMI cable from my neighbour. How do I know which HDMI cable it is if there is no visible marking on it?

Also, the Dell monitor I got, is a brand new monitor. Released 3 months ago. Dell website says, and as you already mentioned, the monitor is DisplayPort 1.2, HDCP 1.4.

Graeme · « **Reply #32 on:** February 13, 2021, 01:34:09 pm »

Just give it a try and see if that works

ToneLa · « **Reply #33 on:** February 13, 2021, 03:13:33 pm »

Use Displayport if you can

ChaChaMooMoo · « **Reply #34 on:** February 14, 2021, 01:48:39 pm »

Tried with the cable I borrowed. Still the same issue. Any streaming drives the monitor into power-saving mode.

I have ordered a high-speed HDMI cable from amazon. Hopefully, that solves it.

DisplayPort would be my next option if this new cable also gives the same issue as its supposed to transmit data faster than an HDMI cable. Right?!?

Elmo! · « **Reply #35 on:** February 14, 2021, 04:08:51 pm »

It's possibly nothing to do with the cable, and more likely the GPU crapping out. Try reinstalling latest drivers for your graphics card. Also worth monitoring the temperature of your GPU while trying to run video.

Could be something like dust clogging up the fan inside your laptop causing it to easily overheat.

Graeme · « **Reply #36 on:** February 14, 2021, 05:55:20 pm »

Quote from: Just Elmo? on February 14, 2021, 04:08:51 pm

It's possibly nothing to do with the cable, and more likely the GPU crapping out. Try reinstalling latest drivers for your graphics card. Also worth monitoring the temperature of your GPU while trying to run video.

Could be something like dust clogging up the fan inside your laptop causing it to easily overheat.

It’s unlikely. Other content displays fine, it’s only when he’s trying HDCP protected content that the screen goes off. A duff graphics card wouldn’t drop out when certain content is played.

Graeme · « **Reply #37 on:** February 14, 2021, 06:07:02 pm »

The only other thing it might be is if the laptop is trying to output at 120MHz, the external monitor only supports 75MHz so will go off if it receives a higher frequency signal.

Check the display adapter settings in control panel.

Elmo! · « **Reply #38 on:** February 14, 2021, 06:13:34 pm »

Quote from: Graeme on February 14, 2021, 05:55:20 pm

It’s unlikely. Other content displays fine, it’s only when he’s trying HDCP protected content that the screen goes off. A duff graphics card wouldn’t drop out when certain content is played.

I've read through all of ChaCha's posts and that hasn't been established, only that it happens when he starts playing Netflix on it.

Netflix is going to put more demand on the GPU than your average non-video application and could cause it to overheat.

Graeme · « **Reply #39 on:** February 14, 2021, 06:48:02 pm »

Quote from: Just Elmo? on February 14, 2021, 06:13:34 pm

Netflix is going to put more demand on the GPU than your average non-video application and could cause it to overheat.

It's HTML5. You can stream 4K content on HTML5 with integrated graphics

Netflix own support pages make no reference to a requirement for a GPU.