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    HDMI -> DisplayPort ?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jacob_s, Sep 19, 2011.

  1. jacob_s

    jacob_s Notebook Consultant

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    I just got a Dell Latitude E6420 and it has an HDMI out instead of DisplayPort (sad day)... while I have an HDMI to DVI cable, I had originally wanted to use the DisplayPort on my NEC Monitor for my laptop and use the DVI ports for my Desktop (I just flip inputs if I ever need to use my desktop or work on someone else's computer). It seems that DisplayPort can be passively converted to HDMI with a simple cable (available at Newegg), but I can't seem to find much evidence on whether or not the reverse works... I am seeing active adapters on Newegg which seems to suggest that it's what I'll need - but these are a touch too expensive for me. Also, if memory serves all the cables will need to have male DisplayPort with female HDMI port due to licensing issues with HDMI...

    Am I SOL here? Eventually I'll either get a docking station (which has DisplayPorts) or a ViDock (and use a videocard w/DisplayPort), so this will be a null issue, but for now I'm looking for a cheap, quick fix if there is one...
     
    jacob_s, Sep 19, 2011
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  2. jacob_s

    jacob_s Notebook Consultant

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    Normally I would come up with a sarcastic response, but I'll let this one slide.

    I'm well aware of those options, but read the descriptions: 'DisplayPort to HDMI'. In a perfect world one would expect that the same cable can provide both directions, but that is the main part of my question. DisplayPort can send HDMI down the cable, but I believe that HDMI must be actively converted.
     
    jacob_s, Sep 19, 2011
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  3. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    Why not use a passive adaptor for the desktop and convert the DVI to HDMI on the monitor? That way the cable is easily removable for the notebook.

    Seems like the best solution.

    Or would you like the sarcastic answer you were hinting at?
     
    Meaker@Sager, Sep 19, 2011
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  4. jacob_s

    jacob_s Notebook Consultant

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    This is indeed a possibility, and it's the one I'm presently using. The monitor has 1 of each: VGA, DVI, DisplayPort... I'm usingthe VGA port for the desktop and the DVI for the laptop (hdmi to dvi cable). I would like to get away from using the VGA port though - hence my request. The laptop has only VGA and HDMI. The desktop only dvi.

    But more than that, I would like to confirm whether or not HDMI -> DP is even possible without active conversion...
     
    jacob_s, Sep 20, 2011
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  5. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    Why you no read?

    Get the converter for the desktop and use the DP for it.

    DVI -> DP
     
    Meaker@Sager, Sep 20, 2011
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  6. megaphat

    megaphat Notebook Enthusiast

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    No, they are different standards.

    Technically the opposite is not possible either. Dual mode display-port connectors get around this by changing their pin assignments to output HDMI/DVI through the same pins and into a passive adaptor. See: DisplayPort - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    However there are some active conversion boxes around which convert HDMI to Displayport. See this one: Kanex XD
     
    megaphat, Sep 20, 2011
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