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    Envy - USB to VGA output? how well does/would it work?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by merkytimes, Mar 4, 2011.

  1. merkytimes

    merkytimes Newbie

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    Has anyone used a USB to VGA setup with the Envy 14 (or with any of the Envy's for that matter)? Can you tell me about your experiences with that?

    NOTE: For my purposes, I do NOT need really good video--just reliable video (i.e., works with any VGA monitor or projector picked at random). I will be using the VGA output for viewing slides on legacy projectors where DVI or HDMI inputs are not available. Possibly some text, spreadsheets, email on external monitors once in a while, but nothing seriously video intensive like DVDs or games.

    Here's some background as to why I'm asking the question...

    Envy 14 seems to be unable to output VGA from the mini display port (assuming the use of an appropriate adapter cable, of course) except for a very small number of people who have found some odd combination that works. (Other Envy models apparently not affected, only the 14 incher.) I suspect that when it works it is a fluke, since I've used one of the recommended cables and it didn't work for me.

    An HDMI to VGA converter cable would seem to be workaround and apparently works for some people (e.g., HP HDMI to VGA Display Adapter | HP® Official Store), but even here the reports are that it works with some monitors and not with others. This is not entirely surprising because HDMI is a digital signal and VGA is an analogue one, so I have a feeling that when it work it only works because of some quirks relating to how HP implements its HDMI ports.

    So, my suspicion is that the most reliable way to get a VGA signal from an Envy 14 is likely to be by way of a USB-based external VGA adapter.
     
    merkytimes, Mar 4, 2011
    #1
  2. eafd

    eafd Notebook Deity

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    If you're not displaying anything that needs smooth frame rates, then this should work well for you:

    Newegg.com - IOGEAR USB to VGA Video Adapter GUC2015V USB to VGA Interface

    Keep in mind this is an external graphics card, so don't expect performance even close to the Intel card in your computer. Video may be laggy. Also keep in mind it displays a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024.

    It also costs a lot. Have you tried mDP > VGA when using the ATI card?
     
    eafd, Mar 4, 2011
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  3. Ronin786

    Ronin786 Notebook Enthusiast

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    That HP thing should work. I recall reading somewhere that it worked and its basically the same thing eafd linked to.
     
    Ronin786, Mar 5, 2011
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