HDMI Input / Output port question

[Daserop]

I got a new PC and it doesn't have any VGA or DVI ports; it has two HDMI ports (input and output). I am a little confused as to what the difference is between them. Can anyone explain? I want to run dual monitors and I was planning on using both the HDMI ports, however, this input / output description is making me wonder if that is possible.

Edit: So plugging my monitor into the HDMI Input first and everything worked normally. I plugged unplugged it and plugged it into the HDMI output and nothing.

 

[mywayorcyway]

I got a new PC and it doesn't have any VGA or DVI ports; it has two HDMI ports (input and output). I am a little confused as to what the difference is between them. Can anyone explain? I want to run dual monitors and I was planning on using both the HDMI ports, however, this input / output description is making me wonder if that is possible.

Edit: So plugging my monitor into the HDMI Input first and everything worked normally. I plugged unplugged it and plugged it into the HDMI output and nothing.

I've never dealt with this on a laptop, but thinking of it from the perspective of a home stereo receiver simplifies it a bit (if they are indeed the same). Receivers have many inputs - one for a DVD player, another for a gaming system, maybe another for an Apple TV box. They all do the same thing - bring the signal into the receiver from the source. The receiver will typically have a single output, which you would connect to your TV.

You have one input and one output. If you want to connect a device to the PC, it will bring the signal into the laptop. The output is the more traditional use for a laptop - to connect it to a monitor or TV.

I don't think you'll be able to connect dual monitors without another output.

 

[Daserop]

I've never dealt with this on a laptop, but thinking of it from the perspective of a home stereo receiver simplifies it a bit (if they are indeed the same). Receivers have many inputs - one for a DVD player, another for a gaming system, maybe another for an Apple TV box. They all do the same thing - bring the signal into the receiver from the source. The receiver will typically have a single output, which you would connect to your TV.

You have one input and one output. If you want to connect a device to the PC, it will bring the signal into the laptop. The output is the more traditional use for a laptop - to connect it to a monitor or TV.

I don't think you'll be able to connect dual monitors without another output.

I assumed that both ports would be output ports, but no. Also, my monitors only work when they are plugged into the input port. Granted I suppose I should change the display to 2 screens

 

[Daserop]

My pc is purchased and reading online it appears people use a HDMI to usb 3.0 adapter to achieve dual monitors. Then what is the purpose of the second HDMI port...

 

[cc1091]

I've had enough difficulty with DVI ports that I'm certain that even though there is supposed to be some sort of standard, the standard is rarely adhered to in the cheapest or even midrange systems. Anyhoo, some have no audio out/in, and apparently in your situation the output and input are mislabeled.

 

[3GenClone]

So it's a tower and not a laptop, right? I'm wondering if it's a media PC? Microsoft added an HDMI input on their Xbox One so you could connect a cable/satellite box to the HDMI input and that video signal could pass through your console.

Does your computer have a display port or mini display port output by chance? Display port is actually a better connection for PC monitors as you can split a single output and connect multiple monitors

 

[theantiAIRBHG]

So it's a tower and not a laptop, right? I'm wondering if it's a media PC? Microsoft added an HDMI input on their Xbox One so you could connect a cable/satellite box to the HDMI input and that video signal could pass through your console.

Does your computer have a display port or mini display port output by chance? Display port is actually a better connection for PC monitors as you can split a single output and connect multiple monitors

I agree. If you're talking a tower that has a dedicated input I'm assuming it's more of a media/streaming type configuration. Sounds like the input would be to accept a console/recording device (I've never streamed so I'm not sure on which side the recording software goes).

Could you buy a HDMI splitter to config your dual monitor set up? Or switching out the GPU at some point should allow you different connection options.

 

[3GenClone]

I agree. If you're talking a tower that has a dedicated input I'm assuming it's more of a media/streaming type configuration. Sounds like the input would be to accept a console/recording device (I've never streamed so I'm not sure on which side the recording software goes).

Could you buy a HDMI splitter to config your dual monitor set up? Or switching out the GPU at some point should allow you different connection options.

The problem with splitting a single HDMI output is that it will be mirrored on both screens - you can't do an extended desktop configuration. What's nice with a tower is that you add/replace the graphics card with something beefier that supports multiple monitors. There is also the option to purchase an external graphics card, but the more reliable options I have seen require USB 3.0 and display port or DVI.

Edit: actually I have been specifying the Dell D3100 "universal docking station" for some of my conference room installs at work. It's called a docking station but it doesn't supply power. It has 2 independent HDMI outputs and also a display port output capable of 4K video. You connect your computer to the dock using the USB 3.0 cable and that's it.

 

[theantiAIRBHG]

The problem with splitting a single HDMI output is that it will be mirrored on both screens - you can't do an extended desktop configuration. What's nice with a tower is that you add/replace the graphics card with something beefier that supports multiple monitors. There is also the option to purchase an external graphics card, but the more reliable options I have seen require USB 3.0 and display port or DVI.

Edit: actually I have been specifying the Dell D3100 "universal docking station" for some of my conference room installs at work. It's called a docking station but it doesn't supply power. It has 2 independent HDMI outputs and also a display port output capable of 4K video. You connect your computer to the dock using the USB 3.0 cable and that's it.

Oh sure. That makes sense.

That was an instant upgrade I noticed when I replaced my GPU. I added an HDMI and a DVI port, whereas before I only had VGA out. The only thing I question before buying a second display is how much will my CPU affect it? As I will essentially be doubling the tasks I'm asking of it at a given time.

 

[iastatehunter]

You could alternatively just go buy a cheap graphics card (assuming it's a desktop) and throw it in the machine. Would probably run a little quicker than the integrated gpu as well.