Have you ever wondered about the usage of different ports on your laptop? One of them is HDMI port which we normally use to watch movies on a larger screen instead of the normal laptop screen.
In this guide, we will tell you how to use laptop HDMI as input which is not known to the majority of users because they mostly use it for output. So, stay with us in this article to find out How to change HDMI output to input on laptop?
What is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High Definition Media Interface. It is an audio/video interface standard that is used to transmit high-quality videos without any compression. Many people ask does my laptop have HDMI input? We shall answer this question shortly but first, we have to distinguish between output and input ports in a laptop.
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A few adaptations of HDMI have been created and sent since the underlying arrival of the innovation, yet all utilize a similar link and connector. Other than improved sound and video limit, execution, goals and shading spaces, more up to date forms have discretionary propelled highlights, for example, 3D, Ethernet information association, and CEC [Consumer Electronics Control] expansions.
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The generation of shopper HDMI items began in late 2003. 2006. As of January 2015, [twelve years after the arrival of the first HDMI determination], more than 4 billion HDMI gadgets have been sold.
What is HDMI output?
The port contained on most laptops is an HDMI output port. In simple words, the audio or video from the laptop is sent to an external device such as a monitor or TV with this output port. The standard HDMI port has 19 pins in total and uses the Transmission minimized differential signaling [TMDS] protocol for data transmission. The HDMI system has evolved from version 1.0 in 2002 up till version 2.1 in 2017 which is the currently running version. It has a bit rate of 48Gbit/second which is extremely fast. So, how to turn the laptop HDMI output to input? Lets find out!
What are the advantages of HDMI?
People ask, can you input HDMI into a laptop? There are many benefits of HDMI that consumers know if they require HDMI input laptop. Listed below are the main advantages of this technology:
- The biggest benefit of HDMI is that it allows transmission without any loss or compression of data. You can transmit 4K videos from one device and receive the same 4K video on the other side which was not possible with previous video standards.
- As HDMI has a single cable for both video and audio, there is no need to connect multiple wires which can cause congestion and confusion.
- The security of data is an essential requirement for people these days. They do not want their information to be compromised in any way. HDMI has an excellent encryption system that allows only the devices connected through the cable to receive the information and any other device nearby will not display that data. This problem is present in wireless display sharing using software applications which is not very secure because it is prone to hacking more than conventional data sharing through wires.
- HDMI can display different RGB color options which contribute to a bright and vibrant picture that was not possible with previous methods of video communication.
- HDMI has high compatibility with different adapters, formats, and interfaces. The adapters can be used for port conversions like HDMI output to input. This allows us to use HDMI even on old computers using various converters available on the market.
What are the disadvantages of HDMI?
Every technological development has some drawbacks and HDMI is no exception. We have tried to cover them below:
- Laptops have native HDMI output ports only in general. Therefore, to convert it into input, we have to use adapters that are expensive and the end result may not be worth it if your laptop does not have the required hardware.
- Communication in HDMI can experience some time delay due to the high quality of data transmission. So, we have to stare at the black screen for some time while using HDMI.
- New versions are not supported by every device that we connect with laptops so you must make sure the HDMI version you are using.
Why do you need laptop with HDMI input?
Before we look into the possible solutions to this problem, it is important to ask why do we require laptop HDMI as input? Some gamers may say that they want to display their video games on the high-end 4K display of their laptop. This would require HDMI input to the laptop from the gaming console. Also, some people say that they wish to use their TV decoders output on their laptop screen for more personalized usage. However, I would argue that all such things do not require an HDMI input at all.
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After all, it is a strange idea to transmit the video from a larger screen such as that of a television to a smaller one of a laptop. Moreover, laptops are not designed to support such heavy video games because they consist of limited hardware. Unless the laptop has an excellent graphics card and an outstanding display an HDMI input port would be of no use to a normal user.
Does my laptop have HDMI input?
Inherently, there are very few high-end laptops that support HDMI input. HDMI port on laptops is generally for output only. So, how to change HDMI output to input on laptop? Well, there are some ways you can do this and this guide will tell you how to use laptop HDMI as input? The answer to this is HDMI output to the input adapter.
There are several products available that can be used for this purpose. We have compiled a list of the 5 best adapters that can be used for HDMI output to the input on laptops.
- INOGENI 4K2USB3 HDMI to USB 3.0 Converter
This is a device that captures HDMI video up to 4K resolution and sends it to a USM 3.0 port. There is no loss of signals in the video and the USB allows easy connection to any laptop or desktop computer. This can allow us to use laptop HDMI as input even if it does not have a dedicated HDMI port.
- Magewell USB Capture 32060
Magewell 32060 is also an HDMI to USB adapter which takes HDMI input and gives an output from the USB port. It is a compact device resembling a flash drive in shape. It can be used for live broadcasting of audio and video from cameras directly to laptops as well.
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI plus
This device provides 2 HDMI ports on one side and a USB and 3.5 mm audio jack on the other side. In this way, one HDMI can be used a loop through port if we just want to listen to headphone audio from an external device. The other port can be used for HDMI input which can be connected to a laptop through a USB port to enjoy live video games or movies from external cable networks.
- INOGENI SHARE2U Dual USB Video to USB 3.0 Multi I/O Capture
Inogeni Share2U is a highly capable equipment that can be used for various purposes. It has both an HDMI input and output port along with multiple USB ports, 3.5 mm audio jacks, RS232 connector port, Ethernet port, and a 12V DC input. Therefore, we can it to stream multiple outputs onto a single laptop screen. So if someone asks how to change HDMI on the laptop? You can recommend this device for all the solutions. However, this is an expensive gadget and users must keep in mind the hefty price tag!
- Display port to HDMI adapter
This small and handy device has a male HDMI connector at one side and another female port on the other side. In this way, you can mirror your laptop display on a TV and vice versa. It allows up to 4K streaming and with the dual-mode, you can work on two different things on the connected devices easily. So instead of worrying about a laptop with HDMI input and output, simply buy this device and enjoy it!
How to turn laptop HDMI output to input without any cable?
If you are sick and tired of wires getting in your way and you do not want to spend extra money on adapters, we have a solution for you. There are several software which allows screen sharing between two devices such as:
- Mirecast
This is a technology that allows HDMI streaming over Wi-Fi. This feature is supported by Windows 8 and above. The device which we want to mirror or extend our display on must also support Mirecast. Both devices must be connected to the same internet connection and be in range. This feature can also be used in mobile phones that have Android 4.2 and above operating systems.
- Space Desk
This is an application that can be easily downloaded from the Internet. After installing the program, you have to download the drivers for your respective Windows and make sure that both devices that are to be shared are connected to the same network. After you have done this, no need to worry that does my laptop have HDMI input or not? Connect the devices remotely and enjoy your life!
- In Home Streaming
This feature is best for gamers who want to stream their video games onto a laptop screen. This function is available on applications like Steam which can be downloaded for free. After installing the program, select the game you want to play and click Stream. This will start streaming the display on to the laptop and you need not worry about How to change HDMI output to input on laptop?
HDMI Connectors
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There are different connector types for HDMI, namely Type A, B, C. D, and E. An HDMI type A container connector on a gadget with the words HDMI IN beneath it.
There are five HDMI connector types. Type A/B is characterized in the HDMI 1.0 particular, type C is characterized in the HDMI 1.3 determination, and type D/E is characterized in the HDMI 1.4 detail.
- Type A
This is the standard HDMI connector with a total of 19 pins. Most computers have Type A port which makes it a very popular choice for brands, It is electrically good with single-interface DVI-D.
- Type B
The Type B connector contains 29 pins. It is electrically perfect with double connection DVI-D, yet has not yet been utilized in any products. With the presentation of HDMI 1.3, the most extreme transmission capacity of single-interface HDMI surpassed that of double connection DVI-D. As of HDMI 1.4, the pixel clock rate hybrid recurrence from single to double connection has not been defined.
- Type C
The Type C connector is smaller than the Type A one but maintains 19 pins. It is increasingly being used in newer laptops due to space constraints where the focus is to use a minimum number of ports on every device. With their relating shield, the DDC/CEC Ground is doled out to stick 13 rather than pin 17, the CEC is allocated to stick 14 rather than pin 13, and the saved pin is 17 rather than pin 14. The sort C Mini connector can be associated with a kind A connector utilizing a sort A-to-type C cable.
- Type D
The Type D connector keeps the standard 19 pins of types A and C, yet the pinned task is not the same as both.
- Type E
This type of HDMI interface is used in automobiles. It can be locked in place so that it is easily used under rough conditions. A transfer connector is accessible for associating standard buyer links to the car type.
There is also an alternate mode for HDMI which associates with video show/sink gadgets utilizing any of the local HDMI Type C connectors. This is an HDMI link, right now USB-C to HDMI link.
Consumers Electronics Control [CEC]
CEC is just like a remote control which is controlled by an HDMI connection. It allows two devices that are connected through an HDMI cable to control each other such as volume and display settings.
Versions of HDMI
Version 1.0
HDMI 1.0 was discharged on December 9, 2002, and is an advanced sound/video connector interface. The connection design depends on DVI, utilizing the very same video transmission position yet sending sound and other assistant information during the blanking interims of the video stream. HDMI 1.0 permits the greatest TMDS clock of 165 MHz [4.95 Gbit/s transfer speed per connect], equivalent to DVI. HDMI 1.0 version allows pre-characterized video designs, including all the organizations characterized in EIA/CEA-861-B and some extra arrangements recorded in the HDMI Specification itself. All HDMI sources/sinks should likewise be equipped for sending/accepting local Single-Link DVI video and be completely consistent with the DVI Specification.
Version 1.1
HDMI 1.1 was discharged on May 20, 2004, and included help for DVD-Audio.
Version 1.2
HDMI 1.2 was discharged on August 8, 2005, and included the alternative of One Bit Audio, utilized on Super Audio CDs, at up to 8 channels. To make HDMI progressively reasonable for use on PC gadgets, adaptation 1.2 likewise evacuated the necessity that lone unequivocally bolstered arrangements be utilized. It added the capacity for makers to make merchant explicit organizations, permitting any discretionary goals and invigorate rate instead of being constrained to a pre-characterized rundown of upheld positions.
HDMI 1.2a was discharged on December 14, 2005, and completely indicates Consumer Electronic Control [CEC] highlights, direction sets, and CEC consistency tests.
Version 1.3
HDMI 1.3 was introduced in June 2006. It brought the TMDS clock to 340 MHz [10.2 Gbit/s]. Like past adaptations, it utilizes 8b/10b encoding, giving it the greatest video data transmission of 8.16 Gbit/s [1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz or 2560 × 1440 at 60 Hz]. It additionally included help for the xvYCC shading space, notwithstanding the Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 shading spaces upheld by past variants, and added the capacity to convey metadata characterizing shading range limits. It fuses programmed sound adjusting [sound video synchronization] capability. It additionally included the new sort C Mini connector for convenient devices.
Version 1.4
HDMI 1.4 was discharged on June 5, 2009, and first came to showcase after Q2 of 2009. HDMI 1.4 included help for 4096 × 2160 at 24 Hz, 3840 × 2160 at 24, 25, and 30 Hz, and 1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz. It likewise included an HDMI Ethernet Channel [HEC] that suits a 100 Mbit/s Ethernet association between the two HDMI associated gadgets so they can share an Internet connection, presented a sound return station [ARC], 3D Over HDMI, another Micro HDMI Connector, an extended arrangement of shading spaces with the expansion of sYCC601, Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601, and an Automotive Connection System.
HDMI 1.4a was discharged on March 4, 2010, and included two compulsory 3D positions for communicating content, which was conceded with HDMI 1.4 pending the course of the 3D communicate market. HDMI 1.4a has characterized obligatory 3D groups for communicating, game, and motion picture content.
Version 2.0
HDMI version 2.0 is one of the recent developments in this technology that was introduced in September 2013. This version increased the communication bandwidth to 18Gbit/s and also added the ability to transmit 4K video at 60Hz.
Version 2.1
The latest version of the HDMI system is 2.1 which was developed in 2017. HDMI 2.1 likewise presents another HDMI link class called Ultra High Speed [alluded to as 48G during advancement], which guarantees links at the new higher paces that these configurations require. Ultra High-Speed HDMI links are in reverse perfect with more established HDMI gadgets, and more seasoned links are good with new HDMI 2.1 gadgets, however, the full 48 Gbit/s data transfer capacity is beyond the realm of imagination without the new links.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
- Can you change HDMI output to input?
It is not possible to directly change an HDMI output to input. This is because the circuitry is designed in that way but we can use external adapters which could take in HDMI input from an external device and then project it on another device through USB ports or other ports.
- Can HDMI on a laptop be used as input?
Almost 99% of the laptops have HDMI ports which are output only. However, there are some gaming laptops such as Alienware which have 2 HDMI ports, one for output and one for input. However, the hardware on such laptops is designed to support high-end graphics from video game consoles and a normal laptop must not be used for HDMI input because it can damage its hardware.
- How do I change my HDMI settings on my laptop?
Go to the control panel- appearance and visualization tab. Click on the display button and then search for Connect to a projector or Connect to an external display button and change the setting according to your requirements.
- Can you use a laptop as a monitor?
You can use your laptop as a monitor using HDMI input port if it has one. If it does not have the port, you can use software like Miracast and SpaceDesk to stream the display from an external device to a laptop. This can be used with gaming consoles as well as provided that your laptop supports the graphics and processor requirements.
Final Words
After you have seen, how to change HDMI output to input on laptop, you have to choose what options suit you. Normally, all HDMI ports on laptops are output only and it is not directly possible to change it into an input port. Therefore, we have to use converters but they must be compatible with the laptop hardware as well. There is also software that can provide wireless sharing of displays which is becoming popular for all devices. So, there is no need to worry about laptop HDMI input since you have so many choices to get your work done!
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