How To Change HDMI Output To Input On PC? Have you ever thought of using different ports on your laptop? One is the HDMI port that we usually use to watch movies on a bigger screen rather than the regular laptop screen.
In this guide, we will teach you how to use a laptop’s HDMI as input, which most users don’t know because they mainly use it for output. So stay with us for this article to find out how to change HDMI output to input on pc.
WHAT IS HDMI?
HDMI stands for High Definition Media Interface. It is an audio/video interface standard used to transmit high-quality video without compression. Many people ask if my laptop has an HDMI input. We’ll answer that question in a minute, but first, we must distinguish between a laptop’s output and input ports.
Since the innovation was introduced, some adjustments have been made and sent to HDMI, but they all use a similar link and port. In addition to improved sound and video mitigation, performance, targets, and shadow areas, more recent forms have selectable highlights, for example, 3D, Ethernet information mapping, and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) extensions.
Production of HDMI consumer goods began in late 2003. By January 2015 (twelve years after the first HDMI regulation was introduced), more than 4 billion HDMI devices had been sold.
WHAT IS HDMI OUTPUT?
The port on most laptops is an HDMI output. In simple terms, the audio or video from the laptop is sent through this output port to an external device such as a monitor or television. The standard HDMI port has a total of 19 pins and uses the Transmission Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol for data transfer. The HDMI system has evolved from version 1.0 in 2002 to version 2.1 in 2017, the current version. It has a bit rate of 48 Gbps, which is extremely fast. How do you convert the HDMI output of the laptop into an input? Let’s 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 are aware of when they need a laptop with HDMI input. These are the main advantages of this technology:
The main advantage of HDMI is that it allows transmission without data loss or compression. You can stream 4K video from one device and receive the same 4K video on another, which was not possible with previous video standards.
Since HDMI has one cable for video and audio, there is no need to connect multiple cables, which can lead to congestion and confusion.
Data security is an essential requirement for people today. They in no way want their information to be compromised. HDMI has an excellent encoding system that allows only the devices connected via the cable to receive the information and any other device nearby will not display this data. This issue occurs when wireless display sharing with software applications is not very secure because it is more vulnerable to hackers than traditional wired data sharing.
HDMI can display several RGB color options that help create a clear and vibrant image that was not possible with previous methods of video communication.
HDMI has high compatibility with various adapters, formats, and interfaces. The adapters can be used for port conversions such as HDMI output to input. This allows us to use HDMI even on old computers with different converters available on the market.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF HDMI?
Every technological advancement has some drawbacks and HDMI is no exception. We have tried to cover them below:
- Laptops generally only have native HDMI outputs. To convert it to the input we, therefore, have to use expensive adapters and the result may not be worth it if your laptop does not have the necessary hardware.
- When communicating via HDMI, there may be delays due to the high quality of the data transmission. So we have to stare at the black screen for some time when using HDMI.
- New versions are not supported by every device we connect to laptops, so make sure to use the HDMI version you are using.
WHY DO YOU NEED A LAPTOP WITH HDMI INPUT?
Before we dive into the possible solutions to this problem, it is important to ask ourselves why we need laptop HDMI as input. Some gamers may say they want to watch their video games on their laptop’s high-end 4K screen. This would require an HDMI input to the game console’s laptop. Some people also say that they want the output of their TV decoder to be on their laptop screen for more personal use. However, I would argue that none of these things require HDMI input.
After all, getting the video from a bigger screen like a TV to a smaller screen on a laptop is a strange idea. In addition, laptops are not designed to support such heavy video games as they consist of limited hardware. Without an excellent graphics card and display, an HDMI input would be useless to a normal user.
DOES MY LAPTOP HAVE AN HDMI INPUT?
By nature, there are very few high-end laptops that support HDMI input. The HDMI port on laptops is generally for output only. So how do you change the HDMI output to the laptop input? Well, there are a few ways you can do it and this guide will teach you How To Change HDMI Output To Input On PC. The answer to that is the HDMI output to the input adapter.
Several products can be used for this. 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 records HDMI video at a resolution of up to 4K and sends it to a USM 3.0 port. There is no signal loss in the video and the USB allows easy connection to any laptop or desktop computer. This allows us to use laptop HDMI as input even if it does not have a dedicated HDMI port.
Magewell USB Holder – 32060
Magewell 32060 is also an HDMI to USB adapter that accepts HDMI input and outputs from the USB port. It is a compact device that resembles a flash drive in shape. It can also be used to broadcast audio and video live from cameras directly to laptops.
Magewell USB Capture HDMI plus
This device has 2 HDMI ports on one side and a USB and 3.5mm audio port on the other. This allows an HDMI to be used as a loop-through port when we just want to hear 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 powerful device that can be used for various purposes. It has both an HDMI input and an HDMI output, as well as various USB connections, 3.5mm audio connections, an RS232 connection, an Ethernet connection, and a 12 V DC input. Therefore, we can stream multiple issues to one laptop screen. So if someone asks how to change HDMI on a laptop? You can recommend this device for all solutions. However, this is an expensive device and users should keep an eye on the high price!
Display Port to HDMI Adapter
This small and handy device has an HDMI plug on one side and another socket on the other. This allows you to mirror the screen of your laptop to a TV and vice versa. You can stream up to 4K and with the dual mode, you can easily work on two different things on the connected devices. So instead of worrying about a laptop with HDMI input and output, just buy this device and enjoy!
HOW DOES THE LAPTOP HAVE HDMI OUTPUT ON A CABLE-LESS INPUT?
If you’re tired of cables getting in the way and don’t want to spend extra money on adapters, we’ve got a solution for you. There are several software available that allow screen sharing between two devices, such as:
Mirecast
This is a technology that enables HDMI streaming over Wi-Fi. This feature is supported by Windows 8 and above. The device on which we want to mirror or extend our display must also support Mirecast. Both devices must be connected to the same internet connection and within range. This function can also be used in mobile phones with the Android 4.2 operating system and above.
Space desk
This is an application that can be easily downloaded from the Internet. After installing the program, you need to download the drivers for your respective Windows and make sure that both devices to be shared are connected to the same network. After doing this, you don’t have to worry about whether or not your laptop has an HDMI input. Connect the devices remotely and enjoy your life!
Streaming at home
This feature is best for gamers who want to stream their video games to a laptop screen. This feature is available in applications such as Steam, which can be downloaded for free. After installing the program, select the game you want to play and click Stream. This will stream the screen to the laptop and not worry about changing the HDMI output to a laptop input.
HDMI CONNECTIONS
There are different types of connections for HDMI, namely types A, B, C, D, and E. A type A HDMI container connected to a device with the words HDMI IN below it.
There are five types of HDMI connections. Type A/B is mainly featured in HDMI 1.0, type C is featured in the HDMI 1.3 provision, and type D/E is featured in HDMI 1.4 detail.
Type A.
This is the standard HDMI connector with a total of 19 pins. Most computers have a Type-A connector, making it a very popular choice for brands. It is electrically good with a single interface DVI-D.
Type B
The type B connector contains 29 pins. With a double DVI-D connection, it is electrically perfect, but not yet used in a product. With the presentation of HDMI 1.3, the most extreme transmission capability of single-interface HDMI surpassed that of dual-connection DVI-D. As of HDMI 1.4, the single to dual-link hybrid repeat pixel clock rate is undefined.
Type C
The Type-C connector is smaller than the Type-A connector but has 19 pins. It is increasingly used in newer laptops due to space where the emphasis is on using a minimum number of ports on each device. With the associated shielding, the DDC/CEC Ground is distributed to stick 13 instead of pin 17, the CEC to stick 14 instead of pin 13, and the stored pin is 17 instead of pin 14. The Type C mini connector can be a connector are Type A with a Type A to Type C cable.
Type D
The type D connector retains the standard 19 pins of type A and C, but the pin assignment is not the same as for both.
Type E
This type of HDMI interface is used in cars. It can be locked so that it can be used without any problems even under harsh conditions. A transfer connector is available to match standard buyer links to the vehicle type.
There is also an alternate mode to HDMI that can be connected to video show/sink gadgets that use one of the local HDMI Type-C ports. This is an HDMI link, currently a USB-C to HDMI link.
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC)
CEC is remote-controlled via an HDMI connection. It allows two devices connected via an HDMI cable to control each other, e.g. Volume and display settings.
VERSIONS OF HDMI
Version 1.0
HDMI 1.0 was released on December 9, 2002, and is an advanced audio/video connection interface. The link design relies on DVI, uses the same video transmission position, but transmits audio and other auxiliary information during the video stream blanking time. HDMI 1.0 enables the highest TMDS clock of 165 MHz (4.95 Gbit/s transmission rate per connection), which is equivalent to DVI. The HDMI 1.0 version allows for pre-characterized video designs, including all organizations described in EIA/CEA-861-B and some additional agreements laid down in the HDMI specification itself. All HDMI sources/sinks must also be able to transmit/accept local single-link DVI video and must be fully compliant with the DVI specification.
Version 1.1
HDMI 1.1 was released on May 20, 2004, and included help for DVD audio.
Version 1.2
HDMI 1.2 was released on August 8, 2005, and included the One Bit Audio alternative, which is used on Super Audio CDs with up to 8 channels. To make HDMI increasingly useful for use on PC devices, Adaptation 1.2 has also eliminated the need to use lone, clearly supported controls. It added the ability for manufacturers to create trade associations that allowed arbitrary discretionary targets and hiked tariffs rather than limiting themselves to a predefined outline of positions taken.
Released on December 14, 2005, HDMI 1.2a fully reflects Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) highlights, sets of directions, 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 previous tweaks, it uses 8b/10b encoding, giving it the highest video data transfer rate at 8.16 Gbps (1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz or 2560 × 1440 at 60 Hz). It also included help for the xvYCC shadow space, regardless of the shadow spaces Rec.601 and Rec.709 supported by previous variants, and added the ability to transfer metadata that characterizes the shadow region boundaries. It combines the ability for programmed sound customization (sound-video synchronization). It also featured the new Type C mini connector for handy devices.
Version 1.4
HDMI 1.4 was released on June 5, 2009, and was first introduced after the second quarter 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 also featured an HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC) that was capable of 100 Mbit / The Ethernet connection between the two HDMI-connected devices is capable of enabling them to have an Internet connection, a sound return station (ARC), 3D over HDMI, an other micro HDMI connection, an extensive arrangement of shadow rooms with the extension of sYCC601, Adobe can share RGB and Adobe YCC601 and an automotive connection system.
HDMI 1.4a was released on March 4, 2010, and included two mandatory 3D content communications positions awarded with HDMI 1.4 in the wake of the 3D communications market. HDMI 1.4a has marked mandatory 3D groups for communication, game, and movie content.
Version 2.0
HDMI version 2.0 is one of the most recent developments in this technology, which was introduced in September 2013. This version increased the communication bandwidth to 18 Gbps and also added the ability to transmit 4K videos at 60 Hz.
Version 2.1
The latest version of the HDMI system is 2.1, which was developed in 2017. HDMI 2.1 also offers another HDMI link class called Ultra High Speed (called 48G in the evolution), which guarantees connections at the new faster speeds that these configurations require. Ultra-fast HDMI links, on the other hand, are perfect with established HDMI gadgets, and more experienced links are good with new HDMI 2.1 gadgets, but the full 48Gbps data transfer capacity is beyond imagination without the new links.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Can you switch the HDMI output to the input?
It is not possible to directly switch an HDMI output to an input. This is because the circuit is designed that way, but we can use external adapters that can take the HDMI input from an external device and then project it to another device through USB ports or other ports.
Can HDMI be used as input on a laptop?
Nearly 99% of laptops have HDMI ports that run only. However, there are some gaming laptops like Alienware that have 2 HDMI ports, one for output and one for input. However, the hardware of such laptops is designed to support high-end graphics from video game consoles, and a regular laptop should not be used for HDMI input, as it may damage the hardware.
How do I change the HDMI settings on my laptop?
Switch to the Appearance and Visualization tab of the Control Panel. Click the Display button, then look for the “Connect to a projector” or “Connect to an external display” button and change the setting as desired.
Can you use a laptop as a monitor?
You can use your laptop as a monitor with an HDMI input if there is one. If it doesn’t have a port, you can use software like Miracast and SpaceDesk to stream the screen from an external device to a laptop. This can be used with game consoles as well provided your laptop supports the graphics and processor requirements.
Conclusion – How To Change HDMI Output To Input On PC
Now that you’ve seen How To Change HDMI Output To Input On PC, it’s time to choose the options that suit you. Usually, all HDMI ports on laptops are output only and cannot be converted directly to an input port. Therefore, we must use converters, but they must also be compatible with the laptop’s hardware. There is also software that enables wireless screen sharing, which is becoming increasingly popular across all devices. So you don’t have to worry about the laptop’s HDMI input because you have so many options to get your job done! Let us know your questions and suggestions in the comments section below. Your opinion is very valuable to us and helps us provide you with more informative content!