Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the HDMI Port on a Dell Computer

What are the HDMI cable Types?

HDMI compared with DisplayPort?

A common question is which is better HDMI or DisplayPort, I go into their common categories and we see how they match up:

The connectors

The connectors between HDMI and DisplayPort are similar in range and reach. Mini DisplayPort is more prevalent on Apple devices, while the mini HDMI is seen more on laptop devices. So this is more of a tie.

The cables

There are four (4) cable standards for HDMI, but they are often not labeled correctly. Using a cable that is not up to the job that you want it to do can be problematical. There is no maximum cable length that is defined for HDMI in its standards. It really depends on the cable type - they can carry out a wide variety of jobs. DisplayPort cables are simpler. There is one standard of cable and it supports all the current revisions. However it cannot cover the same widespread of capabilities like the HDMI cables. Lengthwise DisplayPort can have a regular 65 ft cable, for a fiber cable it can be hundreds of feet long. For simplicity, DisplayPort wins, however for specialized jobs you would go with the correct HDMI cable type.

Video and Audio Streams

HDMI can handle a single video stream and a single audio stream, so it can only drive one display at a time. Whereas a DisplayPort interface can support from two screens (2560x1600 resolutions) up to four (4) screens. (1920x1200 resolutions) Each screen receives independent video and audio streams. With additional interfaces, you can daisy-chain compatible monitors to have as many as Six (6) screens connected to one source. HDMI is fine for one screen, but if you want multiple screens - DisplayPort is the way to go.

The conclusion

HDMI was designed for Home Entertainment - Home Theaters, projectors, Televisions, Blu-ray players and the like. For this environment, HDMI is still the best.

DisplayPort was designed specifically for computers. It is the ultimate display interface to replace the older video standards - However it works more as a complement to HDMI than a replacement of it.

HDMI has had the better uptake by manufacturers, so is the more ubiquitous standard commonly available.

The answer as to which is better - it depends on what you want to do with it. Home entertainment - stick to HDMI, Productivity and/or Business uses - consider what DisplayPort can do for you.

What Operating Systems support HDMI ports?

So far there has not been a popular operating system that has not supported HDMI. Everything from Apple, Linux, and Windows have support for these HDMI standards that are built into their operating systems from the base up.

How do I resolve an issue with a Device not detected or faulty on an HDMI port?

You can check your warranty status on the link below.

• Warranty status

The first step is to check the ports, the connector, and the cable for any wear and tear or damage that might be causing you problems:

1. Checking for damage is basic, it is looking at the HDMI port and visually checking if there are any:

   • Cracks in the plastics surrounding the port?
   • Any part of the port that is crimped or bent?
   • Any pins from inside the port bent or missing?
   • Any parts of the port missing or broken off?
   • Any damage to the devices male connector?
   • Any damage to the cable from the connector to the device?

2. If you identify any of the above, you must have in place a complete care warranty or be prepared for a chargeable repair call. (Your local Technical Support team provides a quote for this repair.)

3. If there is no damage to the port, the cabling or the external device then carry on with the next step.

4. Does the external HDMI device and cabling work ok in another computer?

   1. Yes, then proceed with the next step.

   2. No, then you must replace the external device or cable as appropriate.

5. Plug the external device to the port using the cabling. If you move the connector while it is plugged into the HDMI port, does it affect whether the device is picked up or not?

   1. Yes, then contact your local Technical Support team to take the connection issue further.

   2. No, then go to the next step.

6. Have you ruled out a software issue in any way? There are four basic ways to accomplish this.

   1. You can swap out your hard drive (Hard Disk Drive) with one from a similar working computer. Check to see if the fault follows the hard drive to a new machine or if the issue stays with your computer? Follow your User Guide for instructions on removing any hardware parts. The steps change from computer type to the computer type. Alternatively, to find a guide specific to your machine you can search on our Dell Support Site using terms such as: "your computers model type," "CRU" or "removal"

   2. You can boot from an Ubuntu Live CD. (Regardless of the operating system in use on the computer.) Check to see if you experience the same issue in another operating system. Ubuntu live CDs allow you to boot the operating system off the CD without installing it on your Hard Drive. You can download an ISO of the CD on the Download link below. Tap rapidly at the F12 key when the computer boots to the Dell Splash screen. Choose the CD/DVD drive option from the boot once menu that appears.

      • Ubuntu ISO Download Link

   3. You can plug your cable and screen to another device. (Such as a Bluray player, satellite, or cable box to check they work away from your computer and operating system.)

   4. You can run a factory restore or reinstall your Operating system.

7. Was the issue seen once the operating system and Software were ruled out?

   1. No, then the issue is resolved.

   2. Yes, then contact your support to take this further, they take you through some hardware diagnostics. These are built into your computer, and you can also access more on the Dell Support Site by entering your service tag.

See the additional information section at the bottom of this article for contact us instructions.

How do I get the sound back through the HDMI port after upgrading to windows 7?

On some Dell laptops, after upgrading to Windows 7 no sound can be heard from speakers that are connected to the HDMI port. To verify, view the driver details of the Intel(R) High Definition Audio HDMI in Device Manager.

1. Click Start and in the search box type, Sound, then click Sound under Control Panel.

2. Under the Playback tab, HDMI may be missing.

   

If HDMI is missing from Sound in the Control Panel and there is no audio through HDMI? Download and install the latest Intel video and IDT audio drivers from Dell Support Site for your computer type or service tag to resolve the issue.

Why does the audio output change when I dock my Dell laptop?

When in use and undocked, the default audio output for a Dell laptop is the internal speakers.

If the computer is docked in a docking station with an HDMI or DisplayPort connected display with a headphone output? The default audio output changes automatically to the HDMI or DisplayPort connected device. This is regardless of any speaker configuration on the display device.

If the external display has no internal or external speakers or has no speaker bar attached? A no audio condition (loss of sound) may be encountered until the default output is changed back to the internal speakers of the computer.

The audio device drivers always check for HDMI/DisplayPort audio devices that are installed in Windows. If detected, Windows automatically makes the switch to the HDMI/DisplayPort audio device.

If the display has no speakers but has a headphone output? The switch results in a no sound until the default audio device is manually changed back to the internal speakers.

This is the computer working as it should. To switch back to internal speakers, follow these steps:

1. Right Click the Start button, click Control Panel from the menu.

2. Click hardware and sound, then Manage Audio devices in the Sound section, the sound window opens.

3. Click Speakers, then click Set Default, then OK and close the control panel window.

What is the future of the HDMI port?

There does not appear to be any doubt that the HDMI standard has a clear cut advantage in the consumer market.

Many consumers are aware of the benefits of this hardware and there is an increase in manufacturers going to HDMI ports on consumer devices.

With the constant improvement seen, HDMI can only go from strength to strength.