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Plugable Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt™ 2 to HDMI 2.0 Active Adapter
$29.95 USD
SKU: MDP-HDMIAmazon Rating : (1042 Reviews)
Features
- mDP to HDMI Adapter—Converts a Mini DisplayPort output on your laptop or desktop to HDMI for easy connection to an HDMI capable display, monitor, or HDTV
- Supported Resolutions—Supports HDMI displays up to 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (4K) resolution
- AMD Eyefinity Compatible—VESA (DisplayPort) certified. Compliant with VESA Dual-Mode DisplayPort 1.2, High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2), and HDMI 2.0 standards
- Compatibility—Active Adapter is compatible with Older Macs and Surface PCs with Mini DisplayPort 1.2 output ports and HDMI 2.0 displays. Not bidirectional. Note your source and display both need to support desired resolution
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this mini DisplayPort, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
Product Description
With the Plugable Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Active Adapter (MDP-HDMI), convert the Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 2 output on your Mac or PC laptop, desktop, or tablet to virtually any HDMI-enabled display.
How important is an Active Adapter? Active Adapters use an integrated chipset to convert the DisplayPort signal from the computer to an HDMI signal. The Plugable adapter supports resolutions up to 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz on displays with Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), and 4K 30Hz with High Dynamic Range (HDR) capable displays.
Applications
- Connect an HDMI-equipped display to a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2 port
- Connect additional HDMI displays to AMD Eyefinity or NVIDIA Surround capable graphics cards
- Small and sturdy, so it can go where you go
- Plugable Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Active Adapter
Please note that an HDMI cable is not included.
Compatibility
| Compatible Setups | PC and Mac laptops, desktops, or tablets that have Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2 output ports |
| Incompatible Setups | This adapter is not bidirectional and will not convert video in the other direction |
For Apple Users
While our mDP adapters work with Apple Thunderbolt ports, the maximum supported resolution will depend on the model of Mac and monitor in use. Please be aware that with an update to macOS Mavericks, Apple disabled 4K video output on the vast majority of Mac models—even models which previously were able to output 4K. Only Macs with “official” 4K support from Apple will be capable of 4K output using this adapter, while most will be limited to 1080P output. Additionally, some Apple systems will not be capable of outputting audio from Thunderbolt 2 to the HDMI display.
The adapter has passed the extensive testing requirements necessary for VESA certification and is compliant with VESA Dual-Mode DisplayPort 1.2, High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2), and HDMI 2.0 standards. The adapter is also compatible with both AMD Eyefinity and NVIDIA Surround technologies.
FAQ
What is an active adapter? How is it different from a passive adapter?
An Active DisplayPort adapter has an integrated circuit to convert a DisplayPort signal to HDMI, DVI, or VGA. DisplayPort uses a different digital signaling type than HDMI and DVI (which use the same type), both of these signaling types are very different from VGA's analog signal.
Passive adapters rely on the graphics controller to selectively deliver the correct graphics signal using the DisplayPort output. Generally, this leads to reduced resolution or refresh rate compared to Active Adapters. Additionally using passive adapters may limit the number of connected displays in AMD Eyefinity and NVIDIA Surround setups.
Why doesn't this work with HDR 4K televisions?
HDR or HDR10 is a new technology that requires additional color and brightness data to be transmitted from the computer to the display. This requires the host computer to support DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.0b or HDMI 2.1, our adapter is designed for SDR (non-HDR) displays and converts from DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 and is incompatible with the HDR specification.
When connected to an HDR television, the television will attempt to enable HDR over the connection even though it is not supported causing reduced refresh rate or image quality. Some televisions provide options to disable HDR but most will enable and prioritize HDR over image quality and refresh rate.
Why am I unable to set a 3840x2160 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate from my MacBook Pro/Mac Pro (Retina, Late 2013 and later)?
Mac OS X/macOS has limited the 4K video output from mDP ports to a maximum of 4K (3840x2160 @ 30Hz) when using our adapter with an HDMI 2.0 rated cable and HDMI 2.0 compatible display. Some customers have been successful in achieving a 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate when using 3rd party applications, like SwitchResX.
Apple transmits audio over DisplayPort/Thunderbolt in a unique way. Implementing support for this feature on Apple systems would have resulted in the adapter no longer qualifying for VESA (DisplayPort) certification.
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|---|---|---|---|
HDMI (Output) |
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Supports resolutions up to |
4K (3840x2160) |
4K (3840x2160) |
4K (3840x2160) |
Max Refresh Rate (4K SDR) |
60Hz |
30Hz |
60Hz |
Max Refresh Rate (4K HDR) |
30Hz |
HDR Not Available |
60Hz |
Max Refresh Rate (Below 4K) |
60Hz |
60Hz |
60Hz |
Converts audio |
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Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
What’s the Difference Between an Active and Passive DisplayPort Adapter?
DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA conversion is deceptively complex because the two standards use different electrical signaling. DisplayPort comes in two versions—"Dual Mode" DisplayPort (DP++), which allows the port to actually switch its electrical signaling to a different format, and "pure" DisplayPort (DP), which is intended for DisplayPort monitors without any conversion.
Passive adapters rely entirely upon DP++ functionality to produce the appropriate output signal. In other words, passive adapters do not work when connected to a regular DisplayPort port (only supported through a DP++ port).
Active adapters on the other hand contain extra components that perform the necessary signaling conversion on their own, so they do not have the same reliance on a DP++ port as a passive adapter would. In other words, active adapters are more flexible and can be used on either a pure DisplayPort output or a DP++ port. To hit the point home, passive adapters only work through DP++ ports.
Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Adapter to the HDMI Port on my Monitor to Daisy-Chain Monitors?
No, this would not work. DisplayPort to HDMI adapters are only meant to be directly connected to your PC or docking stations. These are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to be connected to a HDMI output (monitor, projector, television).
Using a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter will not add DisplayPort MST functionality to your HDMI monitor, as it is a feature of DisplayPort. HDMI does not natively support MST, and would be unable to do so even with an adapter.
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
How to Determine Your USB-C Port Video Capabilities
Understanding your laptop's video output capabilities is essential when connecting to external displays. This guide will help you identify what video technologies your laptop supports and how to find the relevant information.
Common Video Output Technologies
Modern laptops commonly use one or more of the following technologies to transmit video to external monitors:
1. Thunderbolt 3
- Supports video output using the DisplayPort protocol.
- Capable of driving up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz.
- Uses a USB-C connector and features a lightning bolt symbol next to the port.
Note: An example of Thunderbolt 3 ports
2. Thunderbolt 4
- Provides improved performance over Thunderbolt 3.
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Uses a USB-C connector with the same lightning bolt symbol but may also include the number "4" for identification.
Note: Thunderbolt 4 has the same physical connection and “lightning” bolt icon as Thunderbolt 3
3. USB-C DisplayPort "Alt Mode"
- Allows video output directly through the USB-C port using DisplayPort technology.
- Commonly supports one 4K display at 60Hz, but capabilities may vary.
- Often marked with a DisplayPort ("DP") symbol, but this feature may also be specified in your system's documentation.
Note: An example of a USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities
How to Identify Your Laptop's Video Capabilities
To determine what video technologies your laptop supports, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Laptop's User Manual:
- Locate your laptop's user manual (often available online from the manufacturer's support site).
- Search for keywords like "Thunderbolt," "DisplayPort Alt Mode," or "video output capabilities."
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
- Go to the support page for your laptop model and find the technical specifications section.
- Look for details on Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities.
3. Inspect Your Laptop's Ports:
-
Check for identifying symbols next to USB-C ports:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 ports may have a lightning bolt symbol.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode may be marked with a "DP" icon.
“What if I do not have the above technologies?”: USB 3.0 (Type-A) and Display Expansion
While USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports do not support native video output, they can still be used to extend to two or more displays using software-based solutions like DisplayLink or Silicon Motion's InstantView. These technologies enable video through USB-A ports by utilizing dedicated drivers and software.
If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities, DisplayLink or InstantView may be a viable alternative for expanding your display setup. A few other things to consider:
- Not all USB-C ports support video output. Checking your laptop's documentation is crucial to confirm this capability.
- Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode but provide enhanced performance and flexibility.
If you have further questions about connecting your Plugable docking station or adapter to your laptop, please reach out to our support team for guidance.
