Why Wouldn't an HDMI be on the Surface Pro?

[snowwake8]

I don't understand why an HDMI output wouldn't be on the Surface Pros. Any of them. In fact I'm shocked and confused as to why. That seems to be the only thing missing.

 

[azcruz]

People can argue all they want between HDMI vs. DisplayPort, but one thing is certain-

HDMI = $10,000 per high-volume manufacturer plus $0.04 per device
DisplayPort = Royalty-free

Not that Microsoft or Apple can;t pay for it. But you can cascade DisplayPort for multiple display monitors. DisplayPort is best suited for computers, while HDMI for Home Theater.

 

[N_LaRUE]

People can argue all they want between HDMI vs. DisplayPort, but one thing is certain-

HDMI = $10,000 per high-volume manufacturer plus $0.04 per device
DisplayPort = Royalty-free

Not that Microsoft or Apple can;t pay for it. But you can cascade DisplayPort for multiple display monitors. DisplayPort is best suited for computers, while HDMI for Home Theater.

You forgot to mention that all you need is an adapter and you have HDMI output.

The other thing you miss is that lots of peripherals are HDMI these days.

 

[azcruz]

You forgot to mention that all you need is an adapter and you have HDMI output.

The other thing you miss is that lots of peripherals are HDMI these days.

True. I didn't mention that hoping it was not the OP's concern. I have one costs $6. He he

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[azcruz]

As I said, Home Theater. HDMI was around like 3 years earlier than DisplayPort and supported by more manufactures in the consumer space.

Does it really matter for a computer? Unless I'm configuring HTPC then it would matter to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[snowwake8]

Yea. Adapters are easy to get. It would just be nice to have it on the device to connect to my TV.

 

[strollin]

I found this article which does a good job of explaining HDMI vs DisplayPort: hdmi-vs-displayport-which-display-interface-reigns-supreme

Here's the summary from the article:
Better desktop displays, desktop PCs, and all-in-one PCs will support DisplayPort in addition to HDMI. Laptops, however, have less real estate available for connectors. For the most part, consumer laptops will provide HDMI, while business-oriented models will support DisplayPort.

If you plan to use a laptop with a stand-alone display, you won't regret paying a little more to get a model that offers DisplayPort: Its support for multiple displays and its ability to connect to nearly any other type of monitor with an inexpensive adapter give it greater flexibility than HDMI possesses.

 

[Dewg]

I think the daisy chain feature of DP is the little known fact that makes it much more versatile.

 

[jhoff80]

The licensing issue is a big one, but HDMI is also a larger connector (Surface 2 uses microHDMI which still needs an adapter to use to an HDMI in anyway) and more importantly, doesn't have the same bandwidth.

The maximum resolution of HDMI 1.4 (which is what most devices still have) is 1920x1080 @ 60Hz or 4096x2160 @ only 30 Hz.
DisplayPort 1.2 can do 4k at 60 Hz or it can be used for multiple monitors at lower resolutions (such as dual 1440p displays).

HDMI 2.0 levels the playing field a bit, but support is still limited.

 

[navierstokez]

you can get mini display port to hdmi cables very cheaply now. places like monoprice.
so you dont need an adapter.
hdmi is there, just with a different connector.

 

[mozman68]

you can get mini display port to hdmi cables very cheaply now. places like monoprice.
so you dont need an adapter.
hdmi is there, just with a different connector.

Isn't what you are describing an "adaptor?"

Real world use... in business at least... you never know what you need to connect to. Possibly an old VGA projector one day or an HDMI one the next. My one "adaptor" will connect my SP3 to either.

 

[cdf3]

Isn't what you are describing an "adaptor?"

Real world use... in business at least... you never know what you need to connect to. Possibly an old VGA projector one day or an HDMI one the next. My one "adaptor" will connect my SP3 to either.

Could you provide a link to the type of you have? I have a mini Display to HDMI adapter. Thinking about getting one that can work with other peripherals.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[mozman68]

Could you provide a link to the type of you have? I have a mini Display to HDMI adapter. Thinking about getting one that can work with other peripherals.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Has it all covered... showing up tomorrow!

Amazon.com: Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt™ Port Compatible) to HDMI/DVI/VGA Male to Female 3-in-1 Adapter in Black: Computers & Accessories

 

[yonghong]

Can this one support 4K?

True. I didn't mention that hoping it was not the OP's concern. I have one costs $6. He he

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/08/y4yge2aq.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[azcruz]

Can this one support 4K?

I'm sorry, I have not tested on 4K monitors. I regulrly use it on my HP x2301, which is low-res already. He he

 

[alienking70]

OK school me up a bit.... I have the surface pro. I have a MicroUSB HD Video Out port, is this not HDMI with a different connector?

 

[onlysublime]

I think the daisy chain feature of DP is the little known fact that makes it much more versatile.

yeah, daisychaining is the big win for PCs. You could hook up 3 DP monitors (is there a limit???) to a Surface Pro/2/3.

Right now, to get multiple monitors on more traditional PCs, you need a video card with lots of outputs (one per monitor) or use a video card in combination with onboard video. still clunky with multiple cables coming from the PC.

 

[azcruz]

OK school me up a bit.... I have the surface pro. I have a MicroUSB HD Video Out port, is this not HDMI with a different connector?

See the photo of my Surface Pro with DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor posted above.

 

[navierstokez]

This might be a bit late.

What I am talking about is a cable that terminates in an hdmi on one end and the other goes to a mini display port.
I don't think that qualifies as an adapter, coz then a USB a to mini is an adapter.
The point is you carry only one cable coz the other end goes to hdmi.

See link.

Search result for hdmi to mini display - Monoprice.com
Don't need to buy an adapter. You sp3 will only accept mini display port anyways.
Hope this helps.

 

[hopmedic]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive mini-DP to dual connector, whether the dual is HDMI, DVI, or VGA?