Is HDMI (MHL) port not a HDMI port ?

Forums › Desktop computing › Is HDMI (MHL) port not a HDMI port ?

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1678

Lifetime subscriber

#258631 14-Oct-2019 09:30

My old dell monitor from 2008 apparently died the other week which was annoying but not surprised as the power button was twisted and jammed.

So a quick look online I bought a Dell u2415 which seemed equivalent.

Fast forward to the weekend and try as I might I cant get the hdmi ports to work. Keeps asking to connect DP which I could do as my gtx980 has DP but I want to use hdmi via a switcher which let's me alternate between second w10 screen and my raspberry pi.

I've tried connecting my pc from pc hdmi ports and dvi with an adapter with no luck.

So am I stuffed and a hdmi(mhl) port isn't compatible with hdmi output via w10 or raspberry pi ?

Ps in troubleshooting I plugged in broken monitor and it's working probably temporarily..

xcubed

195 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 17

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2336580 14-Oct-2019 09:55

If it's anything like my Dell U3415W, the MHL port works fine with normal HDMI inputs like those from a Raspberry Pi.

Note that the monitor generally doesn't switch input sources automatically, and the fact that it's asking you to connect an input to the DisplayPort suggests that it's on the wrong input.

Use the buttons on the front bezel to switch the input source.

sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 194

#2336614 14-Oct-2019 10:36

I've had a monitor with an HDMI (MHL) port that worked perfectly as an HDMI port.

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1678

Lifetime subscriber

#2336622 14-Oct-2019 10:44

I've tried plugging into both hdmi(mhl) ports on monitor and nothing happens.

Plug pi to either hdmi(mhl) nothing happens plug same pi and cable to hdmi on old monitor works fine.

I cant change input sources using the onscreen menu of new monitor on just stays on dp input and displays no dp source will enter shutdown in 5 minutes.

If its supposed to work fine I'll fiddle. If it isn't designed to work I'd bail.

I'll try plugging the dp cable in incase it needs a dp connection first. Ie quick start guide shows dp cable being used.

richms

29104 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10222

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2336677 14-Oct-2019 11:48

Is one of the menu options to auto select input? Its been a while since I have looked at a dell but from memory it was an option, or you held one of the buttons down to choose the input - it was labled with something.

Richard rich.ms

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1678

Lifetime subscriber

#2336723 14-Oct-2019 11:56

There are 4 panel edge buttons plus power.

Pressing one causes an input type menu to appear with DP and hdmi (mhl)1 hdmi (mhl) 2 and maybe mDP options

One of buttons has up icon the other down icon then a button with tick and button with cross.

Pressing either up or down buttons doesn't move from highlighted DP input.

coffeebaron

6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3567

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2336734 14-Oct-2019 12:16

Have you got another HDMI source e.g. a DVD player or something to test HDMI on the monitor?

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1678

Lifetime subscriber

#2336737 14-Oct-2019 12:22

Yes I could try a BR player.

Will it offer something different from a w10 and raspberry pi which both work via hdmi on old monitor but not on new monitor?

Will give it a punt in spirit of nothing to lose and sometimes electronics are stupid.

(When I get home from work though)

coffeebaron

6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3567

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2336744 14-Oct-2019 12:47

More just a suggestion to confirm monitor will work on an HDMI source. I had a new monitor that had a faulty DP port. I wasn't sure if it was the monitor or my laptop / dock until I confirmed with an alternative DP source.

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1678

Lifetime subscriber

#2337042 14-Oct-2019 22:01

UPDATE: Solved.

Problem was the control buttons on front of the bevel of the monitor. Just touching them didnt activate the buttons but touching and wiggling of the finger worked so can now change the input source to HDMI and all is good.

After much pressing and wriggling of the fingers and foul mutterings under my breath, the buttons now work with normal sensitivity...

Off to find an alcoholic breverage.

(why or why are the 15 cables behind my setup all black)