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2 Posts
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4103
November 8th, 2018 18:00
DDM, not supported with HDMI switcher
I have two Windows 10 computers connected to a new Dell UltraSharp U2415. At first, I had one computer connected via the mini-DP and the other via HDMI, switching back and forth between the two using the monitor's input menu. Doing it that way was inconvenient, however, so I bought an HDMI switch with a remote control and hooked both monitors up to it. The switch works fine, and the monitor is recognized by both computers. The problem is that Dell Display Manager now doesn't see the monitor on either computer. I get an error stating that it requires a supported monitor and connection and compatible display driver.
I deleted and reinstalled both Dell Display Manager and the driver. The driver installer's auto-detect saw the monitor without any problem, and the monitor shows correctly in Windows 10 Device Manager, but Dell Display Manager still will not see it. Restarting the computers doesn't fix it either.
I don't see how it could be a cable problem since the cables are new. Also, if it was a bad cable, then I would think that I'd have problems with the picture. So, I can only assume that Dell Display Manager has an issue with the HDMI switch, which is a Dingsun 4 Port HDMI Switch.
I'm not sure if there is any way to fix this, but I wanted to report it so that both Dell and users will know about this issue. Fortunately, I don't really need the Dell Display Manager, so it's not a big problem for me.
swamped207
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426 Posts
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November 8th, 2018 19:00
HDMI has 19 pins, two of which are used by DDM to communicate with the monitor firmware to establish a command interface. Since a command interface is not absolutely necessary to a video interface, many switchers will not implement all 19 pins in the interests of shaving costs. It looks like this is the case with your "Dingsun 4 Port HDMI Switch". As a general rule, you should assume that a switcher that does not *explicitly* support DDC/CI or CEC will be incompatible with DDM.
MaureenT48
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November 8th, 2018 19:00
Ah, I see. That does explain it. I had no idea that was a requirement for DDM when I was shopping for a switch.
Thanks for the quick reply.