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

Summary: This article provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port on a Dell computer.

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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

HDMI Logo

This article provides a reference on High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports on a Dell computer. It goes over the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) by our end users and provides clear answers to each.

The questions vary from what the port looks like to how to troubleshoot them when something goes wrong.

Contact your local support, if you do not find what you need below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Note: In order to see the contents, click the title of the section that you want to open below.

What is an HDMI port and What does it do?

A Port or Connector:

A Port and/or Connector on a Dell computer has either holes or a slot that matches the plug or device that you are connecting to the Port.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI):

HDMI has been around for a while and is a proprietary video and audio interface for transferring data. (Such as the data going from an HDMI compliant source device to a compatible device such as a projector or TV.) HDMI is a digital replacement for DVI-HDCP video standards.

How does it work?

Externally HDMI is a more robust connector and port than the old DVI connections. There are no thumbscrews to secure the plug and it is not as easy to bend pins in the end of the connector. It is the first industry-supported uncompressed, all-digital audio and video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any audio and video source. (Such as a set-top box, DVD player, or audio visual receiver over a single cable. Going to a monitor with audio and video, such as a digital TV (DTV).) HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multichannel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards, and supports from 8-channel to the latest 32-channel digital audio with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

HDMI was designed to carry eight channels, of 192 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio, but it is being improved over time. In addition, HDMI can carry any format of compressed audio formats such as Dolby or DTS. HDMI is future proofed against upcoming formats such as 4K, 8K, and 10K. HDMI has the capacity to support the existing high-definition video formats such as 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It also supports the enhanced definition formats like 480p, and standard definition formats such as NTSC or PAL. HDMI has been designed with the consumer market in mind. It is widely adopted across all manufacturers. The motion picture producers Fox, Universal, Warner Bros, and Disney along with computer operators such as DirecTV, EchoStar (Dish Network), and CableLabs supports it.

What is the difference between HDMI In and HDMI Out?

Definition

HDMI Outputs are designed to send Audio and Visual signals, while HDMI Inputs are designed to receive them.

Examples of an HDMI In connection:

  • The HDMI port in a Display or Monitor accepting an audio and video signal
  • The HDMI port in a Projector accepting an audio and video signal
  • The HDMI port in a Television accepting an audio and video signal

Examples of an HDMI Out connection:

  • The HDMI port sending an audio and video signal from a Dell Computer
  • The HDMI port sending an audio and video signal from an Optical Disc Drive (CD, DVD, and so on.)
  • The HDMI port sending an audio and video signal from a webcam or video camera

What types of HDMI port are in common use?

There are several types of HDMI port and connectors in use. Select your version from the tabs below to see the available ports and plugs and what they can do:

Type A

This port and/or connector set is defined in the HDMI 1.0 specification.

The male connector is 13.9 mm by 4.45 mm, and the female port is 14 mm by 4.55 mm.

There are 19 pins with the bandwidth to call all the SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV modes.

It is electrically compatible with DVI-D Single-Link.

Port HDMI Type-A Port Plug HDMI Type-A Plug

Type B

This port and/or connector set is defined in the HDMI 1.0 specification.

The male connector is 21.2 mm by 4.45 mm.

There are 29 pins carrying six (6) pairs instead of three (3). This is for use with high-resolution displays like the WQUXGA (3840x2400 resolutions).

It is electrically compatible with DVI-D Dual-Link. This connector has not seen a lot of use, and the additional three pairs are reserved as of the 1.3 specification.

Port HDMI Type-B Port Plug HDMI Type-B Plug

Type C

This port and/or connector set is defined in the HDMI 1.3 specification and is commonly called the Mini-HDMI connector.

The male connector is 10.42 mm by 2.42 mm.

There are 19 pins and this connector type is designed for laptop devices.

You can connect a Type C connector to a Type A port by using the correct adapter cable or connector.

Port HDMI Type-C Port (end on) Plug HDMI Type-C Connector

Type D

This port and/or connector set is defined in the HDMI 1.4 specification and is commonly called the micro-HDMI connector.

The male connector is 6.4 mm by 2.8 mm.

There are 19 pins and this connector type is designed for laptop devices.

Port HDMI Type-D Port (end on) Plug HDMI Type-D Connector

Type E

The Automotive Connection Systems locking tab keeps the cable from shaking loose and help prevent moisture and dirt from interfering with the signal. The HDMI 1.4 specification defines it.

A relay connector is available for connecting regular consumer cables to the automotive type.

Port HDMI Type-E Port (wire drawing) Plug HDMI Type-E Connector

What are the HDMI Versions?

The revisions chart the changes in the technology that made the port and speeds improve over time:

Version 1.0

Version 1.0 came out in December 2002.

HDMI is a single-cable digital audio and video connector interface.

HDMI Version 1.0
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 165
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 1.65
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 4.95
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 3.96
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 36.86
Max color depth (bit/px) 24
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 1920x1200p / 60 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px  

Version 1.1

Version 1.1 came out in May 2004.

They added DVD-Audio.

HDMI Version 1.1
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 165
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 1.65
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 4.95
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 3.96
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 36.86
Max color depth (bit/px) 24
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 1920x1200p / 60 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px  

Version 1.2

Version 1.2 came out in August 2005.

Allowed low voltage sources, added Type A ports to PCs and set out Consumer Electronic Control features, command sets, and compliance tests.

HDMI Version 1.2
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 165
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 1.65
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 4.95
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 3.96
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 36.86
Max color depth (bit/px) 24
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 1920x1200p / 60 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px  

Version 1.3

Version 1.3 came out in June 2006.

Added output of Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, and Primary Audio streams. It included automatic audio synching, standardized the cable types 1 and 2 and introduced the Mini connector.

HDMI Version 1.3
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 340
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 3.40
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 10.2
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 8.16
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 36.86
Max color depth (bit/px) 48
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 2560x1600p / 60 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px  

Version 1.4

Version 1.4 came out in May 2009.

It increased the maximum resolution to 4Kx2K (4096x2160 / 24 Hz) and UltraHD (3840x2160 / 24 Hz). The new Micro connector was introduced as was the Automotive connector. It also defined and added several stereoscopic 3D formats. Introduced the Ethernet channel to the cables.

HDMI Version 1.4
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 340
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 3.40
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 10.2
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 8.16
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 36.86
Max color depth (bit/px) 48
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 4096x2160p / 24 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 1920x1080p/24Hz

Version 2.0

Version 2.0 came out in September 2013, but as of 2023 is no longer in use. (Any HDMI 2.0 product certification is either HDMI 1.4b or HDMI 2.1 now.)

Introduced HDMI UHD, the speed increased to allow it to carry 4K and 60 fps. Added the 21:9 aspect ratio and the HE-AAC and DRA audio standards.

HDMI Version 2.0
Max Pixel Clock Rate (MHz) 600
Max TMDS throughput per channel (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 6
Max total TMDS throughput (Gbit/s) including 8b/10b overhead 18
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 14.4
Max Audio throughput (Mbit/s) 49.152
Max color depth (bit/px) 48
Max consumer resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 4096x2160p / 60 Hz
Max consumer 3D resolution over single link at 24 bit/px 1920x1080p / 60 Hz
4096x2160p/24Hz

Version 2.0a came out in April 2015.

Introduced support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video

Version 2.0b came out in March 2016.

Introduced additional support for HDR Video transport

Version 2.1

Version 2.1 supersedes Version 2.0 and came out in January 2017.

Introduced HDMI 48G which stands for 48 Gbps. The bandwidth increase allows it to carry 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz, and up to 10K. It added a new Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable standard. (This standard is backwards compatible to those specifications listed in the Version 2.0 table.)

HDMI Version 2.1
Max Pixel Clock Rate (Transmission mode) FRL 6 (48 Gbps)
Max Data Rate (Gbit/s) 42
Max Transmission bit rate (Gbit/s) 48
Max throughput (Gbit/s) with 8b/10b removed 14.4
Encoding scheme 16b/18b
Data channels 4
Maximum Audio channels 32
Max color depth (bit/px) 48
Max consumer resolution over single link 7680x4320p / 60 Hz

Version 2.1a came out in February 2022.

Introduced added support for Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM)

Version 2.1b came out in August 2023.

Introduced new marketing standards

What are the HDMI cable Types?

Standard HDMI Cable

Only provides enough bandwidth for 720p and 1080i resolution video.

Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet

Only provides enough bandwidth for 720p and 1080i resolution video, but adds support for 100 Mbps Ethernet.

High-Speed HDMI Cable

To support video with a resolution of 1080p or higher, it has increased bandwidth. (Up to 4096x2160/24 Hz.) This type of cable also supports 3D video.

High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet

To support video with a resolution of 1080p or higher, it has increased bandwidth. (Up to 4096x2160/24 Hz.) This type of cable also supports 3D video but adds support for 100 Mbps Ethernet.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable

To support video with a resolution of 4K or higher, it has an increased bandwidth of 48 Gbps for uncompressed HDMI 2.1b support. (Up to 7680x4320/60 Hz for immersive viewing.) This type of cable is backwards compatible with older formats of HDMI.

Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet

To support video with a resolution of 4K or higher, it has an increased bandwidth of 48 Gbps for uncompressed HDMI 2.1b support. (Up to 7680x4320/60 Hz for immersive viewing.) This type of cable is backwards compatible with older formats of HDMI, but adds support for 100 Mbps Ethernet.

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?

Note: If you have Accidental Damage Cover, the damage is covered as part of the Accidental Damage package. We must know where the damage is and how it occurred when you contact your local Technical Support. If you DON'T have any cover or no Accidental Damage cover, then any repairs are chargeable.

You can check your warranty status on the link below.

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?
  1. 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.)

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

    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.

Caution: Carrying out option d would be done as a last resort and only done if one of the other two steps could not be done. You MUST back up all data before carrying out this procedure - if you do not, your data WILL be lost. Any operating system reinstall or factory restore formats your Hard Disk Drive (hard drive). See the guides on the Windows portal for more information about these procedures.
  1. 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.

    HDMI Sound Control Panel

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.

Note: This is a normal function of a Windows operating system and the audio driver, and is working as designed.

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.

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Additional Information

Article Properties


Affected Product

Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations

Last Published Date

04 Mar 2024

Version

10

Article Type

How To