Can I use my USB Type-C which supports DisplayPort in alternate mode to connect to a HDMI 2.0 supported 4K TV

My laptop is HP Probook 450 G5. It has HDMI 1.4b and USB type-c with DP alt mode. I want to connect this laptop to my Samsung NU7100 TV which supports 4K@60Hz and has HDMI 2.0 ports. When I connect the TV via a HDMI cable, it only can run 4K@30Hz.

Can I take advantage of my USB Type-C port with DP alt mode to achieve 4K@60Hz? What cables or adapters do I need if this is possible? Can there be issues when connecting multiple converters? (Like USB Type-C -> DP -> HDMI). Also, does my USB Type-C support HDMI in alt mode as well?

k9yosh

Posted 2019-02-01T13:37:11.727

Reputation: 173

USB Type-C is only a connector. You are getting the max possible for HDMI 1.4b, and for getting more you need HDMI 2.0. – harrymc – 2019-02-01T13:44:28.073

@harrymc but since USB Type-C supports DP doesn't that mean it can achieve 4K@60Hz theoretically? – k9yosh – 2019-02-01T14:25:04.327

You can just query on Amazon for "USB C to HDMI Adapter 4K@60Hz" and get lots of results, but these cable+adapter have very cheap in-built video processors. Don't expect any performance like what you get from a real video card. – harrymc – 2019-02-01T15:04:36.770

@harrymcI found that Accell has products that supports this. And it is certified by VESA. So that should work I guess. https://www.accellww.com/collections/adapters/products/displayport-1-2-to-hdmi-2-0-adapter

– k9yosh – 2019-02-01T15:13:19.710

Aren't you forgetting you need a video adapter somewhere in the chain? – harrymc – 2019-02-01T15:25:00.167

@harrymc Type-C becomes the video adapter, yeah? correct me if I'm wrong – k9yosh – 2019-02-01T15:33:03.423

No, it's just a port, no inbuilt adapter. Don't confuse yourself. – harrymc – 2019-02-01T16:28:03.687

A port passes information, it does not create it. – harrymc – 2019-02-01T17:02:12.963

@harrymc so If I buy an adapter like this adapter it should work yeah? since the adapter does the switching or conversion it requires?

– k9yosh – 2019-02-03T09:43:31.510

If anyone's confused about this whole thing, this should clear up some doubts you have. https://superuser.com/q/1192638/540572

– k9yosh – 2019-02-03T09:50:19.580

Answers

You may use a Type C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter like the one you found.

This will work, within limits. Such a cable incorporates a simple video adapter, not up to the same standards as a full-fledged video card.

Depending on your needs, and especially if it is for gaming, search for one on a merchant website offering client evaluations, for example on Amazon, looking for testimonies from users that had the same needs.

harrymc

Posted 2019-02-01T13:37:11.727

Reputation: 306 093

But that‘s not necessarily correct. If the adapter is just an active DP-HDMI converter, the laptop’s GPU will still do all the heavy lifting. – Daniel B – 2019-02-03T12:14:35.017

Can I take advantage of my USB Type-C port with DP alt mode to achieve 4K@60Hz?

Yes. There is a caveat though: The DisplayPort version (and thus maximum resolution) isn’t specified and you need to look it up in your laptop’s specs. Still, chances are good that it supports 4K 60 Hz.

What cables or adapters do I need if this is possible?

Something like this.

Can there be issues when connecting multiple converters? (Like USB Type-C -> DP -> HDMI).

Yes, mainly with power. USB-C can only provide power to the first adapter. The next adapter could then not receive enough power and would need an additional power connection.

Also, does my USB Type-C support HDMI in alt mode as well?

While there is apparently indeed a specification for HDMI Alt Mode, I haven’t seen any device supporting it. It is also restricted to HDMI 1.4b.

Daniel B

Posted 2019-02-01T13:37:11.727

Reputation: 40 502

It's really confusing when it comes down to these type of port tech – k9yosh – 2019-02-04T13:30:39.167

The problem really is that most OEMs suck at writing specs. If they would simply lay out all the facts (which modes a specific USB-C port on a device supports for example), life would be so much easier. Instead the just write “Thunderbolt 3.0”. – Daniel B – 2019-02-04T13:58:06.043

Yeah exactly. It's super annoying when you purchase the item and find out that it's not gonna support your requirements. It's indirect false advertising mostly I would say. They sneak in really important information somewhere they know the consumer will most likely ignore and just purchase the item because the product has a general name on it. – k9yosh – 2019-02-06T03:29:44.680