HDMI/VGA issues

[witch]

Our new laptops don't have a VGA connection, as you would expect. BUT our interactive whiteboards do. I have got convertors but the issue is that the projected screen has gone blue, much like it does when the VGA connection is dodgy.

Is there anything I can do? Would a powered adaptor help?

[FishCustard]

Usually as you say this would mean that one or more of the pins on the VGA connector isn't making contact. But if they're all doing it...

 

Stupid question - if you use native VGA everything works?

 

Do the IWBs have any other inputs (e.g. DisplayPort)?

[win]

Usually the VGA HDMI adaptor is powered by a USB cable which you can plug into the USB port, does yours have a USB cable as well to power it? If not then you'll need to swap it for one which does

[witch]

Oh bother

None of them do

[FishCustard]

Can we see a picture of/get a link to the devices you're using? There might be a way to make them work.

[witch]

Usually as you say this would mean that one or more of the pins on the VGA connector isn't making contact. But if they're all doing it...

 

Stupid question - if you use native VGA everything works?

 

Do the IWBs have any other inputs (e.g. DisplayPort)?

 

Native VGA is fine

My adaptors don't have USB power so I will try and swap them for some that do...

[dobbyit]

I have never liked the converters as they have not worked for us, we have gone down the route of proper cables VGA to HDMI something like the below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Plated-Computer-Projector-Chromebook-Raspberry/dp/B07CTK4TH4/ref=asc_df_B07CTK4TH4/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309757320705&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13168387934164414339&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006458&hvtargid=pla-564883050196&psc=1

[witch]

I have never liked the converters as they have not worked for us, we have gone down the route of proper cables VGA to HDMI something like the below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Plated-Computer-Projector-Chromebook-Raspberry/dp/B07CTK4TH4/ref=asc_df_B07CTK4TH4/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309757320705&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13168387934164414339&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006458&hvtargid=pla-564883050196&psc=1

 

But these dont have the power USB connection? I have these - only shorter

[LeMarchand]

I must be lucky! I've never had a problem with cheapo adapters like: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Plated-Computer-Projector-Chromebook-Raspberry-1-PACK/dp/B075GZ8DX7; no power input.

[witch]

So

Will the power help my issue? Or not?

[glen_j]

We have a similar issue but they go pink / purple, dropping the resolution does the trick. Could also try setting the colour mode to RGB instead of auto or YCbCr if it gives you the option.

[witch]

We have a similar issue but they go pink / purple, dropping the resolution does the trick. Could also try setting the colour mode to RGB instead of auto or YCbCr if it gives you the option.

 

Sadly that doesnt work for us. Colour is already RGB

[localtech]

Stupid I know but have you tried USB to VGA adaptor £6:00 from Amazon going old tech but sometime you have to!!

[win]

It's not essential for it to be powered, we use cheap unpowered ones going from new hdmi PCs to old VGA monitors. For projectors and big screens we tend to use powered ones for peace of mind. As a test you can use your existing convertor and connect it to a standard vga monitor

[witch]

It's not essential for it to be powered, we use cheap unpowered ones going from new hdmi PCs to old VGA monitors. For projectors and big screens we tend to use powered ones for peace of mind. As a test you can use your existing convertor and connect it to a standard vga monitor

 

Hmmm

I will try that but it is a projector I am talking about so maybe powered would be better?

[hardtailstar]

Do the cables go into a wall box? Have you tried going direct from projector to laptop.

 

We found that some of our connections in the box don't like the adaptors. Going direct wasn't a problem.

[witch]

Do the cables go into a wall box? Have you tried going direct from projector to laptop.

 

We found that some of our connections in the box don't like the adaptors. Going direct wasn't a problem.

 

One has tried it - it made no difference apparently. Would have to buy all sorts of extra length of cable if this worked though

[win]

I guess the final test is using a PC or a different laptop with that convertor, as it's possible that it's just those new laptops that do not give out enough power from those HDMI ports for the convertor. Best to plug the laptop in (AC) as well rather than running off a battery

[john]

Worth trying a powered one if these are long runs to projectors you may well need a powered one to ensure no drop off.

[witch]

The laptops aren't new. I think maybe I will get some powered ones anyway - can't hurt, can it?

[win]

It won't hurt, and it will help old laptops that are using the older versions of HDMI which don't offer enough power through the port. This might help you decide if it's worth it: https://superuser.com/questions/1183570/how-to-check-if-a-laptops-hdmi-port-is-powered-for-vga-adaptor

[DavR]

From a slightly different angle - have you tried a driver update?

 

We had problems with dropouts on some of our HDMI ports on desktops, and a driver update seems to have improved reliability quite a bit.

[Fazza]

We use the StarTech HDMI to VGA adapters and they work very well. Not the cheapest but we've tried cheaper ones and they didnt work with some of our laptops but the StarTech ones work with them all.