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Plugable HDMI Switch With USB-C
$19.95 USD
SKU: HDMI-SC3Amazon Rating : (25 Reviews)
Features
- 4K Switch— Connect a single HDMI display, up to 4K resolution (3840x2160 at 60Hz Standard Dynamic Range), to up to three video source devices and cycle between the inputs with the press of a button
- USB-C INPUT— Native support for USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode, compatible with many new computers including Apple MacBook Pro/Air systems with Thunderbolt 3, ChromeBooks, and a wide range of Windows Laptops
- HDMI Inputs— Connect up to two HDMI video sources to the switch, including desktop computers, laptops, game consoles, and set top media players to easily share a single display between multiple sources
- Compact and Portable— Saves space on the desktop in the home, office or dorm room. Easily packs for travel to conventions, conferences, and presentations
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support— Every Plugable product, including this HDMI Switch, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
The Plugable HDMI Switch with USB-C (HDMI-SC3) allows you to connect and switch between up to three source devices (computers, gaming consoles, or set top media players) to a single HDMI display. Whether in the conference room, at home, or in the dorm, expand the connectivity of your display to support multiple inputs at the push of a button without swapping cables around. This HDMI Switch makes it easy to connect new systems with USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode output to your HDMI display.
The HDMI switch cycles between the three inputs with a single button and an LED indicates the active input. Power for the switch is provided by the source device (we include an optional USB Micro-B power cable in case your source devices don't provide enough power).
Plugable's HDMI switch supports up to HDMI 2.0 and USB-C sources and can output at HDMI 2.0 resolution up to UHD 4K SDR (3840x2160 @ 60Hz Standard Dynamic Range). HDMI 2.0 functionality requires compatible HDMI cables, USB-C cable, and source devices USB-C and HDMI cables are not included. See additional USB-C and HDMI compatibility details below.
Compatibility
Two HDMI inputs support plug and play functionality with Windows, macOS, Linux, game consoles, and most media players.
Single USB-C input requires a computer, tablet, or phone which can output video over the USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port (known as "DisplayPort Alternate Mode" or "Alt Mode" output). Alt Mode video output over USB-C must be built-in by your laptop, tablet, or phone manufacturer.
Resolution and refresh rate are dependent on source device, output display, and cable specifications. HDMI switch does not upscale content; the output will be limited to the capability of the source device, up to HDMI 2.0 capability.
Audio switching is supported on HDMI capable TVs and monitors with built-in speakers.
Incompatible Devices
Many computers and phones with USB-C ports do not support video output from this port. Some system manufacturers document this functionality while others do not. Plugable can help with USB-C compatibility questions prior to purchase.
USB-C charging cables provided with most Apple computers and tablets do not support video transfer and are not compatible.
ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support USB-C video output.
Samsung USB-C Phones only support mirrored display output over USB-C.
HDMI ARC is not supported. DTS/DD bitstreaming is not supported.
May not be compatible with some HDMI receivers.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is not supported with this switch. HDR requires HDMI 2.0b specification, connected 4K HDR displays may have reduced refresh rate, limited HDR capabilities, or graphics compression.
HDMI 2.0, 4K TVs, and HDMI Cables
When utilizing HDMI 2.0's highest resolution and refresh rate (3840x2160 @ 60Hz), twice the data is being transmitted as the maximum allowed by the previous HDMI 1.4 specification.
As a result, it is critical that an HDMI 2.0-compliant cable capable of providing the increased bandwidth be used for 4K 60Hz functionality. HDMI 1.x cables will likely result in a blank screen, digital noise/artifacts, or display drop-offs.
If using an HDMI 2.0 4K TV, it is strongly recommended to update the firmware/software of the TV for the best compatibility, performance, and stability.
4K UHD Televisions with HDR may be limited to 30Hz refresh rate.
USB-C System Compatibility
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 MacBook Pro systems (Late 2016 and newer), MacBook Air 2018 with Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C 12" Retina MacBooks (2015/2016/2017)
- Compatible with Dell XPS systems with Thunderbolt 3 and many with USB-C
- Compatible with most HP systems with Thunderbolt 3 and many with USB-C
- Compatible with many other USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 systems from a variety of manufacturers
- If you're unsure if your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port supports video output, please post your system model to the Questions section of the listing and we'll be happy to help!
Technical Specifications
- HDMI 2.0 supports up to 4K 60Hz refresh rate Standard Dynamic Range, 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) not supported and may be limited to 30Hz refresh rate
- USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode supports DisplayPort 1.2 functionality
- Audio pass through: LPCM/HBR audio up to 8-channels and 192kHz sample rate (audio capability may be limited by source device or display/receiver capability)
In the Box
- Plugable HDMI Switch with USB-C
- USB-A to USB Micro-B power cable
- Quick Start Guide
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Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
How to Determine Your USB-C Port Video Capabilities
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Understanding your laptop's video output capabilities is essential when connecting to external displays. This guide will help you identify what video technologies your laptop supports and how to find the relevant information.
Common Video Output Technologies
Modern laptops commonly use one or more of the following technologies to transmit video to external monitors:
1. Thunderbolt 3
- Supports video output using the DisplayPort protocol.
- Capable of driving up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz.
- Uses a USB-C connector and features a lightning bolt symbol next to the port.
Note: An example of Thunderbolt 3 ports
2. Thunderbolt 4
- Provides improved performance over Thunderbolt 3.
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Uses a USB-C connector with the same lightning bolt symbol but may also include the number "4" for identification.
Note: Thunderbolt 4 has the same physical connection and “lightning” bolt icon as Thunderbolt 3
3. Thunderbolt 5 (As of 2024)
- Up to 80 Gbps bi-directional bandwidth (Double that of Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps).
- Up to 120 Gbps bandwidth for displays (With Bandwidth Boost — 120 Gbps upstream and 40 Gbps downstream for display-intensive use cases).
- Support for dual 6K or 8K displays (Compared to Thunderbolt 4’s dual 4K support).
4. USB-C DisplayPort "Alt Mode"
- Allows video output directly through the USB-C port using DisplayPort technology.
- Commonly supports one 4K display at 60Hz, but capabilities may vary.
- Often marked with a DisplayPort ("DP") symbol, but this feature may also be specified in your system's documentation.
Note: An example of a USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities
How to Identify Your Laptop's Video Capabilities
To determine what video technologies your laptop supports, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Laptop's User Manual:
- Locate your laptop's user manual (often available online from the manufacturer's support site).
- Search for keywords like "Thunderbolt," "DisplayPort Alt Mode," or "video output capabilities."
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
- Go to the support page for your laptop model and find the technical specifications section.
- Look for details on Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities.
3. Inspect Your Laptop's Ports:
-
Check for identifying symbols next to USB-C ports:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 ports may have a lightning bolt symbol.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode may be marked with a "DP" icon.
“What if I do not have the above technologies?”: USB 3.0 (Type-A) and Display Expansion
While USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports do not support native video output, they can still be used to extend to two or more displays using software-based solutions like DisplayLink or Silicon Motion's InstantView. These technologies enable video through USB-A ports by utilizing dedicated drivers and software.
If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities, DisplayLink or InstantView may be a viable alternative for expanding your display setup. A few other things to consider:
- Not all USB-C ports support video output. Checking your laptop's documentation is crucial to confirm this capability.
- Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode but provide enhanced performance and flexibility.
If you have further questions about connecting your Plugable docking station or adapter to your laptop, please reach out to our support team for guidance.
What is the maximum length Thunderbolt cable that can be used to connect a Plugable Thunderbolt docking station to the host computer?
All Thunderbolt docking stations include the appropriate Thunderbolt cable in order to connect the docking station to the host computer. As of this writing, all Plugable Thunderbolt host cables that are included with Plugable Thunderbolt docking stations are 1.0 meter (approximately 3.3) feet in overall length.
For reference, the specifications of all Plugable Thunderbolt cables are printed on a small white cable flag attached to the cable itself.
If the original 1.0 meter long Thunderbolt host cable is not sufficient for a specific use case, longer cables of up to 2.0 meters (approximately 6.6 feet) in overall length can be purchased separately from Plugable. An example of such a cable is the Plugable TBT4-40G2M cable
Plugable does NOT support using Thunderbolt host connection cables that are over 2.0 meters in overall length with any Plugable brand product.
Plugable does NOT support the use of any type of Thunderbolt extension cable or any type of signal repeater in conjunction with our products.
Please note, Plugable can only guarantee the performance and compatibility of Plugable brand cables.
What is the maximum length cable that can be used to connect a Plugable USB-C docking station to the host computer?
All Plugable USB-C docking stations include the appropriate USB-C cable in order to connect the docking station to the host computer. As of this writing, all Plugable USB-C host cables that are included with Plugable USB-C docking stations are 1.0 meter (approximately 3.3) feet in overall length.
For reference, the specifications of all Plugable brand USB-C cables are printed on a small white cable flag attached to the cable itself.
If the original 1.0 meter long USB-C host cable is not sufficient for a specific use case, longer cables of up to 2.0 meters (approximately 6.6 feet) in overall length can be purchased separately from a 3rd-party.
We recommend purchasing a cable that matches or exceeds the specifications of the original Plugable cable and purchasing said cable from both a well known and reliable brand.
Plugable does offer a 1.0 meter long USB-C extension cable (USBC-METER3-1MF) that can be used in conjunction with our USB-C docking stations. This extension cable can be combined with the original 1.0 meter long Plugable USB-C cable included in the box with the docking station to extend the overall cable length to 2.0 meters.
Plugable does NOT support using USB-C host connection cables that are over 2.0 meters in overall length with any Plugable brand product. Additionally, Plugable does NOT support the use of any type of 3rd-party USB-C extension cable or signal repeater in conjunction with our products.
Do I need to approve or authenticate Thunderbolt devices when I connect them to my Windows or Mac computer?
Overview
For most modern Windows and Mac systems, Thunderbolt devices are automatically approved and will ‘just work’ once connected.
The main exception is Apple Mac laptops with Apple CPUs running macOS Ventura (13) or newer, where you’ll be prompted to manually approve the device the first time you connect it.
The summary table below provides the specific details at a glance, and the text that follows explains the table in more detail.
Thunderbolt Approval / Authentication Summary Table
Why Authentication Exists
To expand further, Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 are in essence external connections to the host computer’s internal PCI Express bus. This type of low-level and high speed connection warranted security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to user data.
Windows: From Intel Software to Native OS Support
When Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems were first introduced in late 2015 it was necessary to use Intel Thunderbolt software to manually authenticate and approve external Thunderbolt devices.
With the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 Windows systems in 2020, it was still necessary to have Intel Thunderbolt software installed on the host computer. However, in most cases the authentication and approval process would happen automatically greatly simplifying the process.
Starting with Windows 11 version 21H2 released in October of 2021, Microsoft integrated support for both USB4 and Thunderbolt into the Windows operating system → LINK
This means that with most modern Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 computers running the latest version of Windows 11 it is no longer necessary to install Intel Thunderbolt software on the host computer in order to manage Thunderbolt devices. In most cases, the authentication and approval process will still happen automatically.
macOS: From Intel CPUs to Apple CPUs
When Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems with Intel CPUs were first introduced in 2016, the authentication and approval mechanism was built-in to macOS and was transparent to the end user.
Apple introduced Mac computers based on Apple CPUs in 2020. Macs based on Apple CPUs running macoS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey would automatically approve and authenticate Thunderbolt devices when connected.
macOS 13 Ventura was released in 2022 and for portable Macs with Apple CPUs Apple introduced a feature known as ‘Accessory Security’ (also known as ‘Restricted Mode’) → LINK
By default, portable Macs (i.e. laptops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS will require the end user to authenticate and approve a Thunderbolt device when initially connected.
Stationary Macs (i.e. desktops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
Apple Macs with Intel CPUs (both laptop and desktops) running macOS 13 Ventura or newer do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
