Product Description
The Plugable USBC-DVI adapter enables a full HD-capable DVI output from systems which support “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” (Alt Mode) via USB-C such as the 2017 iMac/iMac Pro, 2017 & 2018 MacBook/MacBook Pro, Google Pixelbook, Dell XPS 13 & 15 (9350, 9360, 9370, 9550, 9560, 9570), and more.
Alt Mode adapters allow you to add an additional display output easily and inexpensively on supported systems. Since “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” is a direct pipeline to your graphics processor via special functionality introduced in USB 3.1, there is no performance penalty to using the adapter; the attached display should be just as responsive and functional as if it were connected to a video port directly attached to your system’s motherboard.
Features
- Enables an inexpensive additional DVI output port on supported systems
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Single link DVI port supports resolutions up to 1920×1200@60Hz
- Adapter is fully Plug and Play; no special driver installation required (though please note that system will require functional graphics drivers and USB drivers for Alt Mode to function properly)
- Complies with the VESA “DisplayPort Alternate Mode on USB Type-C Connector” Standard
Compatibility
Most current USB-C-enabled tablets and phones do not support “Alternate Mode” video output functionality. Additionally, USB 3.1 controllers from ASMedia do not support Alternate Mode video output. Retina MacBook 2015 & 2016 only support HDCP-compliant DVI monitors. If you’re unsure if your USB-C system supports Alternate Mode video output, please contact your system manufacturer to confirm.
Mac Notes: The 2015 and 2016 USB-C Retina MacBooks running OS X require connected DVI monitors support HDCP copy protection. The MacBook’s default behavior is to constantly check and perform HDCP certification process that results in unacceptable performance on non-HDCP capable displays.
Normally, and for many years, HDCP has only been required to play copy-protected media such as Netflix, iTunes, etc, but not during general use of the system. So OS X’s enforcement of HDCP on DVI monitors is different behavior than on previous generations of Mac systems. When running Windows on Mac via BootCamp, non-HDCP displays appeared more likely to work than in OS X.
Some DVI displays, especially older models, do not support HDCP. If you are not sure your display is HDCP capable, please consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Please see our compatibility information below. If you’ve tested and confirmed functionality (or lack thereof) of a Plugable USB-C Alt Mode adapter with a specific USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 system, please feel free to email support@plugable.com so we can add your results to the list below.
FAQ
Q: Sometimes when I plug the adapter into my Pixel, I do not get display output. Why is this, and is there a solution?
A: Currently, several USB-C devices (including Google’s own DP and HDMI adapters) do not detect upon connection 100% of the time. This is thought to be a firmware issue with the USB 3.1 “switching” chip in the Pixel (which is responsible for allowing a USB-C connectors to be reversible). Currently, the best solution is to try flipping the USB connector and reinserting the adapter.
Q: My system has multiple USB-C and/or Thunderbolt 3 ports. Can I add multiple Alt Mode adapters for multiple displays?
A: If your system supports multiple Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C Alt Mode outputs, then you will be able to use multiple adapters on one system. However, there are some Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Alt Mode systems that limit the video output to one port.
Q: Can the DVI port on the adapter be converted to VGA output?
A: No. The USBC-DVI only supports digital output; DVI to VGA adapters will not fit and are not supported.
Q: Does the adapter support “dual-link DVI” and 2560×1440 monitors?
A: No, the adapter only supports a single link DVI connection.
Q: Will the adapter work with Apple Cinema Displays?
A: No, Apple Cinema Displays will not work with our adapter (even single-link DVI Apple Cinema Displays).
Q: When I use your adapter to connect my monitor to my MacBook/MacBook Pro/iMac, the monitor continuously flickers. Why is this happening?
A: MacOS requires that displays with a DVI port supports HDCP copyright protection. Please ensure that the DVI port on the monitor supports HDCP if used with MacOS systems.
In the Bag
6in/15cm USB-C to DVI Adapter
Model: USBC-DVI
