Product Description
The Plugable USBC-HDMI adapter enables an HDMI 2.0 output at resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz (4K/UHD) 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 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.
Please note: the 12″ Retina MacBook does not support 4K@60Hz output, it has a maximum output of 4K@30Hz. Supported resolutions and refresh rates of the adapter are entirely dependent on the host device and attached display specifications.
Features
- Enables an inexpensive additional HDMI port on supported USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 systems
- Supports resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz (4K) when connected using an HDMI 2.0 capable system, cable, and display
- Backward compatible with older HDMI 1.4/1.3 standards to support most popular resolutions and modes including 1920×1080 (1080P), 2560×1440, 3440×1440
- Complies with the VESA “DisplayPort Alternate Mode on USB Type-C Connector” and HDMI 2.0 standards. DisplayPort signal from host device is converted to an HDMI 2.0 interface
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- 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)
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. If you’re unsure if your USB-C system supports Alternate Mode video output, please contact your system manufacturer to confirm.
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: When I set my 4K display to a 60Hz refresh, my screen goes blank or I see digital “noise”. What could be causing this?
A: There are multiple things that could cause this behavior, most of which pertain to HDMI 2.0 requiring twice the bandwidth of HDMI 1.4, nearly 20Gbps.
- HDMI cables which only comply with the 1.4 version of the specification will not operate correctly at 4Kp60
- Many 4K displays have upgradable firmware. Updating the display firmware can often help HDMI 2.0 behavior
- Updating the graphics driver on the host system can often improve performance/stability at higher resolutions and refresh rates
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: Does your adapter support audio to my monitor/TV?
A: Yes! Our adapter is able to support the transfer of video and audio over HDMI. Please ensure that the monitor has an HDMI port and built-in speakers by checking with the manufacturer. You may also need to set the specific display as the Default Playback Device within the Windows Sound settings in order to play audio over the connected display’s speakers.
In the Bag
6in/15cm USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Model: USBC-HDMI
