Thumbnail of Image of the Plugable USBC-HDMI in use

Thumbnail of Image indicating the that Plugable USBC-HDMI only works in one direction, from USB-C to HDMI

Thumbnail of Image showing the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort connections

Thumbnail of Image of the product packaging for the Plugable USB-C to HDMI adapter

Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter

List Price : $20 Amazon Rating : (304 Reviews)

Features

USB-C TO HDMI—Utilizes the native video capabilities of USB-C ports on supported computers to drive a HDMI monitor with resolutions up to 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (4K)
OPERATING SYSTEMS—Supported on Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux, as long as the computer has a USB-C port which supports video. Plug and Play; no software installation required
IMPORTANT NOTE—Requires USB-C port which supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode or Thunderbolt 3 port. Please note that an HDMI 2.0 capable system, cable, and display are required for 4K 60Hz. Some displays require additional settings to allow 4K 60Hz
COMPATIBILITY—Works with 2018+ iPad Pro, modern Mac computers, Dell XPS, Microsoft Surface Book 2, HP Spectre x360 systems with Thunderbolt 3 ports, and other systems which support DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
2 YEAR WARRANTY—We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support

Price: USD 20

Price:

Plugable USB-C to HDMI 2.0 Adapter

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.

Uncompromising Performance

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 the host graphics processor (GPU) in your system, the connected display will function with the same uncompromising performance of a natively attached display.

Video and photo editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks are possible assuming that the system's GPU capabilities are sufficient for the application being used.

Compatibility

Compatible Systems

Plug and Play installation on any Windows, Mac, or Linux host which supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) video output functionality.

Adapter has been fully tested for functionality on the 2018 iPad Pro (mirroring only), 2018 MacBook Air, 2017 iMac/iMac Pro, 2017 & 2018 MacBook/MacBook Pro, MacBook Retina 12" 2016 / 2017, Google Pixelbook, Chromebook Pixel 2015, Dell XPS 13 9360 / 9370 & XPS 15 9560 / 9570, Lenovo P50, and Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+.

Audio is supported on HDMI capable TVs and monitors with built-in speakers.

Please note: the 2016 and previous 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.

Incompatible Systems

Not compatible with Dell XPS 15 9570

Most current phones and tablets with USB-C ports do not support Alt Mode video output.

ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support Alt Mode video output.

Most motherboards with dual USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports are limited to a single Alt Mode output; only one Alt Mode adapter supported per system.

For additional compatibility information, please visit our website.

HDMI 2.0, 4K TVs, and HDMI Cable Quality

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@60 functionality. HDMI 1.4/1.3 cables will likely result in a blank screen, digitial noise/artifacting, 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.

In the Bag

Plugable USB-C to HDMI Adapter (6in/15cm)

Image of the product packaging for the Plugable USBC-HDMI

In The Box

Item and Quantity	Item Notes
1x USB-C to HDMI Active Adapter

Video

Port	Placement	Specification	Max Resolution and Refresh Rate	HDCP	Chipset
1x USB-C (Input)	Cable End	DisplayPort 1.2	3840x2160 @ 30Hz 3840x1600 @ 30Hz 3440x1440 @ 30Hz 2560x2160 @ 60Hz 1920x1080 @ 60Hz 1600x900 @ 60Hz 1280x1024 @ 60Hz 1280x800 @ 60Hz 1280x720 @ 60Hz 1152x864 @ 60Hz 1024x768 @ 60Hz 800x600 @ 60Hz 640x480 @ 60Hz 3840x2160 @ 60Hz	Host Dependent
1x HDMI 4K (Output)	Cable End	HDMI 2.0	3840x2160 @ 30Hz 3840x1600 @ 30Hz 3440x1440 @ 30Hz 2560x2160 @ 60Hz 1920x1080 @ 60Hz 1600x900 @ 60Hz 1280x1024 @ 60Hz 1280x800 @ 60Hz 1280x720 @ 60Hz 1152x864 @ 60Hz 1024x768 @ 60Hz 800x600 @ 60Hz 640x480 @ 60Hz 3840x2160 @ 60Hz	Supported

Audio

Port	Placement	Connection	Max Bit Depth and Sample Rate	Signal Output	Channels	Chipset
HDMI Output	Front	HDMI	Host Dependent	Digital	Host Dependent	Alt Mode

Connection To Host

Port	Placement	Version and Link Rate	Features
1x USB-C	Rear	USB 3.0 (5Gbps)

Get Started

Connect the USB-C plug of the adapter into your host system's USB-C slot.
Connect your HDMI device to the adapter using a HDMI cable (not included).

Questions? We're here to help! Please reach out to us at support@plugable.com

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Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?

No, this is not possible. Please note that DisplayPort to HDMI cables (as with any cable involving protocol/signal conversion) are not bidirectional adapters. Such cables will not allow an HDMI output port (such as those on the dock) to function with a DisplayPort input on a monitor.

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No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product

Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.

Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:

Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
USB microphones
Audio jacks on a docking station

These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).

Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.

Set Audio Output Device

Set Audio Recording Device

Set Default Playback Device in Windows

Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
- Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Windows 10—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
  - Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
Click OK to exit the window

Additional Configuration for Bluetooth

Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.

Set Default Playback Device in macOS

Open System Preferences
Click Sound
Select Output
Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device

Set Default Playback Device in Linux

Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
Go to the 'Sound' option
Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)

Set Default Recording Device in Windows

Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
- Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Windows 10—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
  - Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
Click OK to exit the window

Additional Configuration for Bluetooth

Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.

Set Default Recording Device in macOS

Open System Preferences
Click Sound
Select Input
Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device

Set Default Recording Device in Linux

Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
Go to the 'Sound' option
Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)

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My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off. How Do I Fix This?

Windows has special power management settings that control what happens when the laptop lid is closed. If this happening, these settings need to be changed. Please right-click on the Start button and select ‘Power Options’ from the menu.

From the choices present on the left-hand side of the 'Power Options' window, please click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’.

Note: If you are running the Creators Update (or newer) to Windows 10, you will have to first click on the ‘Additional power settings’ option to access this window.

Make sure the setting for ‘When I close the lid’ under the ‘Plugged In’ column is set to ‘Do Nothing’.

Click the ‘Save Changes’ button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.

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My System Has Multiple USB-C and/or Thunderbolt 3 Ports. Can I Add Multiple Alt Mode Adapters for Multiple Displays?

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.

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