[HDMI CABLE REVIEW]
Full review is on the way, I just wanted to let you know that I do have the prototype in hand and it DOES work, video and sound
[MALATA ZPAD DOCK REVIEW]
I finally got received my ‘official’ Malata ZPAD Dock today and wanted to post for all to see. PLEASE BARE WITH ME on my review, the pics aren’t that great and I didn’t run a bunch of tests but I have most of the basic info that everyone is going to want to know. Feel free to ask questions and I will try to run additional tests for you.
DOCK - HDMI Out, USB, LAN and power (no additional ac adapter supplied) – The quality is nice. The bottom of the dock has a rubber insert as to not scratch a table if moved around and as you may see from the pic there is a rubber insert where the tablet itself sits to protect it. The tab just drops on; pretty simple. With the ac adapter plugged in the tab does show that it’s charging. It sits at a rather upright angle (not straight up and down) so I would think that it’s something that you would NOT want to try type on without a keyboard on a regular basis, but it does seem pretty steady on there.
USB – As you can tell from the pic it did recognize an 8 GB USB thumb drive that I had plugged into it. I did not get to test a USB keyboard and mouse as the ones that I have available didn’t work natively with the tablet so I didn’t even try with the dock (yet).
LAN – Also in a pic, once plugged in the connection lights on the back started lighting up immediately. I turned off my WiFi and enabled the Ethernet in setting and it quickly got an IP and as you can see there is no longer an ‘x’ on the tablet LAN icon. I DID test the internet and all worked just fine.
HDMI – plugged the HDMI in and hooked it up to a 32” and it popped right up. NOW the quality was grainy and I’m sure there may be a way to fix that but I just wanted to get you pics to show whether it worked or not. In the pics you can see my screen duplicated and I started a movie (which I will say the quality was much better in the movie that it replicating my home screens)
All in all… I am extremely pleased and can’t wait to put it to use.
With that being said, I need to thank those involved for their work in spearheading efforts to get these in for us. I plan on trying to get a couple over as quickly as possible to ‘donate’ to a couple of people that won’t take donations for some exceptional work and personal attention (more on that to come later... )
I will update as soon as I can with any other ‘information’ in regards to the availability of these on US soil.
Let me know what you think!
EDIT: Just added a couple of pics of the innards (sent them to the dropbox for larger resolution). Ok, HDMI guys, what next?
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10015338/2010-12-08 09.13.05.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10015338/2010-12-08 09.17.19.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10015338/2010-12-08 09.18.54.jpg
Great work Steve. Is there any possible way for you to diagram the pin out of the connector (at least to the hdmi pins). We are working on an HDMI cable with a plug breakout board and have no idea how to guess which of the 30 pins go to which wires on the hdmi cable.
Thanks again
The pinouts for all would be good to know. Wouldn't mind making a cable with all connections!
Anyways, great review!
Can't wait to get ours from the group buy in!
insight3fl said:
Great work Steve. Is there any possible way for you to diagram the pin out of the connector (at least to the hdmi pins). We are working on an HDMI cable with a plug breakout board and have no idea how to guess which of the 30 pins go to which wires on the hdmi cable.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's gonna be outta my realm of knowledge right this second but if you want to try to tell me what to do, I'm not scared?
This Android journey that started with my phone a few months ago and is lingering to the tablet has made me pretty fearless. I'm now learning more about adb and ddms (just wanna take pics). It worked once and never since, something about java and crap like that.
Lemmie know.
it2steve said:
I finally got received my ‘official’ Malata ZPAD Dock today and wanted to post for all to see. PLEASE BARE WITH ME on my review, the pics aren’t that great and I didn’t run a bunch of tests but I have most of the basic info that everyone is going to want to know. Feel free to ask questions and I will try to run additional tests for you.
DOCK - HDMI Out, USB, LAN and power (no additional ac adapter supplied) – The quality is nice. The bottom of the dock has a rubber insert as to not scratch a table if moved around and as you may see from the pic there is a rubber insert where the tablet itself sits to protect it. The tab just drops on; pretty simple. With the ac adapter plugged in the tab does show that it’s charging. It sits at a rather upright angle (not straight up and down) so I would think that it’s something that you would want to try type on without a keyboard on a regular basis, but it does seem pretty steady on there.
USB – As you can tell from the pic it did recognize an 8 GB USB thumb drive that I had plugged into it. I did not get to test a USB keyboard and mouse as the ones that I have available didn’t work natively with the tablet so I didn’t even try with the dock (yet).
LAN – Also in a pic, once plugged in the connection lights on the back started lighting up immediately. I turned off my WiFi and enabled the Ethernet in setting and it quickly got an IP and as you can see there is no longer an ‘x’ on the tablet LAN icon. I DID test the internet and all worked just fine.
HDMI – plugged the HDMI in and hooked it up to a 32” and it popped right up. NOW the quality was grainy and I’m sure there may be a way to fix that but I just wanted to get you pics to show whether it worked or not. In the pics you can see my screen duplicated and I started a movie (which I will say the quality was much better in the movie that it replicating my home screens)
All in all… I am extremely pleased and can’t wait to put it to use.
With that being said, I need to thank those involved for their work in spearheading efforts to get these in for us. I plan on trying to get a couple over as quickly as possible to ‘donate’ to a couple of people that won’t take donations for some exceptional work and personal attention (more on that to come later... )
I will update as soon as I can with any other ‘information’ in regards to the availability of these on US soil.
Let me know what you think!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the review, the cloning of the screen looks awesome.
rothnic said:
Thanks for the review, the cloning of the screen looks awesome.
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Click to collapse
it should... it's your work
This might be a stupid question but what resolution does it output to your tv? I am going to buy one of these as soon as I can. Very cool.
HDMI connect to TV..
Is it easy to open it up? Trace the wiring?
Don't think there will be much on the onside.
xjarl said:
HDMI connect to TV..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that isn't a response to me. HDMI is not a resolution. That is the connector. It could output 480p for all I know.
Wow thanks. I can't wai to get mine. Dumb question but do u have to have the zpad rom to use this dock?
shibbybypass said:
I hope that isn't a response to me. HDMI is not a resolution. That is the connector. It could output 480p for all I know.
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Click to collapse
High Speed HDMI Cable support 1080P. So, if you have a DOCK and HDMI caple..
xjarl said:
High Speed HDMI Cable support 1080P. So, if you have a DOCK and HDMI caple..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't mean the device supports it up to that resolution. He didn't even mention it. Do you have one that you have tested? It could be limited to a certain resolution. Is that so hard to understand? I know what HDMI is. I know what resolutions are. You keep repeating things I already know. I want to know what resolutions are available when you are outputting to your tv. Does it actually ask you what resolution? Some tvs and monitors do not go to 1080p. So please I would like for the original poster or someone that has one to please respond. You are not helping me at all here.
ah,,
shibbybypass said:
It doesn't mean the device supports it up to that resolution. He didn't even mention it. Do you have one that you have tested? It could be limited to a certain resolution. Is that so hard to understand? I know what HDMI is. I know what resolutions are. You keep repeating things I already know. I want to know what resolutions are available when you are outputting to your tv. Does it actually ask you what resolution? Some tvs and monitors do not go to 1080p. So please I would like for the original poster or someone that has one to please respond. You are not helping me at all here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Easy..easy.
I have no intention to offend.
xjarl said:
OK. Easy..easy.
I have no intention to offend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not offended by what you said. I am just curious and you weren't answering my question is all. There are many devices that use HDMI without using it to it's full potential. No hard feelings here.
I've got a crazy schedule this week but will do what I can to get all of your questions answered for you. I need to check to see if my TV supports 1080p (I'll bet it doesn't, cheapy) however I wouldn't really know how to test , in fact, that's what the tablet is pushing. If someone knows a way to test that feel free to let me know.
Also, I'm not gonna lie and they these aren't cheap. Unfortunately because of my OCD, ADD, and impulsive nature; this thing wasn't cheap for me to get here that quickly however I will take it to work today and see what I can do to rip it apart to find out the cabling for those that have asked. If (when) I get it torn apart I'll be asking you asking you guys exactly what the hell I'm supposed to be looking for (pinouts ect).
I will also find the time to flash a couple other ROMS to let you know that all works with each ones. Unfortunately that wont be happening until tonight tho. I can flash and have the ROMS ready for testing but won't be back to the TV until tonight.
I'm sorry that I couldn't do a more thorough review for everyone beforehand but as I said before, I really wanted to get something up quickly as I know that we were all wanting to know if it even worked at all for now.
it2steve said:
I've got a crazy schedule this week but will do what I can to get all of your questions answered for you. I need to check to see if my TV supports 1080p (I'll bet it doesn't, cheapy) however I wouldn't really know how to test , in fact, that's what the tablet is pushing. If someone knows a way to test that feel free to let me know.
Also, I'm not gonna lie and they these aren't cheap. Unfortunately because of my OCD, ADD, and impulsive nature; this thing wasn't cheap for me to get here that quickly however I will take it to work today and see what I can do to rip it apart to find out the cabling for those that have asked. If (when) I get it torn apart I'll be asking you asking you guys exactly what the hell I'm supposed to be looking for (pinouts ect).
I will also find the time to flash a couple other ROMS to let you know that all works with each ones. Unfortunately that wont be happening until tonight tho. I can flash and have the ROMS ready for testing but won't be back to the TV until tonight.
I'm sorry that I couldn't do a more thorough review for everyone beforehand but as I said before, I really wanted to get something up quickly as I know that we were all wanting to know if it even worked at all for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No appology needed.....big thanks just for your great feedback!
insight3fl said:
No appology needed.....big thanks just for your great feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just dropped some links with pics in the OP with the innards... Let me know what else you need ripped apart for cabling ...
Steve for a pin out diagram all you need is a simple continuity tester with thin probes. Hold one probe to a pin on the main port and begin touching pins on the connections in the back HDMI, USB, etc. When the tester beeps or lights up you have a match. Make note of it on your diagram. Shouldn't take too long and its totally safe for your dock.
I'm software not hardware, but best bet at a guess would be for to diagram the connector and all the outputs, then take a volt meter and iduno what level of voltage (something tiny obviously, somebody who knows hardware better on here could say) and just try to pass a small signal through each pin of the dock connector and use the volt meter to map where it comes out.
Again, I'm software not hardware so I may be way off here. I wonder if those fellas who sell the dock breakout would be willing for you to ship them the dock and they run signals through it and ship it back to you after they've mapped it for us. Would be a boon for them to know the mapping because then they could start selling us a dock to hdmi connector.. And a hobbyist shop like that, they probably know how to safely pass a signal through the thing to map the dock.
Related
Just wondering if anyone can confirm that this works on VZW TP. About to cut into the spare dongle(adaptor) that I have, but dont want to mess it up if my TP doesn't support this. Thanks
yes it works.
stanglifemike said:
Just wondering if anyone can confirm that this works on VZW TP. About to cut into the spare dongle(adaptor) that I have, but dont want to mess it up if my TP doesn't support this. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont do it!
Just buy the cable!
I jacked up my USB port doing the cheapo method. Becareful.
But yeah, I hooked it up to this little 13" TV VCR combo from the freakin 80's..... WOW thats all I am gonna say. I was VERY impressed with overall sound and pic quality. Havent hooked it up to any of the big panels yet....
Well I have an extra adaptor, but when I was pricing Ipod/camcorder cables they were $30 everywhere. The expanys HTC cable is on backorder for .........................? When I talked to expansys they were over 2000 on backorder!!!!
its really simple to make ur own cable. follow the directions and u shouldnt have any problems, its difficult to damage the usb connector on the phone since ur only plugging in a cable.
Cable
I havent heard about this cable or feature before. What exactly does it do? I dont live in a big city, do I need a certain type of connection or package?
ramik911 said:
its really simple to make ur own cable. follow the directions and u shouldnt have any problems, its difficult to damage the usb connector on the phone since ur only plugging in a cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would beg to differ but thats fine. Here is my exp but thats just mine... (and quite a few others reported the same) but its all on your tools and and skill level.
Me personally, I am ISO certified soldering techinican. Had I been in a shop I am sure the results could have been different. But if your doing this home brew, just becareful you dont crimp the pin that they ask you to remove.
When you are removing one of th pins it is, as nearly everyone says, diffcult. Sometimes the pin gets wedge and that is what happaned to me. Its not ruined but its a hair looser than normal and causes the phone to disconnect from active synch more easily.
EDIT: That is why I dont receomend it. Others have reported great success. It also depends on one of the five methods you use.
Cranemachine said:
I havent heard about this cable or feature before. What exactly does it do? I dont live in a big city, do I need a certain type of connection or package?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It allows you to hook your phone's screen and adio output up to a TV. And it works great!
The quality amazed me when I saw it. The sounds was good. I was very impressed. But that was only on 13" TV VCR combo in my basement office. I have yet to hookit up to something bigger....
Butyeah, its way freaking cool... Were were bored and streaming YouTube to the TV then surfed with Opera.
ITs the bomb
stanglifemike said:
Well I have an extra adaptor, but when I was pricing Ipod/camcorder cables they were $30 everywhere. The expanys HTC cable is on backorder for .........................? When I talked to expansys they were over 2000 on backorder!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That blows. I want the cable but have no real use for it.
But another cool thing, use Media player to stream audio to headset adpator, use video out in a PIP so you can see what is playing.......
But is cool. Go ahead and make the cable just make sure your careful.
So with a premade cable its plug n play?
Would I just connect the 3 plugs to the tv and play something in
TCPMP (or other video player)?
Yup, thats how it works. I play movies in mp4 format through Windows Media Player and it looks really nice. I have about 7 full length movies on my StorageCard at the moment.
Expansys has the HTC Video Out cable back in stock (usually). They are not on backorder as bad as they were at first. Well worth $20 in my opinion, I have watched quite a few movies with it so far.
Hello everybody,
im searching for a "normal" hdmi-cable for the 30-pin connector. i dont wanna have a dock or something.
does anybody know were i can find such cable?!
I have send the DOCK sample to the manufacturer, to make a 30pin--HDMI cable out.
But need sometimes. About 15days later.
XJARL,
Are you sure a cable is possible? Others have suggested that the port needs power and other circuitry (as in the dock) to make the HDMI functional.
Also, I thought that you mentioned you were having it made a month or so ago? What is the delay?
That would be great if there was just an HDMI cable that plugs into the bottom port. too bad they didnt make a HDMI port on the side before. I wont use it enough to get a dock, but if I had just a cheaper cable that would work I would be more inclined to use it. the screen is big enough to where im happy with the media and any movies that I really want to download and watch I will already have on my laptop which has HDMI out for a big screen.
Yes, i'm sure
insight3fl said:
XJARL,
Are you sure a cable is possible? Others have suggested that the port needs power and other circuitry (as in the dock) to make the HDMI functional.
Also, I thought that you mentioned you were having it made a month or so ago? What is the delay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had given the DOCK to a factory. They spend a lot of time. Since they are not sure whether there is sufficient market, so delayed. But now, they decided to put it produced.
ketjr81 said:
That would be great if there was just an HDMI cable that plugs into the bottom port. too bad they didnt make a HDMI port on the side before. I wont use it enough to get a dock, but if I had just a cheaper cable that would work I would be more inclined to use it. the screen is big enough to where im happy with the media and any movies that I really want to download and watch I will already have on my laptop which has HDMI out for a big screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to 4 Shacks and everyone said there was nothing made for this port. Commercially that is.
I think I would find a cable more useful than a dock. As mentioned above, though, they will have to find a way to deal with the power issue. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how it goes.
A cable would be nice for sure
Xjarl - any word on this cable? I am sure we could build up some support here if needed
They just sold Over 10,000 of the Gtablets on Woot the other day. There were several posts directing people to this site as well as discussing the preference of a simple cable VS a dock.
I would hope the market would bear enough to get a run in at this point.
Didn't early reviews of the gtab often say Viewsonic was bunding an hdmi cable in the box?
blasturd said:
Didn't early reviews of the gtab often say Viewsonic was bunding an hdmi cable in the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, at least not as far as I can remember.
Would be great if you can post a link if you ever stumbled on it.
Has anyone attempted anything on this?
cobrast6 said:
Has anyone attempted anything on this?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, bnovak in this thread is talking about de-constructing one and analyzing the circuitry to figure out the pin schematic so a cable could possibly be created:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865038&page=21
technically, I've found the right cable.
but I need to order 1000 of them.
Ordered a sample to make sure it is what it needs to be.
HDMI DOES NOT NEED TO BE POWERED!!! It's LVDS
How much to order 1000?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App
Now you tell me...
I just ordered the dock yesterday so I could use the HDMI.
Oh well...guess I need two cables.
My wife is going to wonder when my $285 Tab I talked her into letting me get for my birthday is going to stop costing money.
LowSky said:
How much to order 1000?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than I have open on my Amex at the moment?
Dunno actually. Waiting for sample and a quote.
bnovak said:
technically, I've found the right cable.
but I need to order 1000 of them.
Ordered a sample to make sure it is what it needs to be.
HDMI DOES NOT NEED TO BE POWERED!!! It's LVDS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More info please.
bnovak said:
technically, I've found the right cable.
but I need to order 1000 of them.
Ordered a sample to make sure it is what it needs to be.
HDMI DOES NOT NEED TO BE POWERED!!! It's LVDS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refer this to it2steve, I'm sure he'll bite!
Anyone figured a way to use the gtab with a projector without the dock? trying to have as few gizmos as possible to take on the road with me.
If you want HDMI output without the dock you would need a custom cable from the g-tablet's docking port to HDMI and as far as I know, no such cable exists at this time. You can search these forums for "HDMI cable" and find a couple of threads on the subject.
I understand the desire to travel light but the dock really isn't that big or heavy.
999ping said:
If you want HDMI output without the dock you would need a custom cable from the g-tablet's docking port to HDMI and as far as I know, no such cable exists at this time. You can search these forums for "HDMI cable" and find a couple of threads on the subject.
I understand the desire to travel light but the dock really isn't that big or heavy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my dock isn't exactly light but it is required to provide power to the HDMi output. I did purchase a HDMI to DVI converter for my projector and it works like a champ projecting from the gtab to the projector. Now if my mouse would work I could (almost) ditch the laptop. I have also found that most of the PowerPoint viewers don't 100% convert my PowerPoint slide decks to view on the gtab. It is typically some pictures on the slides that don't convert. I have roughly 16 slides out of 125 slides that don't project properly (can't remember off hand which program does the best job, but that is my best effort). I haven't had time to convert all of those slides although I had to teach one of my training classes today so had to lug the laptop along. Ideally a mouse or wireless remote to advance the slides would create a smaller travel kit. Good luck with the presentation. The dock while heavy, weighs as much as my Dell power brick so that at least is a trade off.
Hey guys...
this is a big question for me also...but I'm wondering if anyone has figured out a way to do video OUT of the USB port for powerpoint? Since most PPT is just static there shouldn't be a huge issue with BW (Even so, I've got a USB to VGA adapter for my laptop, so USB definently has the BW to pull it off. )
wonder if there's a simple USB to VGA adapter out there somewhere. I'll do some digging....
it's not that the docking station is heavy or anything, it's just bulky in a briefcase. I travel international all the time and want to leave as much crap at home.
Oh, and if anyone comes up with a good ppt editor / viewer lemme know.
BN
bnovak said:
Hey guys...
this is a big question for me also...but I'm wondering if anyone has figured out a way to do video OUT of the USB port for powerpoint? Since most PPT is just static there shouldn't be a huge issue with BW (Even so, I've got a USB to VGA adapter for my laptop, so USB definently has the BW to pull it off. )
wonder if there's a simple USB to VGA adapter out there somewhere. I'll do some digging....
it's not that the docking station is heavy or anything, it's just bulky in a briefcase. I travel international all the time and want to leave as much crap at home.
Oh, and if anyone comes up with a good ppt editor / viewer lemme know.
BN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny you asked about a USB to VGA adapter. I'm not sure if its video out or in??? The description says you can use it for dual monitor expandability which leads me to believe its a video in cable. Anyways, someone posted a couple days ago at another forum that he found that adapter. Its expensive though. Here's the link he posted...
http://www.fommy.com/view-full-page...nic+gTablet&tabletcategory=Cables&skuno=90129
That one is pricey
There are lots of those USB to VGA adapter gizmos.. but I have hesitated to buy one because I wasn't sure there was the right software available.. presumably you need at least a generic USB screen driver..
Anyone tried one of these with the gtab?
http://www.google.com/search?q=usb+...06&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=a40f3cd63ecc4954
Your best bet would be to use a DisplayLink based adapter. These allow dvi or vga based displays to be connected via usb. They have also released linux drivers. It even seems as though they were able ouput video to such displays through an app called "Send to Framebuffer". I actually have a displaylink dock, so maybe I'll play around with it after class today. Check out the following link and scroll down to "External Displays".
http://sven.killig.de/android/N1/2.2/usb_host/
xmr405o said:
Funny you asked about a USB to VGA adapter. I'm not sure if its video out or in??? The description says you can use it for dual monitor expandability which leads me to believe its a video in cable. Anyways, someone posted a couple days ago at another forum that he found that adapter. Its expensive though. Here's the link he posted...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have some emails into Fommy and the mfg. of the device. Although on the Fommy site it list the G-Tablet and NI Adam, I have yet to find any information from the mfg that this device will work with Android.
It is a video out device.
Will this work?
I don't have HDMI enabled TV or monitor but i have an old TV with RCA/Composite connectors(Yelow/White/Red) and i want to watch movies on a big screen from my evo
This is what i plan on buying i just want to know will this work theoretically
http://dx.com/p/mhl-to-hdmi-cable-for-samsung-i9100-i9200-i9250-i997-more-black-172cm-163759
http://dx.com/p/playvision-hdv-m610-mini-hdmi-to-av-video-audio-converter-white-152345
pedja1 said:
Will this work?
I don't have HDMI enabled TV or monitor but i have an old TV with RCA/Composite connectors(Yelow/White/Red) and i want to watch movies on a big screen from my evo
This is what i plan on buying i just want to know will this work theoretically
http://dx.com/p/mhl-to-hdmi-cable-for-samsung-i9100-i9200-i9250-i997-more-black-172cm-163759
http://dx.com/p/playvision-hdv-m610-mini-hdmi-to-av-video-audio-converter-white-152345:D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Second link isn't valid.
But I think it would be easier to buy an MHL adapter that you need to provide the HDMI cable. And then just plug in an HDMI to Composite cable. I haven't tried it. But technically, it should work..
DjDom said:
Second link isn't valid.
But I think it would be easier to buy an MHL adapter that you need to provide the HDMI cable. And then just plug in an HDMI to Composite cable. I haven't tried it. But technically, it should work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corrected link
You can't just plug HDMI cable(digital signal) to composite which is analog
Sent from my U8500 using Tapatalk 2
That combination should work as long as you supply power to the MHL adapter to keep the phone charged while playing video.
ramjet73
If it doesn't work and you don't want the parts anymore, I'll tak'em off your hands.
With a converter box, it should work.
But for some reason, I've had luck with Digital to Analog connections. No idea why.
First off, stay away from that MHL adapter. With the actual "adapter" end being right on the hdmi side, you put a LOT of stress on the hdmi port with that, and hdmi ports are very easy to break. As stated above, get one that allows you to use your own cable.
Second, you cannot just get a simple cable to go from hdmi to component or composite, it just won't work. You need to use a downconverter, and those aren't very cheap. The link to the one you posted seems VERY suspicious, I personally wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. The cheapest downconverter I have seen that actually works cost 120 dollars. Personally, anything under 100 dollars I would stay away from.
sitlet said:
First off, stay away from that MHL adapter. With the actual "adapter" end being right on the hdmi side, you put a LOT of stress on the hdmi port with that, and hdmi ports are very easy to break. As stated above, get one that allows you to use your own cable.
Second, you cannot just get a simple cable to go from hdmi to component or composite, it just won't work. You need to use a downconverter, and those aren't very cheap. The link to the one you posted seems VERY suspicious, I personally wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. The cheapest downconverter I have seen that actually works cost 120 dollars. Personally, anything under 100 dollars I would stay away from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestions
I definitely wont give 100+$ for convert box its to much
There are (if I remember correctly) 3 positive reviews on that converter so maybe ill test my luck
Thanks everyone for help
I will let you know if it worked if I decide to buy this
Sent from my U8500 using Tapatalk 2
for a 100$ you could buy a used flat screen with HDMI, yet small but serve its purpose.
Good luck with it.
I know tiger direct had cheap converters in Canada and the us.
Maybe before you buy it, check some local stores ?
You might get lucky.
Hi,
Just wanted to let you guys know about this dock that I picked up from aliexpress.
The build quality is awesome, it is all metal. Feels really solid and it works in the same way the the actual DeX stations do.
I've attached a couple of images of the product and one of my review.
The current cost is USD $13.71 GBP £10.26 and that includes postage from China, mine turned up in a week and a half, really happy with it.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EAS...893.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6d9f4c4d3EQZa8
It works in the same way as the original DeX does, you cannot use your screen as a trackpad and must connect a wireless/usb mouse and keyboard. I haven't tried it with a USB hub yet but I imagine it would work as it is powered via your USB-C phone charger. Using my GS9 original charger it allows passthrough fast charging whilst using the dock. You can also use it for standard screen mirroring rather than DeX mode.
With the experimental labs mode enabled (in DeX settings, which appears when connected) to allow you to scale most windows up to full screen. The only one I have found which doesn't go fullscreen is netflix. Things like PUBG mobile (only opened app to see if it works, you would need an app to remap keyboard keys to play a match), Youtube, Terrarium TV etc all work fine. The option for sound output via phone/connected hdmi device works.
If you have any questions or need me to try something out on it for you, please let me know.
There are some more expensive versions with more USB ports and 3.5mm audio out - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/EAS...-9e13-2ca171f3bfbb,scm-url:1007.13339.90158.0 - These are £29.91 (USD $39.98)
Nice. Do you need to remove the phone from the case or is the usb-c connector long enough? Just curious.
TallTommy said:
Nice. Do you need to remove the phone from the case or is the usb-c connector long enough? Just curious.
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I did have to remove it from the case. I am using the Caseology Parallax which isn't overly thick (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caseology-...-2&keywords=caseology+parallax+galaxy+s9&th=1 / https://www.caseologycases.com/products/galaxy-s9-parallax-case).
I don't see it as too much of an inconvenience, as when you are using the dock it is likely that you won't be leaving your desk/living/wherever for a while.
Thanks, I will keep it in mind. I bought one off Amazon that had a sale that I found on Slickdeals. It's the XF Times one and it was on sale for $8 so I took a gamble on it. It's working well at the moment but if it breaks, I will look at the one you posted. I already saved it to my Favorites.
TallTommy said:
Thanks, I will keep it in mind. I bought one off Amazon that had a sale that I found on Slickdeals. It's the XF Times one and it was on sale for $8 so I took a gamble on it. It's working well at the moment but if it breaks, I will look at the one you posted. I already saved it to my Favorites.
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Ah, that looks similar actually. I've never really looked on Amazon for them. I wasn't really looking to buy this one, I was just browsing Aliexpress and decided to actually order something on there rather than just browsing for ages and deciding against it. I picked up a couple of cases and watch straps too, it's too easy to buy things when they are so cheap!
My cheap DeX dock works fine
Only problem is, it doesn't charge the phone. The dock requires USB power also. Without power, it just mirrors the phone screen. So I just charge the phone in the morning and it would go all day on DeX if I wanted. However, I usually get up and go to meetings and such, so I end up taking the S9 with me. When I get back, I will typically top off the charge again before plugging back into DeX. I have a DeX setup at work with monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and I also have one at home. I just take the little dock with me and keep it in my backpack. They are so cheap, I really should just buy another one to keep one at both places.
If I don't plug in a mouse, I can use the phone as a touchpad. If I do plug in a mouse, the touchpad functionality doesn't work. Which is fine; just an observation.
tonylmiller said:
Only problem is, it doesn't charge the phone. The dock requires USB power also. Without power, it just mirrors the phone screen. So I just charge the phone in the morning and it would go all day on DeX if I wanted. However, I usually get up and go to meetings and such, so I end up taking the S9 with me. When I get back, I will typically top off the charge again before plugging back into DeX. I have a DeX setup at work with monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and I also have one at home. I just take the little dock with me and keep it in my backpack. They are so cheap, I really should just buy another one to keep one at both places.
If I don't plug in a mouse, I can use the phone as a touchpad. If I do plug in a mouse, the touchpad functionality doesn't work. Which is fine; just an observation.
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Hi,
I hadn't even tried it without the wireless keyboard attached as I foolishly assumed it wouldn't work with this dock. I've just tried it and thanks for the tip it works great as a touchpad!
I just carry a spare USB-C lead with me when I need it, it even manages to fast charge.
One thing I will note is that the connection has become a bit hit and miss on this, I don't know whether that is build quality or because the dock USB-C connector has taken a knock when I have been carrying it around. I still think that I can't really complain for what it cost me.
Yeah, I figured the touchpad function wouldn't work because it is not a Samsung dock. But it still does if you don't use any other input devices.
Just to clarify this dock puts the S9 into the actual DEX mode, not some sort of "similar" app?
cookiemonster79 said:
Just to clarify this dock puts the S9 into the actual DEX mode, not some sort of "similar" app?
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Hi Cookie,
Yeah, this gives actual DeX mode :good:. There are loads of similar products about on Amazon/Ebay but I went for this as it was a cheap addition to an Aliexpress haul.
dnmrt said:
Hi Cookie,
Yeah, this gives actual DeX mode :good:. There are loads of similar products about on Amazon/Ebay but I went for this as it was a cheap addition to an Aliexpress haul.
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Thanks, I found this one that will hopefully work:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074ZP5Q51
Mine arrived today, fast post ! Works great in DeX mode, thanks OP
cookiemonster79 said:
Thanks, I found this one that will hopefully work:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074ZP5Q51
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I got Goodock one, overall it worked pretty good but it does randomly disconnect from time to time (very quickly, it doesn't even leave DeX mode). I am using a HDMI to VGA adapter in my setup, I doubt it is the reason for disconnects but you never know.
I wrote a review in the S9+ accessories area:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ock-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter-dex-review-t3796766
cookiemonster79 said:
I got Goodock one, overall it worked pretty good but it does randomly disconnect from time to time (very quickly, it doesn't even leave DeX mode). I am using a HDMI to VGA adapter in my setup, I doubt it is the reason for disconnects but you never know.
I wrote a review in the S9+ accessories area:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ock-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter-dex-review-t3796766
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How often do you find yourself using it? I think I have only used mine 2/3 times but I like knowing it is there if I need it.
dnmrt said:
How often do you find yourself using it? I think I have only used mine 2/3 times but I like knowing it is there if I need it.
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Honestly maybe once a week. Hard to break the habit of just firing up a laptop.
Can this work with a non Samsung Android?
Is there/ shouldnt there be a generic/ stock Android alternative for the same?
This is nice but better connect a computer from other room to tv and bring cable through the wall for wireless mouse too there if it's for home.
I recommend this.
I use this https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78991064&postcount=388
I use this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Cell-Adapter-Delivery-smartphones/dp/B07D9L8S73