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    Best Solution re T61p to FHD2400 Monitor via HDMI???

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by jklee, May 16, 2010.

  1. jklee

    jklee Newbie

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    Hi folks. I have a T61p and was just given a Gateway FDH2400 monitor. T61p has vga output but no hdmi or dvi output. What's the best solution available? I looked at buying a docking station from Lenovo, but the reviews at the Lenovo site were pretty critical of the station (really a port replicator with DVI). Any better solutions? I don't need a docking station for any other reason . . . just trying to get digital output to the monitor. Thanks!
     
    jklee, May 16, 2010
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  2. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    lenovo usb2dvi converter
     
    lead_org, May 16, 2010
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  3. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    Does the monitor's VGA input look bad?
     
    jaredy, May 16, 2010
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  4. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    Unless you need Audio through one cable just get a docking station with DVI and a DVI to HDMI converter. The Docking station works flawlessly for me. I have the Advanced mini dock.
     
    MaxGeek, May 16, 2010
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  5. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    What do you mean audio through one cable...he just wants the video that is not too different from using the usb-dvi adapter, which is likely cheaper.
     
    jaredy, May 16, 2010
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  6. jklee

    jklee Newbie

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    Thanks folks. VERY helpful. Much appreciated.

    Some users at some sites report that they sometimes encounter delays or other issues when just using the usb2dvi converter approach. Would there be a significant difference in the quality of what I see on the monitor if I went with the converter vs. the dock?

    I recall seeing a post where someone recommended using the dock with a usb2dvi converter . . . But since the dock has a dvi port, I'm guessing the person was trying to hook up multiple monitors and perhaps used the converter as option for monitor #2 . . . or convertng dvi to HDMI . . . and I just misunderstood the type of converter they were using . . .

    Thanks again!
     
    jklee, May 16, 2010
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  7. jklee

    jklee Newbie

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    Based on the input here, I'm looking one of the following approaches:

    1. USB to DVI converter cable
    2. Advanced Mini-Dock from Lenovo and then running one of the following two cables from the dock to the monitor - either:
    a) a DVI cable; or
    b) a DVI to HDMI converter cable.

    But if I go with a DVI cable, do I not take advantage of the HD capability of the monitor? Sorry folks . . . this is all very new to me.

    Also, it's my understanding (or misunderstanding?) that while DVI and HDMI will get me the same image quality re the video output, only HDMI can also carry the audio. But I would assume that if it's DVI output, even using the DVI to HDMI converter cable isn't going to allow me to carry the audio. I'll instead need a separate solution for the audio, yes?

    Thanks again.
     
    jklee, May 16, 2010
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  8. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    Sorry for not being clear, I mean HDMI includes audio so unless he need video and audio in one cable just get a advance mini dock which has DVI (just video).

    Also a usb to dvi adapter that supports 1920x1200 probably isn't that cheap if one exist at all. The dock also has lots of other added benefits.
     
    MaxGeek, May 16, 2010
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  9. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    There is no audio pass through with such a method for a thinkpad, except with some of the newer generation ones that have displayport with audio pass through.

    The only way you'd get an HDMI signal on his generation of thinkpad with both video and sound is if you had some sort of adapter box that took an input for video and converted it to digital and then analog out audio and turned it digital (with a ton of degradation in the process).
     
    jaredy, May 16, 2010
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  10. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    Never said there was...
     
    MaxGeek, May 16, 2010
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  11. jklee

    jklee Newbie

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    Thx for clearing up the audio matter . . .

    Looks like the USB to DVI adapter is coming in over $125 . . .

    Amazon: Lenovo USB-to-DVI Monitor Adapter - Graphics adapter - Hi-Speed USB - DVI by Lenovo $129.99 $126.05

    The Advanced Mini Dock is more expensive but also offers a range of other advantages and options. So if I'm going to have to shell out $125 for the USB to DVI converter, I might decide to pay another $75 and get the dock and the DVI to HDMI cable instead.

    You guys have been great. Thanks for the help.
     
    jklee, May 16, 2010
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  12. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    Try Ebay. I got a new Advance Mini dock for like $90 over 2 years ago.
     
    MaxGeek, May 17, 2010
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  13. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    jaredy, May 17, 2010
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  14. descendency

    descendency Notebook Consultant

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    descendency, May 17, 2010
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  15. wz25

    wz25 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Probably your cheapest source for a compatible dock with DVI-out:

    IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad Type 2504 Port Replicator

    I have this dock, and it works just fine with my T60 widescreen.

    You can pick up a DVI-->HDMI cable from Monoprice for $5ish shipped.
     
    wz25, May 17, 2010
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  16. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    That seems like a good price. Though you'd need an AC adapter if you wanted one for just the docking station too.
     
    jaredy, May 17, 2010
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