Extending laptop to two external monitors via one HDMI port

mrcheez

My laptop has one HDMI output, but I want to extend the screens to two monitors via a HDMI splitter or similar.

I need to pick it up a lunchtime today in Dublin city center.

Is this something I can pick up easily in a Dealz shop or need to go Maplin or similar??

rgodard80a

mrcheez wrote: »

My laptop has one HDMI output, but I want to extend the screens to two monitors via a HDMI splitter or similar.

I'd suspect that splitter would only let you replicate the same image on both screens.
Typically a laptop can support it's own screen plus an extend to another external screen.

Someone else can correct me, because I'm vague here but I imagine if you needed a laptop to extend to two external screens (as opposed to replicating the same screen) then you'd need an external (maybe usb powered) graphics card to drive the other screen.

mrcheez

ah really? nuts. I have a USB monitor cable (USB 3.0 A to USB 2.0 as well, but it doesn't appear to detect the monitor despite me putting it into my USB 3.0 ports.

Do I need to get a driver for using the USB cable?!

Running Windows 10 so would assume no need.

ED E

mrcheez wrote: »

ah really? nuts. I have a USB monitor cable (USB 3.0 A to USB 2.0 as well, but it doesn't appear to detect the monitor

What monitor?

mrcheez

ED E wrote: »

What monitor?

Lenovo ThinkVision

ED E

mrcheez wrote: »

Lenovo ThinkVision

Thats a passthrough! Its not for the image, just connecting mice/keyboards through the monitor.

crashplan

Easiest way to connect 2 monitors with only 1 hdmi port is one of these

Zascar

Not the cheapest option but a docking station/port replication will do exactly what you want, tru to find one one ebay for cheap with two hdmi outs.

mrcheez

ED E wrote: »

Thats a passthrough! Its not for the image, just connecting mice/keyboards through the monitor.

ah right! :pac: