Topic: Functionality of the HDMI Jack On My Computer

[stevetoney]

I have a new laptop with an HDMI port on it, but no pre-packaged software for importing or exporting video from the HDMI port.  I've spent a couple hours trying to figure out how to take control of the HDMI port, but no luck so far.  Is an HDMI port typically just for connecting an external HD monitor?

The reason I ask is that I'd like to capture 1080 video onto my laptop from my DVR.  Any thoughts?

[Ultfris101]

What's the make and model of the laptop?

I believe these are typically for output to external display but never really investigated using it for input.

[Gutbucket]

I'm not much help on this one Steve, mostly posting to lurk this thread..

Windows or a Mac machine?  I'd check Device Manager for it first if Windows.

Here's the reason for my lurk-
Multichannel LPCM output.  I've been meaning for years to pick up a laptop with an HDMI port + an HDMI input hometheater receiver for simple and direct 1-cable connected mulitchannel LPCM playback from the computer.  It would eliminate the need for a multichannel capable USB DAC, the extra DAC>analog>ADC conversion, and the mess of RCA interconnects.   Any insight into that is welcome, but please adress Steve's questions first!  I'm just riding his coat-tails here.

[audBall]

I can almost guarantee it's for output only. My 3+ year old laptop has this and it's great for watching live streams/netflix/etc on larger displays. If you have a receiver that accepts HDMI, it's an easy way to play music off the computer and have the receiver act as a D/A.

[ScoobieKW]

HDMI port on your laptop is output only.

You need a capture device. USB 3.0 option
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686585-REG/Blackmagic_Design_BINTSSHU_Intensity_Shuttle.html

or if you bought a Mac, here's a Thunderbolt option
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/824118-REG/Blackmagic_Design_BINTSTBEXT_Intensity_Extreme_HDMI_and.html

[stevetoney]

Thanks for the responses gents.   

[willndmb]

HDMI port on your laptop is output only.

You need a capture device. USB 3.0 option
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686585-REG/Blackmagic_Design_BINTSSHU_Intensity_Shuttle.html

or if you bought a Mac, here's a Thunderbolt option
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/824118-REG/Blackmagic_Design_BINTSTBEXT_Intensity_Extreme_HDMI_and.html

hmmm I need a Mac with component to bypass hdcp