Simple questions deserve simple answers. Today we will answer the question: How to change video source on laptop?
Laptops come with HDMI output ports in most cases. It means that they can be used for sending video and audio from the laptop to television or other monitors. However, these are not used for receiving signals from external sources.
Also read: Best Laptop for Video Editing 2022
This is the reason why one cannot plug in the HDMI cable in the laptop and use it as another extra monitor. For that to happen, you will need an HDMI input port that will help in getting the data and not only help in sending it.
How to change HDMI output to the input on a laptop?
It is not at all possible for an individual to use the HDMI adapter for changing the laptop’s HDMI output to input. The cable is not responsible for receiving or sending signals. The port does that job and this is how the laptop has been made. The port is simply made for output. It means that it will be sending out signals irrespective of the kind of cable plugged into it.
Many opine that one can invest in HDMI adapters to turn laptop hdmi output to input. But in reality, this is not going to help. The laptop that has a port that is developed for sending signals will continue to do so. It will not perform the job of receiving signals.
The cable has no function in controlling the path of the signals. This is the job of the port. If the port on the laptop has been designed in a way so that it will only send signals to the external source and not receive video or audio signals, it will continue to do so. Even if an individual changes HDMI output to the input on the laptop, it will not be a success.
Can one use the HDMI on the laptop as input?
HDMI input on laptop is often searched by many individuals. Many people question how to change hdmi on laptop. The HDMI port of any laptop is built for the output of video or audio signals. Hence you cannot use it as an input port, irrespective of what method you want to implement.
However, there are ways in which one can get signals and even display them on the monitor of the laptop. This cannot be achieved by changing the HDMI to input.
What are the ways available?
The easy route of plugging the HDMI cable into the laptop is not possible. However, other ways can be used for this purpose. They are quite effective in getting the result that the user wants.
It involves purchasing a capture card or similar devices. It is quite expensive. The amount of money you need to spend on a capture card or similar devices is equal to the cost of a good 4K television. However, if you lack the space, then you can use this process.
The capture card will help one to connect with the help of the USB to the laptop and then to the device where you want to stream the output.
A good amount of data will be sent. For 4K resolution of data, the connection is established via a USB-C or Thunderbolt port. Hence one must ensure that the laptop is equipped with such ports.
Some of the best laptops that come with Thunderbolt ports are:
- MacBook Pro 14-inch
- Dell XPS 15
- HP Spectre X360
- Acer Swift3
- Dell XPS 13
- HP Elite Dragonfly
- MacBook Pro 15-inch
How can you change HDMI output to input using a capture card?
It is impossible to change the HDMI output to input. However, with the use of the capture card, one can change the laptop into a monitor. Some of the best capture cards that you can opt for are as follows:
- Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Bolt.
- Asus TUF CU4K30.
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro Mk. 2.
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini.
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K.
- Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro.
Here is the process of turning the output to input and receiving the signal on the laptop:
- First, connect the USB-C cable with the capture card and the other end in the USB 3.0 port of the laptop. One must check that it is connected to the USB 3.0 port for good performance. If it is connected to older ports, it will not give good performance.
- Next, plug the HDMI cable into the external source like a gaming console or others. The other end must be in the HDMI IN port on the capture card.
- The third step is to plug the other HDMI cable into the card’s HDMI output. The other end must be connected to the laptop.
After this, the set-up is complete and you can get signals from the external sources with the capture card.
While it might look like you are using the HDMI output to the input on your laptop. However, in reality, you will be sending the signal to the display with the help of the USB-C cable/port.
This is the proper way to complete this and using a common adapter will not serve the purpose.
Conclusion – How to change video source on laptop
Most modern laptops have USB 3.0 or higher ports. Hence using a capture card, you can switch the laptop’s HDMI output to input. Using a capture card is an expensive method but it works properly and allows the monitor of the laptop to show audio and video from external sources.
Remember to double-check the requirements of the capture card so that it performs well without lagging. For using the capture card, one will need a high-end laptop.
As the process is complex, investing in an affordable Smart TV is better. However if you need to use the laptop for display purposes, then you can opt for this method.
In the end, it is your decision and you will know why you want to turn the HDMI output to input.