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General
Will this device work with my current computer that has USB-A, USB-C or Thunderbolt ports?
Yes! This product is compatible with all Windows, macOS and Chromebook computers including those with USB-A and Thunderbolt ports.
Note: When connected to a USB-A port, only HDMI 2 and 3 can be used (2x 1920*1080@60Hz displays).
Maximum resolutions for the different video outputs vary depending on the capabilities of the connected computer. Guidance on achievable resolutions can be found in the resolution support table in the specifications for the product.
Note: When connected to a USB-A port, only HDMI 2 and 3 can be used (2x 1920*1080@60Hz displays).
Maximum resolutions for the different video outputs vary depending on the capabilities of the connected computer. Guidance on achievable resolutions can be found in the resolution support table in the specifications for the product.
Does the DV4 require any additional software to be installed?
The DV4 is a DisplayLink-enabled dock. In order to use ports HDMI 2 and 3, you will need to download and install the free DisplayLink software:
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads
What functions of the dock can I use when connecting with the USB-C to A Adapter?
The dock should be connected to a USB-C or Thunderbolt port on the host computer where possible. The USB-C to A adapter provided with the dock is only intended for use with older laptops that do not have any USB-C ports.
Most features of the dock are available when connected to a USB-A port on a laptop, however the following specific features are not supported by USB-A connections and will not be available:
- Laptop charging. USB-A connections do not support USB Power Delivery passthrough charging.
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs. The dock supports a maximum of two monitors when connected to a USB-A port on a laptop; only the HDMI 2 and 3 (DisplayLink driven) video outputs are able to operate over a USB-A connection.
Most features of the dock are available when connected to a USB-A port on a laptop, however the following specific features are not supported by USB-A connections and will not be available:
- Laptop charging. USB-A connections do not support USB Power Delivery passthrough charging.
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs. The dock supports a maximum of two monitors when connected to a USB-A port on a laptop; only the HDMI 2 and 3 (DisplayLink driven) video outputs are able to operate over a USB-A connection.
Do I require a power adapter to use this dock?
The DV3 is a compact docking station which doesn’t come with a power adapter. You can still use the dock even without the power adapter.
Connecting an external power adapter (up to 100W) via the PD port will allow for laptop charging when using this dock.
Connecting an external power adapter (up to 100W) via the PD port will allow for laptop charging when using this dock.
Charging
Can I charge my computer with this dock?
The DV4 docking station can charge computers and mobile devices that support USB-C Power Delivery (USB PD) charging when a USB PD power adapter is connected to the dock (not included - available separately).
The device supports all USB PD 2.0/3.0/3.1 power adapters and will accept up to 100W of power. Note that the dock reserves 15W from power adapters to power itself and peripheral devices connected to the ports on the hub so it is best to use a USB PD power adapter that is at least 15W larger than the power adapter that was supplied with the computer. Using a 100W USB PD power adapter such as the DCG1X100 100W Rapid Power GaN Charger is recommended to ensure that enough power is available to charge any laptop that may be connected to the dock at the time of purchase or in the future.
The maximum wattage that this hub can provide to charge a computer is 85W when a 100W power adapter is connected (15W is reserved for the hub and connected peripheral devices). This is sufficient for most laptops, but a small number of larger, high performance laptops may not charge at the highest speed possible and a separate power adapter may need to be connected to those laptops when used with this docking station.
If the computer shows a message indicating that it is not receiving enough power from the device, increase the size (Wattage) of the connected power adapter or connect the power adapter directly to the computer.
In order to charge a connected computer the dock must be connected to a USB-C port on the computer that is compatible with USB PD charging using the USB-C cable supplied with the dock.
To check if a port is USB-C PD compatible, look for a battery icon, or consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for more information. All Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are USB-C PD compatible.
The device supports all USB PD 2.0/3.0/3.1 power adapters and will accept up to 100W of power. Note that the dock reserves 15W from power adapters to power itself and peripheral devices connected to the ports on the hub so it is best to use a USB PD power adapter that is at least 15W larger than the power adapter that was supplied with the computer. Using a 100W USB PD power adapter such as the DCG1X100 100W Rapid Power GaN Charger is recommended to ensure that enough power is available to charge any laptop that may be connected to the dock at the time of purchase or in the future.
The maximum wattage that this hub can provide to charge a computer is 85W when a 100W power adapter is connected (15W is reserved for the hub and connected peripheral devices). This is sufficient for most laptops, but a small number of larger, high performance laptops may not charge at the highest speed possible and a separate power adapter may need to be connected to those laptops when used with this docking station.
If the computer shows a message indicating that it is not receiving enough power from the device, increase the size (Wattage) of the connected power adapter or connect the power adapter directly to the computer.
In order to charge a connected computer the dock must be connected to a USB-C port on the computer that is compatible with USB PD charging using the USB-C cable supplied with the dock.
To check if a port is USB-C PD compatible, look for a battery icon, or consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for more information. All Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are USB-C PD compatible.
My computer is plugged in, why isn't it charging?
The following are required for a laptop connected to this docking station to charge:
- An external USB-C Power Delivery (USB PD) power adapter plugged into the PD input port on the DV4. A 100W power adapter is recommended.
- The computer must be connected to the dock with the USB-C cable that was supplied with the dock.
- The dock must be connected to a USB-C port on the computer that supports USB-C Power Delivery charging.
To check if a laptop port supports USB PD charging look for a battery icon or consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for more information. All Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are USB PD compatible.
NOTE: The dock may consume up to 15W from the external power adapter. Ensure that the any external power adapter used has sufficient power to pass onto the laptop.
- An external USB-C Power Delivery (USB PD) power adapter plugged into the PD input port on the DV4. A 100W power adapter is recommended.
- The computer must be connected to the dock with the USB-C cable that was supplied with the dock.
- The dock must be connected to a USB-C port on the computer that supports USB-C Power Delivery charging.
To check if a laptop port supports USB PD charging look for a battery icon or consult the user manual or manufacturer's website for more information. All Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are USB PD compatible.
NOTE: The dock may consume up to 15W from the external power adapter. Ensure that the any external power adapter used has sufficient power to pass onto the laptop.
Video
What maximum resolutions and refresh rates does the DV4 support?
The quantity and resolutions of video outputs supported depend on the capability of the connected computer.
The table below provides the maximum output resolutions available for Windows computers based on the version of DisplayPort Alternate mode supported on their USB-C ports.
Note: When connected to Apple Mac computers the DisplayPort 1 and HDMI 1 outputs will be mirrored. When used with a Mac this docking station is suitable for use with up to three monitors but cannot be used for multiple monitor extended desktop configurations where four independent monitors are required.
The table below provides the maximum output resolutions available for Windows computers based on the version of DisplayPort Alternate mode supported on their USB-C ports.
|
Port |
Maximum Resolution |
||
|
DisplayPort 1 + HDMI 1 |
DP 1 and HDMI 1 outputs require host computer to be connected via USB-C (not active when connected to host via USB-A) |
||
|
Host Computer DisplayPort Alt Mode Version |
Single Display – DP 1 or HDMI 1 in use |
Dual Display – |
|
|
DP1.4 (HBR3) with DSC |
3840x2160 60Hz |
2x 3840x2160 60Hz |
|
|
DP1.4 (HBR3) without DSC |
3840x2160 60Hz |
2x 3840x2160 30Hz |
|
|
DP1.2 (HBR2) |
3840x2160 30Hz |
2x 1920x1080P 60Hz |
|
|
None – USB-A |
DP 1 and HDMI 1 Unavailable |
DP 1 and HDMI 1 Unavailable |
|
|
HDMI 2 |
1920x1080@60Hz (all computers) |
||
|
HDMI 3 |
1920x1080@60Hz (all computers) |
||
I can’t get 3 or 4 external displays working with the DV4
The DV4 dock has two groups of video outputs that use different technologies to transfer video between the computer and the dock. The two groups of video outputs are as follows:
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort which use DisplayPort Alternate Mode video signals from the host computer
- HDMI 2 and 3 which use DisplayLink technology for universal compatibility
The two pairs of video outputs differ as follows:
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort will only operate when connected to a USB-C or Thunderbolt port on a host computer that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode video output. They can provide higher video performance than the DisplayLink video outputs in some circumstances, but require hardware support from the computer and are not universally supported by all computers like the HDMI 2 and 3 DisplayLink driven outputs. These outputs will not work when the dock is connected to the computer with the included USB-A adapter.
- HDMI 2 and 3 make use of DisplayLink technology which allows them to work with all computers, regardless of any specific capabilities of the computer, and which allows them to work when the dock is connected to the computer via USB-C or USB-A. HDMI 2 and 3 will be available for use when the dock is connected to any computer which has the DisplayLink driver software installed.
It is recommended that HDMI 2 and 3 are used to connect the first two monitors to the dock where possible. This will ensure that at least two monitors work with the computer. If the HDMI 2 and 3 aren't working when you first connect the dock to the computer, you may need to install the DisplayLink drivers that can be downloaded for free from: https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads
To be able to show video on a third external display connected to the HDMI 1 or DisplayPort output, the DV4 dock must be connected to a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode video output or a Thunderbolt port on the host computer. All Macbook and most current model Windows and Chromebook laptops will support three displays connected to HDMI 2, HDMI 3 and either of the HDMI 1 or DisplayPort outputs.
To use both HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs at the same time requires DisplayPort Alt Mode with MST (Multi Stream Transport) support on the host computer. Apple Mac computers do not support MST and can only support a maximum of three external displays. Windows and some Chromebook laptops support MST and will allow the HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs to be used concurrently (along with the HDMI 2 and 3 outputs for a total of four monitors).
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort which use DisplayPort Alternate Mode video signals from the host computer
- HDMI 2 and 3 which use DisplayLink technology for universal compatibility
The two pairs of video outputs differ as follows:
- HDMI 1 and DisplayPort will only operate when connected to a USB-C or Thunderbolt port on a host computer that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode video output. They can provide higher video performance than the DisplayLink video outputs in some circumstances, but require hardware support from the computer and are not universally supported by all computers like the HDMI 2 and 3 DisplayLink driven outputs. These outputs will not work when the dock is connected to the computer with the included USB-A adapter.
- HDMI 2 and 3 make use of DisplayLink technology which allows them to work with all computers, regardless of any specific capabilities of the computer, and which allows them to work when the dock is connected to the computer via USB-C or USB-A. HDMI 2 and 3 will be available for use when the dock is connected to any computer which has the DisplayLink driver software installed.
It is recommended that HDMI 2 and 3 are used to connect the first two monitors to the dock where possible. This will ensure that at least two monitors work with the computer. If the HDMI 2 and 3 aren't working when you first connect the dock to the computer, you may need to install the DisplayLink drivers that can be downloaded for free from: https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads
To be able to show video on a third external display connected to the HDMI 1 or DisplayPort output, the DV4 dock must be connected to a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode video output or a Thunderbolt port on the host computer. All Macbook and most current model Windows and Chromebook laptops will support three displays connected to HDMI 2, HDMI 3 and either of the HDMI 1 or DisplayPort outputs.
To use both HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs at the same time requires DisplayPort Alt Mode with MST (Multi Stream Transport) support on the host computer. Apple Mac computers do not support MST and can only support a maximum of three external displays. Windows and some Chromebook laptops support MST and will allow the HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs to be used concurrently (along with the HDMI 2 and 3 outputs for a total of four monitors).
No video is displaying on a monitor connected to the HDMI 1 or DisplayPort video outputs
The HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs on the DV4 dock require a DisplayPort Alternate Mode video signal from the computer to operate. These ports will only show video when the dock is connected to a host laptop's USB-C or Thunderbolt port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode video output.
Ensure that you use the USB-C cable supplied with the dock to connect the dock to the computer. Many USB-C cables are intended specifically for charging and do not support high speed data or video transfer - these cables will not pass DisplayPort Alt Mode video signals from the computer to the dock.
Note: Not all USB-C ports on computers support DisplayPort Alt Mode video; consult the user manual of the computer in question if in doubt as to whether a particular USB-C port on a laptop is capable of video output.
The HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs will not be able to display video if the dock is connected to a USB-A port on a laptop using the included USB-A adapter as USB-A ports are unable to output DisplayPort Alt Mode video.
Ensure that you use the USB-C cable supplied with the dock to connect the dock to the computer. Many USB-C cables are intended specifically for charging and do not support high speed data or video transfer - these cables will not pass DisplayPort Alt Mode video signals from the computer to the dock.
Note: Not all USB-C ports on computers support DisplayPort Alt Mode video; consult the user manual of the computer in question if in doubt as to whether a particular USB-C port on a laptop is capable of video output.
The HDMI 1 and DisplayPort video outputs will not be able to display video if the dock is connected to a USB-A port on a laptop using the included USB-A adapter as USB-A ports are unable to output DisplayPort Alt Mode video.
Why am I getting a black screen while watching protected content (such as Netflix, Disney+ or Kayo) on a Mac with DisplayLink screens connected?
When DisplayLink screens are connected some protected content in iTunes and other applications may not play.
This is due to the behaviour of the OSX interfaces the DisplayLink driver uses to access graphics content. A side effect of those interfaces is that as soon as one DisplayLink screen is connected, protected content becomes unavailable on all screens.
Display Link Article
Work Around:
1. Try another web browser (such as Opera, FireFox)
2. Temporarily disconnect the DisplayLink enabled screens (eg. connect monitor directly to the MacBook and bypass the dock).
3. If using Chrome, try disabling the option: “Use hardware acceleration when available”. As seen in the image below:
This is due to the behaviour of the OSX interfaces the DisplayLink driver uses to access graphics content. A side effect of those interfaces is that as soon as one DisplayLink screen is connected, protected content becomes unavailable on all screens.
Display Link Article
Work Around:
1. Try another web browser (such as Opera, FireFox)
2. Temporarily disconnect the DisplayLink enabled screens (eg. connect monitor directly to the MacBook and bypass the dock).
3. If using Chrome, try disabling the option: “Use hardware acceleration when available”. As seen in the image below:
