Troubleshooting HDMI Connection Issues Between Laptop and Projector

When connecting a laptop to a projector using HDMI cables, it's expected that the connection will be seamless and reliable. However, some users may encounter issues with the signal dropping or becoming unstable, especially when using HDMI-HDMI connections or HDMI-DisplayPort configurations. This article aims to explore the common causes of such problems and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve them.

The Issue at Hand

Our team onsite is experiencing a peculiar issue with the secondary output to a projector connected via HDMI cables on HP Pro One 440 G4 23.8-in AiO laptops. The connection suddenly loses signal at random times during lessons, causing disruptions to teaching and learning activities.

Troubleshooting Steps

To resolve this issue, we have tried various troubleshooting steps:

1. BIOS Update: We ensured that the machine's BIOS is updated to the latest version.

2. HDMI Cable Testing: We tested different HDMI cables, both at the machine side and using a 10-meter long cable through the ceiling.

3. Audio Connection: We also tested connecting audio separately using an audio cable, which worked perfectly.

Despite these troubleshooting steps, the issue persists, with the signal dropping randomly during lessons. When switching back to VGA and audio connections, everything works as expected.

Recent Updates and Changes

Recently, our AV breakouts and wiring were updated from VGA to HDMI by an AV company. It's possible that this change may have introduced compatibility issues between the laptop's HDMI output and the projector's HDMI input.

Suggestions for Resolution

To resolve this issue, we are seeking suggestions and advice on how to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem. Some potential solutions could include:

1. HDMI Cable Replacement: Replacing the HDMI cable with a high-quality one to rule out any issues related to the cable itself.

2. DisplayPort Adapter Testing: Testing the DisplayPort adapter used for HDMI-DisplayPort connections to ensure it's functioning correctly.

3. BIOS Configuration Adjustment: Adjusting the BIOS settings on the laptop to optimize HDMI output performance.

By exploring these potential solutions, we hope to resolve this issue and ensure a stable and reliable connection between laptops and projectors in our teaching environment.

Hdmi connection laptop to projector