NEC monitor - DisplayPort to DVI adapter question?

[Petruska]

I have a NEC P221W monitor which I love as it matches my prints (Satin/Luster) for color and gloss extremely well.

I just replaced the video card with a faster Nvidia RTX4060 GPU for improved video rendering.

The P221W monitor has a DVI socket. The GPU only only has DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, no DVI.

I purchased a DisplayPort to DVI adapter and the monitor work just fine.

EXCEPT - I use NEC's SpectraView II calibration system which calibrates the monitor's hardware. SprectraView has an error that it can not communicate with the monitor.

I assume that the original DVI connection from my old GPU was a bi-directional data transfer. The new adapter is not.

There are Dual link adapters available, but NEC support said there is no guaranty that this will solve the issue.

I was was hoping that there is someone on this forum that understands DisplayPort and DVI technology extremely well that may point me in the right direction to solve this issue, if even possible or not.

Bob P.

 

[bmoag]

HDMI to DVI cables are reported to be bidirectional so up to you if you want to take a chance.

Loading…

www.quora.com

As you know that NEC is a very old monitor. It might be time to search for a replacement. The monitor, if still operating within spec, has outlived the DVI spec.

 

[Petruska]

HDMI to DVI cables are reported to be bidirectional so up to you if you want to take a chance.

https://www.quora.com/Are-DVI-to-HDMI-cables-bi-directional

As you know that NEC is a very old monitor. It might be time to search for a replacement. The monitor, if still operating within spec, has outlived the DVI spec.

That is a good option if it works.

What is the downside of using the GPU HDMI output compared to the DisplayPort?

I will get a HDMI to AVI cable and try it.

Many older NEC monitors have a USB port to computer to perform the bi-directional data transfer when using SpectraView. Unfortunately the P221W doesn’t.

I like the NEC P221W as the backlight is CCFL and easy on my eyes. I purchased two of these monitors and started using this second one less than a year ago. If I need to I will buy another NEC as I like the SpectraView II cal system. I’m looking at $1200 for a decent replacement.

I just checked and there doesn’t look like any HDMI to AVI cable/adapter exists.

Bob P.

 

[BobKnDP]

I've never used an HDMI to DVI adapter, but they seem to be common.

Amazon.com : hdmi to dvi

Some are claimed to be bi-directional.

HDMI should be OK for the monitor, at its maximum resolution (1600 X 1200 @ 60Hz). The HDMI output of an RTX 4060 is HDMI 2.1. That should support much higher resolutions and refresh rates than needed for that monitor.

The cables are inexpensive. Please let us know if one works, if you try it.

 

[Petruska]

I've never used an HDMI to DVI adapter, but they seem to be common.

Amazon.com : hdmi to dvi

Some are claimed to be bi-directional.

HDMI should be OK for the monitor, at its maximum resolution (1600 X 1200 @ 60Hz). The HDMI output of an RTX 4060 is HDMI 2.1. That should support much higher resolutions and refresh rates than needed for that monitor.

The cables are inexpensive. Please let us know if one works, if you try it.

A big thanks!

Long day for me, I was searching HDMI to AVI and that’s why nothing comes up.

I just ordered one at 1AM and Amazon said it wil be delivered today. I do have an Amazon warehouse about 10 miles from me and they may be stocked there.

I sure hope it works and will post.

Bob P.

 

[New Wrycuda]

HDMI to DVI cables are reported to be bidirectional so up to you if you want to take a chance.

That is a good option if it works.

What is the downside of using the GPU HDMI output compared to the DisplayPort?

No downside except that DisplayPort will support higher refresh rates than HDMI, provided that the hardware supports that.

I have a computer with both HDMI and DP outputs with a monitor that has HDMI input. I had been using a HDMI-HDMI cable, but recently dug out a (passive) DP-HDMI cable from my spares box. I found no difference at the 1920x1080 @ 60Hz capability of the monitor.

I do have a setup that can be wound up to 144Hz refresh rate, but for anything other than gaming, there’s no point going beyond 60Hz.

 

[jpegman]

If it works, let us know which model you purchased - I'm in the same boat

Jpegman

 

[mclewis]

HDMI to DVI cables are reported to be bidirectional so up to you if you want to take a chance.

https://www.quora.com/Are-DVI-to-HDMI-cables-bi-directional

As you know that NEC is a very old monitor. It might be time to search for a replacement. The monitor, if still operating within spec, has outlived the DVI spec.

That is a good option if it works.

What is the downside of using the GPU HDMI output compared to the DisplayPort?

Absolutely nothing. The HDMI and DVI video signals are identical.

 

[Petruska]

First off thanks to Amazon - I ordered the HDMI to DVI cable on 2-9 at 1AM and it was delivered to me at 5PM same day!!! I live in northeastern PA and it came from New Jersey.

1. Plugged in the new HDMI to DVI cable and still no communication with SprectraView and the monitor.

2. I was running the latest Nvidia driver 551.23. I said let's try an older driver. My older 1060 GPU that communicated ok was running 536.xx. I picked 536.99. This is 14 driver versions earlier.

BINGO!!!!!!!! Spectraview communicated with the monitor and indicated that everything was a go for calibration!

3. I then swapped out the HDMI to DVI cable for the DisplayPort to DVI adapter.

BINGO.2!!!!

I calibrated with the DisplayPort to DVI cable just fine.

The reason I used the DisplayPort to DVI adapter is the SprectaView overview stated that when using a HDMI connection some GPUs treat the monitor as a TV and reduce the video level range from 0 - 255 to 16 - 235. So I stayed with the DisplayPort connection.

The SpectraView overview also stated that the GPU driver needs DDC/CI (Display Data Channel - Command Interface} for SpectraView to communicate with the monitor. They noted that some older Nvidia drivers didn't have the DDC/CI. Maybe the latest 551.23 driver doesn't have it yet as it is only a few days old.

So now I wonder what am I losing running the 536.99 driver and not the 551.23. I don't game, I mainly need a good GPU to upscale videos which take a very long time. Using 551.23 driver up-scaling a 720P movie to 1080P took me 8 hours, with the GPU running at 35% . I get the same time and percentage with the 536.99 driver. Thus I don't see any downside running 536.99 driver at this time.

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

The DisplayPort to DVI adapter I used ......

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LGITGY0?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The HDMI to DVI cable used..........

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I8UQJY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

BTW NEC was bought out by Sharp and no longer makes any upscale photo/video editing monitors. Toooo bad!

Bob P.

 

[BobKnDP]

First off thanks to Amazon - I ordered the HDMI to DVI cable on 2-9 at 1AM and it was delivered to me at 5PM same day!!! I live in northeastern PA and it came from New Jersey.

1. Plugged in the new HDMI to DVI cable and still no communication with SprectraView and the monitor.

2. I was running the latest Nvidia driver 551.23. I said let's try an older driver. My older 1060 GPU that communicated ok was running 536.xx. I picked 536.99. This is 14 driver versions earlier.

BINGO!!!!!!!! Spectraview communicated with the monitor and indicated that everything was a go for calibration!

3. I then swapped out the HDMI to DVI cable for the DisplayPort to DVI adapter.

BINGO.2!!!!

I calibrated with the DisplayPort to DVI cable just fine.

The reason I used the DisplayPort to DVI adapter is the SprectaView overview stated that when using a HDMI connection some GPUs treat the monitor as a TV and reduce the video level range from 0 - 255 to 16 - 235. So I stayed with the DisplayPort connection.

The SpectraView overview also stated that the GPU driver needs DDC/CI (Display Data Channel - Command Interface} for SpectraView to communicate with the monitor. They noted that some older Nvidia drivers didn't have the DDC/CI. Maybe the latest 551.23 driver doesn't have it yet as it is only a few days old.

So now I wonder what am I losing running the 536.99 driver and not the 551.23. I don't game, I mainly need a good GPU to upscale videos which take a very long time. Using 551.23 driver up-scaling a 720P movie to 1080P took me 8 hours, with the GPU running at 35% . I get the same time and percentage with the 536.99 driver. Thus I don't see any downside running 536.99 driver at this time.

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

The DisplayPort to DVI adapter I used ......

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LGITGY0?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The HDMI to DVI cable used..........

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014I8UQJY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

BTW NEC was bought out by Sharp and no longer makes any upscale photo/video editing monitors. Toooo bad!

Bob P.

That's unexpected, but I'm glad that you got it to work.

I'd blame it on SpectraView rather than nVidia, but I can't pretend to know that.

 

[David Lal]

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

I suppose that would be of academic interest but you've done well and got it working. I'd leave well enough alone.

Not so long ago I encountered Win 10/Displayport/HDMI woes in trying to output from my PC to our TV over a long HDMI cable. The TV has 3 input ports but I was getting all sorts of problems : video no sound; sound no video; blank screen and so on. Situation still not properly resolved.

 

[BobKnDP]

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

I suppose that would be of academic interest but you've done well and got it working. I'd leave well enough alone.

Not so long ago I encountered Win 10/Displayport/HDMI woes in trying to output from my PC to our TV over a long HDMI cable. The TV has 3 input ports but I was getting all sorts of problems : video no sound; sound no video; blank screen and so on. Situation still not properly resolved.

What resolution and refresh rate were you attempting?

How long was the cable?

The maximum length of a certified premium HDMI cable is about 25' (7.62m). Certified premium is generally required for UHD (3840 X 2160 @ 60 Hz). Longer cables may require more exotic solutions (like optical fiber).

 

[David Lal]

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

I suppose that would be of academic interest but you've done well and got it working. I'd leave well enough alone.

Not so long ago I encountered Win 10/Displayport/HDMI woes in trying to output from my PC to our TV over a long HDMI cable. The TV has 3 input ports but I was getting all sorts of problems : video no sound; sound no video; blank screen and so on. Situation still not properly resolved.

What resolution and refresh rate were you attempting?

How long was the cable?

The maximum length of a certified premium HDMI cable is about 25' (7.62m). Certified premium is generally required for UHD (3840 X 2160 @ 60 Hz). Longer cables may require more exotic solutions (like optical fiber).

I was attempting to send standard 1080 output from the PC to the TV. The TV is an old one. The odd thing is that sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not and everything else inbetween. But Bob I think you are onto something regarding cable length which was 10m. The PC is upstairs, the TV downstairs. I suppose I naïvely thought the PC has HDMI out the TV HDMI in, the cable was HDMI and according to Google 10m was acceptable.

We like to watch non-UK, programmes from Scandinavia and central Europe so we have taken to watching them now in my study - the PC has a nice 4k monitor.

 

[BobKnDP]

I'm going to contact Nvidia support to see what the downside is in running 536.99 compared to 551.23. I'll also try to find out if 536.99 has DDC/CI and 551.23 doesn't.

I suppose that would be of academic interest but you've done well and got it working. I'd leave well enough alone.

Not so long ago I encountered Win 10/Displayport/HDMI woes in trying to output from my PC to our TV over a long HDMI cable. The TV has 3 input ports but I was getting all sorts of problems : video no sound; sound no video; blank screen and so on. Situation still not properly resolved.

What resolution and refresh rate were you attempting?

How long was the cable?

The maximum length of a certified premium HDMI cable is about 25' (7.62m). Certified premium is generally required for UHD (3840 X 2160 @ 60 Hz). Longer cables may require more exotic solutions (like optical fiber).

I was attempting to send standard 1080 output from the PC to the TV. The TV is an old one. The odd thing is that sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not and everything else inbetween. But Bob I think you are onto something regarding cable length which was 10m. The PC is upstairs, the TV downstairs. I suppose I naïvely thought the PC has HDMI out the TV HDMI in, the cable was HDMI and according to Google 10m was acceptable.

We like to watch non-UK, programmes from Scandinavia and central Europe so we have taken to watching them now in my study - the PC has a nice 4k monitor.

Seems like you're not asking too much from the HDMI cable, but I have no experience with that.

In my early days of using a UHD BluRay player, I had some cable issues, when I connected the player to a AV receiver (with 4k pass through) and a second cable from the AVR to the 4k TV. Some cables didn't work well, even though they were 2m long.

 

[New Wrycuda]

I was attempting to send standard 1080 output from the PC to the TV. The TV is an old one. The odd thing is that sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not and everything else inbetween. But Bob I think you are onto something regarding cable length which was 10m. The PC is upstairs, the TV downstairs. I suppose I naïvely thought the PC has HDMI out the TV HDMI in, the cable was HDMI and according to Google 10m was acceptable.

Seems like you're not asking too much from the HDMI cable, but I have no experience with that.

In my early days of using a UHD BluRay player, I had some cable issues, when I connected the player to a AV receiver (with 4k pass through) and a second cable from the AVR to the 4k TV. Some cables didn't work well, even though they were 2m long.

I have a 5m HDMI ($25) cable running from a laptop to my fairly recent Samsung TV (1920x1080), and it works well for streaming, demos etc.

Minor detail is that it’s necessary to specify “Samsung” rather than laptop as the audio device.

 

[David Lal]

New Wrycuda wrote: HDMI ($25) cable running from a laptop to my fairly recent Samsung TV (1920x1080), and it works well for streaming, demos etc.

Minor detail is that it’s necessary to specify “Samsung” rather than laptop as the audio device.

That would make it ± 5$/metre so I'd be looking at 50$ which to me is quite a lot just for TV programmes. Maybe I'll revisit this project some time - I became disenchanted and gave up.

 

[New Wrycuda]

New Wrycuda wrote: HDMI ($25) cable running from a laptop to my fairly recent Samsung TV (1920x1080), and it works well for streaming, demos etc.

Minor detail is that it’s necessary to specify “Samsung” rather than laptop as the audio device.

That would make it ± 5$/metre so I'd be looking at 50$ which to me is quite a lot just for TV programmes. Maybe I'll revisit this project some time - I became disenchanted and gave up.

I’ve found that non-specialist retail outlets have an endless array of cables and adapters at inflated prices.

We don’t do much streaming these days. The local library has a good selection of DVDs which keep us amused when broadcast TV becomes too boring.

Our cheapish Sony DVD/BluRay player works well. One thing missing compared to streaming is that DVDs don’t display progress of the feature (time elapsed/finish).

 

[David Lal]

Our cheapish Sony DVD/BluRay player works well. One thing missing compared to streaming is that DVDs don’t display progress of the feature (time elapsed/finish).

We have one of those as well. Because we live in a rural location our local library is not very nearby and small too. Secondhand DVDs, particularly for non-English material (which I actively prefer), can be very economic on Ebay for instance the Swedish series Bron (The Bridge) can cost as little as GBP£ 2.5, see:

Loading…

www.ebay.co.uk

I wonder how long DVD/Blu ray entertainment will survive though? On PCs the technology seems to be dying out.

 

[paulraphael]

I use this DisplayPort to DVI adapter on my SpectraView monitor and it works flawlessly. This is on a Mac Pro but I assume the concerns are the same if they're about connection compatibility.

I'd suggest keeping that NEC monitor going as long as the illumination is even and it calibrates within spec. They don't make them anymore, any alternative that performs as well will be very expensive.

 

[jpegman]

The OP post was to find a Bi-Directional cable and Rankin specifically states this not support - Do you use a puck to upload the data SpectraView into the NEC RAM?


Rankie DP to DVI Cable.jpg

Jpegman

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Epson P800