[plug] Xubuntu + Dell XPS + "thunderbolt" HDMI?

[Geoffrey Richards]

HDMI (monitor) -> HDMI-to-DisplayLink -> DisplayLink-to-USB-C

"USB-C to DisplayLink" converter cable
Hmmmm, i assume you mean DisplayPort, not DisplayLink
so i don't think this link is applicable.. https://www.displaylink.com/USB-C

Chris, is this a more accurate representation of your setup?

monitor hdmi--f> <m--HDMI_v?-to-DisplayPort_v?--m>
<f--DisplayPort_v?-to-USB-C--m> <f--Thunderbolt 3 port Laptop

(note the USB-C protocol is a subset of TB3 - they both use the same
physical port - convenient but confusing)

what res monitor? 1080p, 2K, 4K,
what refresh rate? 30/60Hz?
what version hdmi?
what version DisplayPort?
active or passive adapters?
so many variables...
you need to be an AV expert these days just to connect a monitor, LOL.
Can spend all day trying to figure it out.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB-C#Alternate_Mode_partner_specifications

so.. it could be one of your adapters that is confusing and blocking the
signals
or 
check the laptop TB3 chip driver for what protocols it supports.

to troubleshoot i'd be simplifying the setup 

a single cable:
monitor hdmi--f>    <m--HDMI_v2-to-USB-c--m>     <f--TB3 Laptop
or
hdmi cable with adapter:
monitor hdmi--f>    <m--HDMI_v2--m>  <f--HDMI_v2-to-USB-C--m>   <f--TB3
Laptop

Regards

Geoffrey Richards
geoff at 79.com.au

-----Original Message-----
From: plug <plug-bounces at plug.org.au> On Behalf Of Chris McCormick
Sent: Friday, 17 April 2020 4:47 PM
To: plug at plug.org.au
Subject: [plug] Xubuntu + Dell XPS + "thunderbolt" HDMI?

Hey all,

In 2017 I bought a new laptop because my laptop stopped working after I
zapped it. After I got home from the shop I turned my laptop off and on
again and discovered it was still working *facepalm*. I put the new laptop
away for later.

Fast forward to 2020 and I'm upgrading to my "new" laptop. I successfully
installed Xubuntu on it and then I went to plug my DisplayLink to HDMI
converter into it and found a weird looking port instead of the DisplayLink
port. The port on the new laptop looks like a USB-C port with a little
lightning symbol next to it. Apparently it's called "thunderbolt".

So I went to Officeworks and bought a "USB-C to DisplayLink" converter
cable, came back to my office and plugged it in so that I have the following
cables/converters:

HDMI (monitor) -> HDMI-to-DisplayLink -> DisplayLink-to-USB-C

No dice.

With my existing Dell XPS when I plug in the DisplayLink cable I get the
"Display: Configure screen settings and layout" app popup and I can
configure the second HDMI to be above the laptop screen.

On the new laptop with these cables plugged in the display configuration app
can't see the monitor at all. I've tried all kinds of
turning-off-and-on-again, plugging things in in a different order etc. 
but nothing i do causes the monitor to appear.

Ideas?

Cheers,

Chris.

--
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