How to add two external monitors to HP Omen 17?

[Gusztav]

Hi, I have this notebook: http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/OMEN-by-HP-17-w000-Laptop-PC/10862328/model/12344240/

This came with a single HDMI port and no DisplayPort/VGA/USB-C. Is there a way to add two external monitors to this notebook? Does it support any docking stations which, in turn, support two monitors?

Thanks for reading this,

Gusztav

[114196]

Hey,

I think the best solution you can try is to get a HDMI splitter. I couldn't find any docking stations supporting your laptop. You might want to check the bottom of your laptop for some kind of docking station adaptor.

Hope it helped!

[Gusztav]

Nothing at the bottom, as smooth as the bottom of a Formula 1 car today. 🙂 I hoped a USB3 docking station would just fit.

As per the HDMI splitter, does it mean the notebook can convey the signals of two monitors over a single HDMI port, and the splitter will ensure correct routing with parallel use of two monitors? As far as I knew so far, a  HDMI splitter could only switch between two monitors. Could you, by chance, post a link to a splitter supporting multiple monitors simulatenously?

Gusztáv

[Huffer]

There is no traditional snap-down docking station offered on HP Consumer laptops any more. You also cannot split an HDMI signal. They make HDMI splitters but those will just duplicate the same image. If you want two external monitors with extended display (different things on each screen) you will need to use a USB 3.0 port replicator with HDMI or DP function. 

There are lots of them on the market but this is the idea:

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Universal-Laptop-Docking-Station/dp/B00B2AMJC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF...

The quality of USB 3.0 to HDMI is actually pretty good for internet, presentations, etc. but still the response time is a little too slow for good gaming. But the monitor hooked directly to the laptop HDMI port will have very good response time and could be used for gaming. 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[Gusztav]

Beyond the bad news, the USB 3 solution sounds great, Huffer! Actually I use this notebook for work, so if the response time is not as poor as with a wireless display adapter, than I'm fine. I just want to have both of my displays hang at the same height and I do not want to work with my head bended over the desk all day. 🙂

[114196]

Hey,

At the moment I'm using a splitter to connect to 2 monitors. However this is DVI so that might change some things.

You can always try and use a splitter and if it doesn't work return it (splitter can always come in handy). Also looked on some other forums that might help you and stumbled acros this: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/326897-33-dual-monitors-hdmi-port . A guy in there suggested using a device which tricks your pc into thinking you're connecting 1 large monitor (http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/). Couldn't find any for HDMI tho.

However I do think it is possible with some converters and splitters (should look fancy).

EDIT

The expert just joined so ignore this 😛

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The USB 3.0 port replicator can be used as a kind of docking station. Hook the keyboard, mouse,  monitor(s), speakers and anything else to it and leave it as your workstation. If you do not need to game, the device I linked actually has a pair of HDMI ports that will provide extended desktop. When you bring the laptop to work all you have to do is connect it to the power (you might want to invest in a spare AC adapter to leave in place) and the USB 3.0 and everything else will light up when you hit the power button. The difference between a docking station and a port replicator is that the former actually powers the laptop and has an on-off button. 

If this is "the Answer"  please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[Gusztav]

I wonder how you like this HP model, HP3005pr: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/products/oas/product-detail.html?oid=5278439

[Huffer]

I have never personally used it. We have seen some reports of issues with it, but not lately. It actually has 3 monitor ports, HDMI, VGA and DP.