does the HDMI connector on my laptop receive data as well as transmitting it out to a monitor

[frustrated274]

I bought a device to convert the RCA plug outputs on my old video player to HDMI, but the laptop doesn't seem to recognise it as any input. The virtual assist told me several times how to use it to hook up a separate monitor but that's not what I am trying to do.

[banhien]

@frustrated274 

The HDMI port on your machine is HDMI out only. Connecting 2 out ports together will go to nothing if not damage your machine. You can use HDMI port to connect to an external monitor

>>>> The virtual assist told me several times how to use it to hook up a separate monitor but that's not what I am trying to do.

Yes, they told you the right thing and I think you misunderstood this: how to hook up an EXTERNAL monitor.

Regards.