Connecting to SDTV (MHL to Composite) - Xperia Z3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I know, why would I want to connect this phone SDTV in this day and age?
I'll be going away for 2 weeks in December, and the relatives I'll be staying with only have SD/Tube televisions in the house. In the past (and before it got stolen) I would use my iPod touch 4 with the composite cable which worked well. I was able to fit a whole bunch of movies into its 32GB that my cousins and I would watch.
Now, to do that with an android phone—specifically my Xperia Z3. From what I understand, MHL can be finicky across different devices...correct me in I'm wrong.
I found this cable which seems be exactly what I'm looking for: MHL to AV Composite Video Adapter on dx.com (sorry I can't post any links yet) or google it. However, as you might see from the description, it lists all devices it is compatible with. It doesn't list any Sony devices, but it does say other MHL enable devices. I'm still concerned about compatibility though. This is looks android equivalent of what I was using with my iPod touch.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Related

Advent Tegra Note Connectivity Info

Hey everybody,
I bought an Advent Tegra Note a couple of days ago. I always connect my devices to a TV at some point but there wasn't too much infomartion out there about the Tegra Note before I got my hands on it so I just wanted to put some info out there for people who might be interested.
The Note has both micro USB and Micro HDMI ports so I bought a micro HDMI to HDMI cable to test out a few things with it connected to a TV. I've used MHL a lot in the past so I'm not sure whether or not some of what follows is specific to the Tegra Note or applies to any tablet with both HDMI and USB ports.
HDMI to TV:
When you plug the HDMI cable into the Note it automatically kicks the display into landscape so you don't need to worry about the orreientation of the tablet itself.
Sound output seems to be at line-out level. It sounds great if you happen to have your TV plugged into a HiFi, but it does mean you can't alter the volume on the Note itself while it's plugged in.
In my experience, when you plug a phone into a TV via an MHL adapter it seems to really load the hardware which has a negative impact on performance. I don't know if it's because the Tegra 4 inside the Note is so powerful or if it's a feature of having a separate HDMI output, but there's no noticeable slow down at all. By way of example, when I ran Epic Citadel with ultra high settings in benchmark mode, it still achieved 59 fps. Web browsing was flawless too with very smooth performance.
I should probably point out that I was testing this on a 720p TV, not full HD.
USB On-the-Go
With a small OTG adapter plugged into the micro USB port I tried plugging in a wireless keyboard and mouse and it works perfectly (bear in mind if you have a UK QWERTY keyboard some symbols are in the 'wrong' place which is bit stupid for a device being sold in the UK). Next up I tried a bus powered 80GB hard drive and this also worked fine. Finally I tried a mains powered USB hub with the keyboard and hard drive plugged into it and that also works properly too. The tablet appeared to be drawing charge from the USB hub.
Simultaneous HDMI and USB OTG
At first this didn't work at all, but I found if I plugged the USB OTG adapter into the tablet first, then the HDMI cable, everything worked fine. In this setup it really is like a little media pc - it performs very well indeed.
I also tried using a small bluetooth keyboard with trackball mouse with it and that works too. I haven't tried a controller yet. I've read elsewhere that Six Axis Controller won't work with it which is a real shame, but there you go.
Apart from the rather creamy/yellow colour tint to the screen on the Tegra Note, it really is an awesome little device. 35,000 points in Antutu for $200? Awesome!
If you're in the UK and you're frustrated by the lack of UK QWERTY keyboard layout ( no £ symbol etc) you can use the Median External keyboard app from the Play store without root. This will add a UK layout under the hardware keyboard settings area under the 'Language and Input' menu. Hint, you have to connect the keyboard to get the hardware keyboard menu to appear in the input menu.
UPDATE: After the official OTA update to 4.3 I noticed a few things:
It is no longer necessary for users to download the Medion External keyboard app to get access to a UK QWERTY hardware layout. Under the input settings menu there is now an option to select a UK Android PC keyboard layout. On both my bluetooth and wireless desktop keyboards, the internet explorer shortcut key works as the Home button. Regrettably the auto correct options for hadware keyboards still don't work.
Unfortunately bluetooth is even worse than under the original or updated 4.2.2 ROM. When steaming via A2DP there are regular dropouts and reconnecting paired devices such a Moga Pro gamepad repeatedly fails at times. A factory reset didn't help.
When trying to disconnect an external HDD in the Settings/Storage menu, not only does the USB drive get unmounted, the MicroSD card stops working. The capacity and free space and of the MicroSD card will read as zero after the external drive has been disconnected. Restarting the Note (or remounting the SD card) will fix the problem, though for me the Gallery and Google Music apps became corrupted and I had to clear the data in Media Storage, Gallery and Music apps and reboot to get things working again. This bug was not present before.
I've also been playing with an Justop EZCast dongle that I bought from a reseller on Amazon. Results are very mixed. In EZCast mode pictures are streamed to the dongle very well. Videos are really hit and miss. Some stream flawlessly while others stutter to the point of being unwatchable. In EZMirror mode where the whole of the tablet's screen is mirrored on the TV results also vary. Music streaming sounds good but there are often dropouts and 'pops' and 'sqeaks' every so often that are really annoying. Also, altering the volume on the tablet does not change the volume on the dongle (whereas it does if you stream from a Galaxy Tab 3 8.0). Streaming films is also problematic in that there are periodic interruptions that are really annoying. Finally, if you connect to a wireless access point while in EZMirror mode you can mirror your browser etc to the TV which opens up a range of possibilities. You can even mirror writing on the screen to a TV so the Note would make an interesting presentation device in various scenarios. Gaming is not recommended as there is latency of about a quarter of a second. In short, when the dongle works it's great, but for now it is flawed and I wouldn't recommend one. I'm not sure whether future firmware updates will improve the dongle, but I suspect its internal hardware isn't powerful enough, especially for HD content.
I've not noticed a yellow tinge to mine, im pretty impressed especially at currys current 130 quite price!
Was going to get a micro hdmi adapter at some point, I'd like the slide cover, but that seems non existent in the uk
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
fards said:
I've not noticed a yellow tinge to mine, im pretty impressed especially at currys current 130 quite price!
Was going to get acreamy and yellow hdmi adapter at some point, I'd like the slide cover, but that seems non existent in thintermittent fault. from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe it's because I'm used to to Super LCD screens. If you put one beside the Note and look at the gmail and Play icons they look a little creamy and yellow. Next to a 2013 Nexus 7 it looks awful, but now Currys have dropped the price to £99, who cares?
You need an Micro HDMI plug not a Mini HDMI plug as I found out last week. I bought mine from an Amazon reseller for about £2. Asda sell them in store for £6-9 dependent upon brand from memory.
Make sure your headphone jack works properly, mine had an intermittent fault.
If you bought your Note in the last seven days you may be able to get Currys to refund the difference, especially if you ordered online.
Ouzo said:
If you bought your Note in the last seven days you may be able to get Currys to refund the difference, especially if you ordered online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aye, I've heard, but not really sure its worth the effort of dealing with the robots at CS, as I did a click&collect
fards said:
aye, I've heard, but not really sure its worth the effort of dealing with the robots at CS, as I did a click&collect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I felt the same way but I found a non 0844 contact number and gave it a shot. Allegedly the difference has been refunded onto my card, though I haven't checked yet. The number is 01594 332592 and it answers as Currys Know How. I should add that I paid online and had the Note delivered to store rather than Click and Collect (or whatever it is where you reserve then pay in store).
I have picked a UK Tegra Note up for 99 quid. Really is very quick and have found that enabling 4xMSAA in developer options doesn't degrade performance in gaming.
I picked up a 30 quid miracast box from Curry's. Miracast works okay, image quality is good, but sound can fall out of sync. However with only one WiFi channel you cannot use streaming services. Although you could always set up another android device as a Bluetooth tether connected to WiFi.
Anyone got an Apps to SD solution?
kHiTe said:
I have picked a UK Tegra Note up for 99 quid. Really is very quick and have found that enabling 4xMSAA in developer options doesn't degrade performance in gaming.
I picked up a 30 quid miracast box from Curry's. Miracast works okay, image quality is good, but sound can fall out of sync. However with only one WiFi channel you cannot use streaming services. Although you could always set up another android device as a Bluetooth tether connected to WiFi.
Anyone got an Apps to SD solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doh! I didn't realise Currys sold them - I just ordered one online from Amazon. Good point about the lack streaming services.
I only tried 4xMSAA in Modern Combat 3 and I couldn't see much difference in quality. Perhaps I'll try again. I'd love to be able to get rid of the colour banding in certain scenarios (colour crush) as it's very unattractive. Into the Dead is a good example.

MHL Cable Discussion Thread

I wanted to make this a discussion thread for MHL cables. Currently, I have a Rocketfish MHL Cable and I love it. It doesn't have to be plugged into the wall via micro usb for it to work, unlike my ONN brand cable.
Other things I would like everyone to discuss, is quality and content. I love the quality of picture that mine displays, pretty sure it's 1080p, but how about other brands?
Now for content. Has anyone been successful in getting a MHL Cable to work with protected material? For example, when I hook mine up and try to watch NFL Mobile, it says "HDMI Is Not Supported". Is there a Rom that will work? Maybe an App to download? Xposed Framework module?
Also, speaking of nfl games, has anyone been successful in getting a Super Nintendo emulator working with hdmi and two controllers for playing multiplayer games?
Basically, let's discuss anything and everything MHL for HTC One M8!!!
I never put much thought into MHL, but came to this topic hoping to learn something. I found your cable on Amazon, and a lot of people are saying it doesn't work. Others are saying it does, but with an adapter. Together, the two add up to the cost of a Chromecast (which I have no experience with), so, what does an MHL cable do that Chromecast doesn't, aside from charging your phone, of course.
Dark Reality said:
I never put much thought into MHL, but came to this topic hoping to learn something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hoping to learn something too. I'm going to buy a chrome cast tonight. I did some searching on the web and found out that I can use my HTC One M8 to screen mirror or mirrorcast to my TV. Someone out their has created an App that enables mirroring with any rooted device. Link is here https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23578570567717826
The guys over at Wal-Mart were nice enough to let my play and connect a chrome cast up to my phone. After downloading the file, I was able to watch NFL Mobile Network and Stream Twitch to a TV without any problems. There was a slight lag from what the phone showed, but nothing terrible as the sound and video synced up perfectly on the tv I was testing it out on.
I'm glad I got those two apps to stream to a TV. Not sure if an MHL Cable is going to offer anything more than a chrome cast. I'll see if I can tell a difference in quality or lag input. Thanks for bringing up the chrome cast. I know the HTC One M8 mirror option isn't supported yet, but with the phone being rooted and the extra app enabled, I can now stream anything and everything from my phone to my TV.
I haven't had any experience at all with MHL but do have a few thoughts about it vs Chromecast. I come from a long list of Motorola phones which all came with a dedicated HDMI port. If MHL is the same thing as HDMI, Chromecast is the way to go. At least for me. Since getting the ability to mirror on Chromecast, I really can't think of any advantage of using HDMI. There's a couple of really good advantages for using Chromecast though. Assuming MHL works the same way HDMI does, using it doesn't allow you to do anything with your device while mirroring on the TV. If you do something on the phone, the TV displays it. Also, the screen on your device has to remain on all the time. If you happen to use/stream Netflix or Youtube or some such thing, the screen never shuts off. However, if you use Chromecast for those types of things (or other apps that support it) you can still use the phone to play a game, browse the web or whatever it is you want to do. It has no effect on the movie you're playing. A big plus is you can also turn the screen off while streaming a movie or whatever. If you turn the screen off while streaming a 2 hour movie while using Chromecast, the battery drain is next to nothing compared to HDMI (again, assuming MHL is the same). If you mirror with Chromecast, then things are pretty much the same. The ability to turn the screen off or browse the web, etc.while streaming media is a huge advantage for Chromecast. At least, the way I use my phone, it is for me.
I apologize if my post is somewhat off topic but I figured since Chromecast came into the conversation and I do have experience with HDMI, I'd put my two cents worth in. Just my thoughts on the subject.
FWIW, this cable works on my phone.
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8FGSOE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Best MHL for HTCOne M8
Hello , I just purchased an MHL cable for my phone and it only works intermittently. You mentioned the rocketfish. Is it reliable and doesn't cut out?
QUOTE=BygSii;55211766]I wanted to make this a discussion thread for MHL cables. Currently, I have a Rocketfish MHL Cable and I love it. It doesn't have to be plugged into the wall via micro usb for it to work, unlike my ONN brand cable.
Other things I would like everyone to discuss, is quality and content. I love the quality of picture that mine displays, pretty sure it's 1080p, but how about other brands?
Now for content. Has anyone been successful in getting a MHL Cable to work with protected material? For example, when I hook mine up and try to watch NFL Mobile, it says "HDMI Is Not Supported". Is there a Rom that will work? Maybe an App to download? Xposed Framework module?
Also, speaking of nfl games, has anyone been successful in getting a Super Nintendo emulator working with hdmi and two controllers for playing multiplayer games?
Basically, let's discuss anything and everything MHL for HTC One M8!!![/QUOTE]
I use one with my video head unit in my vehicle. I can mirror anything on my phone to it. I also have a MirrorLink device. All just different ways to skin a cat.

[Q] Note 4 HDMI In Input for Note 4/Oculus Support

Curious here. Does the Note 4 or any smartphone for that matter have an HDMI In option? In terms of plugging a blu ray player into the device to watch blu rays. Seeing if anyone knows the hardware capabilities of USB connectors on smartphones. Checked out the Note 4 with the Oculus and it looks nice. Would be nice to chill and watch movies in a nice dark environment it offers.
did you say you want to plug a bluray player into your note 4? why? watch the 1080p goodness on your tv at home... "buy" some digital copies for your phone
My thoughts are like yours. Pick up a slingbox and just open a browser on your glasses and you are set. If you are gaming there will be some lag time but if you step up to the $300 setup it's all hdmi 1080p
Bubbled said:
did you say you want to plug a bluray player into your note 4? why? watch the 1080p goodness on your tv at home... "buy" some digital copies for your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROBOHOLIC said:
My thoughts are like yours. Pick up a slingbox and just open a browser on your glasses and you are set. If you are gaming there will be some lag time but if you step up to the $300 setup it's all hdmi 1080p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a gear VR perspective, having HDMI in would be awesome. I can't possibly imagine wirelessly streaming a fast action game to the phone.
Wondering the same thing
Just finished up a DIY VR for my Note 4 and was wondering the same thing. If I could get an HDMI in from the PS4 + a player that can split the image into two on my screen I think I might be in heaven lol. I've been using it for mostly digital copies of videos, and it's pretty awesome. Hope someone comes through with an answer or a solution!
Thanks to all in advance.
musclebrah98 said:
... Does the Note 4 or any smartphone for that matter have an HDMI In option? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If you want to watch a Blu Ray, create an MKV or image, and use a player, such as BS Player, VLC, etc, and watch the file that way.
On side note, it makes no sense what you're asking other than just for the challenge of tinkering. You're either going to be home, so you can watch the blu ray on your blu ray player connected to your big tv or you're out and about, and thus are you really going to be bring a blu ray player with you? And there's no way, the phone is going to be able to power a portable usb blu ray drive; probably a DVD too. And I don't think you'll be able to get blu ray drive to work with a USB OTG cable even if you could managed to give the drive enough power to work because it'll probably need additional drivers that haven't been created. Plus, I don't think the microUSB port will have enough throughput.
lovekeiiy said:
No. If you want to watch a Blu Ray, create an MKV or image, and use a player, such as BS Player, VLC, etc, and watch the file that way.
On side note, it makes no sense what you're asking other than just for the challenge of tinkering. You're either going to be home, so you can watch the blu ray on your blu ray player connected to your big tv or you're out and about, and thus are you really going to be bring a blu ray player with you? And there's no way, the phone is going to be able to power a portable usb blu ray drive; probably a DVD too. And I don't think you'll be able to get blu ray drive to work with a USB OTG cable even if you could managed to give the drive enough power to work because it'll probably need additional drivers that haven't been created. Plus, I don't think the microUSB port will have enough throughput.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking for video-in on a mobile for some time now. Small high-res. screens are not cheap, and with old phones lying around...
I'm thinking more of FPV than blu-ray. It would be ideal to use my note 4 for a live video feed, and note 2 for telemetry. The less I have to carry around the better.
Has anyone got an answer for this post? I want to do the same.
I want to be able to plug it into my ps3.
Is it possible?
The Note 4 supports HDMI out via MHL, however not input.
Additionally, the Note 4 docks into the Gear VR via the microUSB port, acting as an input device via USB OTG. Unlike previous devices that could use USB and MHL at the same time and use accessories like this smart dock, the Note 4 can only do one or the other. My best guess is this has something to do with the Fast Charge controller and USB OTG and MHL not working at the same time, due to simultaneous power in/out.
Oddly enough, the S6 version of the Gear VR has a microUSB port on the bottom for charging, leading me to believe that Samsung found a solution. If I had to guess, it charges the "old" way while an accessory is plugged in, rather than using fast charging at the same time. Makes sense, honestly, since it would also reduce head, something that would impede performance in VR.
tl;dr: Note 4 only supports video IN, not out, plus the Gear VR uses the microUSB port.
Regarding the S6, however: I have access to an S6 and matching VR at work. I'll try it out and see if my guess is right.
I want to be able to plug it into my ps3.
I don't think the Note 4 or any other smartphone has the required video capture circuitry, unfortunately. You'll just have to settle for USB or wireless video streaming if a Rift stand-in is what you're looking for.
I've already been experimenting a bit with Trinus VR in the meantime, but I don't consider it really satisfactory as a Rift substitute. Guess I'm waiting for the CV1 next year.
MasterTentacles said:
The Note 4 supports HDMI out via MHL, however not input.
Additionally, the Note 4 docks into the Gear VR via the microUSB port, acting as an input device via USB OTG. Unlike previous devices that could use USB and MHL at the same time and use accessories like this smart dock, the Note 4 can only do one or the other. My best guess is this has something to do with the Fast Charge controller and USB OTG and MHL not working at the same time, due to simultaneous power in/out.
Oddly enough, the S6 version of the Gear VR has a microUSB port on the bottom for charging, leading me to believe that Samsung found a solution. If I had to guess, it charges the "old" way while an accessory is plugged in, rather than using fast charging at the same time. Makes sense, honestly, since it would also reduce head, something that would impede performance in VR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the missing microUSB passthrough on the Note 4 Gear VR is just a design oversight with the Gear VR enclosure, one that could be corrected if someone were willing to break out a soldering iron and a cutting tool. I'd experiment with it myself, but I don't feel like doing irreversible mods to my Gear VR right now.
I doubt it's a USB OTG + MHL issue, considering that Samsung uses an 11-pin microUSB port precisely to get around that limitation that typical 5-pin MHL smartphones have. Look carefully toward the rear of the port, you'll see the extra pins dedicated to MHL.
I can't say I've tested one of those smart docks yet, though. I like the sound of them in theory, but the software still needs to adapt to a desktop experience on-the-fly, and Android just isn't built with that in mind right now.
Pi 2 hdmi screen?
Also interested in this but for use with a raspberry pi 2 model b with full hdmi. The crappy tft hats that are available don't give anywhere close to the resolution. Would be nice to work on code and other stuff while on the go.
I have a note 4 & a old note 2 so if this is possible with either please reply. Also I'm not opposed to taking the note 2 or an old Droid x apart to separate the screen and stock phone mobo if the screens can be connected with ribbon directly to the Pi 2

MHL Adapter

Hi all,
First thread I have ever started on xda,
Used the site for years to help with rooting various phones and tablets,
Anyway I wondered if anyone has tried a MHL Adapter for the Z5 yet?
Know of one that works?
Thanks
I used the Sony mhl cable and it worked only issue was that I could see half the navigation bar but that was on an old tele at my friends since I have chromecast I don't have much use for it at home
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
Thanks,
I do have chromecast myself, great little device,
I tried streaming the vice city game to my TV, through chromecast it was laggy
In parts, I have 50mb fibre optic so thought it would be OK,
Basically I'm hoping using MHL will remove all lag and I can also
Use my phone as abit of a gaming device to TV,
I work away alot as well so MHL would be good for hotels,
I'm in no rush for one at the moment, searching Google doesnt really give alot of results right now, nice to know your old adapter works though
Well 50mb fibre doesn't buff you're WiFi. Minimum standard today should be 54MBit (as far as coverage is concerned), so it's (in simple) faster than your isp.
Z5 and chromecast support ac standard wich results in a theoretically 1300MBit throughput. Wich should be more than enough to deliver full HD material lagfree if properly compressed.
I'll bet that your problem isn't your isp (50MBit fibre has got nothing to do with chromecast) it's more likely your WiFi
Either it's bad designed or, more likely, one of your components is too old.
It'd check the supported WiFi standards of your router first.
To your initial question: I'm using the genuine Sony mhl im750 and up until now I didn't have any problems with it.
I've used it to play all kinds of emulators on my Z1 paired with a ps3 ds controller on a big screen. To bad the ds3 got dropped. I don't have a ps4 yet
My fibre optic was installed a few years back, new router from Virgin and stuff, films stream OK,
I only tried it the once so will give it another go,
I was looking at the mhl adapters on eBay and Amazon,
Anything I should look out for in particular?
Avoid cheaper versions and go Sony?
I have a ps3 and 4, would rather of attached a ps3 controller as I use my ps4 pads for the ps4 quite alot,
Probably have to root to get ps3 controller support again with six axis app
I use a Sony MHL adapter, haven't tried it on my Z5. Worked great on my Z1. I could even use a capture card to record it and use a Dualshock 3 controller. https://youtu.be/RekbQdR7_8s
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
I tried the sony IM750 MHL to HDMI adapter on Lineage 14.1 from the forums:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/orig-development/cm-14-1-lineageos-t3536846
That doesn't work, it causes the phone to reboot. I haven't tried ohter MHL to HDMI adapters and I haven't tried this adapter on stock rom either.

Using LG G5 on Ethernet network

Hello.
I recently came into possession of an LG G5 Android phone, T-Mobile variant H830. I was planning to use it for software development, and I was wondering if there's a way to get it to connect to the internet using my ADSL connection. I'm fairly new to the wonderful world of Android, so please bear with me.
I realize Wi-Fi is the path of least resistance... but it's not the best option in this particular house and I have a fine Ethernet network just sitting there waiting to be used. Also, my old Windows Phone (ducks) is able to use it just fine.
I have a USB type C hub (a Microsoft HD-500 display dock) and a small collection of USB to Ethernet adapters (Realtek RTL8153, ASIX AX8872B). Unfortunately, the LG G5 has no interest in recognizing any of them.
I've also played around with reverse tethering to my PC, but apparently it requires root access to even work, and even after that it doesn't even work very well.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make this work? Should I be looking into flashing LineageOS? Or maybe I just have the wrong phone?
Thanks.
Today's progress: I played with an app called ReverseTethering, which works by establishing a VPN connection to its host PC over an ADB-controlled USB pipe. Most apps seem fine with it. However, the Google Play Store insists on using Wi-Fi to download apps and won't recognize a reverse-tethered connection. It does resume in-process downloads over the connection, but won't initiate new ones. My conclusion is that this is an app bug, and that it is checking for Wi-Fi when it really should simply be checking for a valid connection.
There's an app called Fake Wifi that will apparently hack apps into thinking their connection is over Wi-Fi when it's not. However, this app needs a framework that requires a rooted device. So, back to square one.
(NB: I'd prefer not to root my device for security reasons.)
Today's progress: connecting a Sharkk UH-SKRJ11 (RealTek RTL8153 chipset) directly to the phone using a USB C-to-A adapter works. A couple of apps seem iffy about it, including the Google Maps offline downloader, but the Google Play Store and the LG updater work. So this is probably as good as it gets without major surgery.
This suggests that the problem was in fact the Microsoft HD-500 display dock. It would charge the phone, but the phone didn't seem to recognize it as a USB hub.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a USB Type C hub that works with this phone? Ideally I'd like to use Ethernet and charge at the same time.
Hello,
I work on the desktop team at a company and we started using Dell's DW-15 USB-C docks since Dell is phasing out the E-port. Out of curiosity, I plugged my phone into one a couple of months ago and everything but the display output works. We also have Dell 96NPS USB-C to Ethernet adapters that work fine with the G5.
I have this here.
Bought from eBay. Works on both G5 and V20. Should work on any phone that supports SlimPort.
I have connected it to the phone with display and various peripherals. Did not try ethernet dongle though.
I'm a bit puzzled that the Microsoft dock did not function right. I though that too was simply a display/slim-port design. Or maybe it's only the hub/otg functionality that's unavailable?
@askermk2000: thanks for the note. Any idea what the model number is on that device?
The Microsoft dock situation is quite odd. Before fully patching the OS (the phone arrived with the March security patch, I think) it wouldn't see anything at all on the dock (which has a Surface Ethernet Adapter aka RTL8153 plugged in). After patching, it suddenly started working, and working fine. Then after patching up to latest, it sort of half-works. It connects and data flows, but the phone pops a "Connecting" message for a minute every so often, as if it were pulling a new DHCP address or something. When connected directly to the Ethernet adapter, things work fine.
(And when I say fine, I mean mostly fine. Every now and then I plug in the adapter and nothing works. Disconnecting and reconnecting sometimes works. Changing USB connection settings sometimes works. Sometimes rebooting works. <shrug>)
@Keynesian
I'm sorry but there is not a single marking on that thing. A truly generic device.
That exact one seems to have become rare now. This looks like the successor, though it has one less usb port than mine.
Here's a listing of mine.
There are many generic types, with or without hdmi, one or more usb etc
One option with aluminum housing, 1 usb 1 hdmi and usb-c power input should cost no more than about $10
I think I got mine for around that (which is a more expensive model), but I got lucky and found a lonely expiring auction. Saved maybe $20
Weird about that dock of yours. Hopefully you'll have better experience with another one.
If I had an ethernet dongle I'd try to confirm if it works with or without the dock on my H850, but that could also depend on the type of chipset and driver used (and LG's flavor of the month it seems).
Just ordered one of these off Ebay. We'll see how it goes in a month:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/UBS-3-1-Ty...-Charging-Port-OTG-Adapter-Cable/162309246619

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