New Surface Dock Does Not Work via mini displayport to HDMI & DVI

Anonymous
2015-10-27T17:18:04+00:00

The specific device I am referring to, is the new Surface Dock for Surface Pro 3/4 and Surface Book. I have described the issue here on Reddit, and a number of others are also experiencing the same problem. Basically, the new dock doesn't work when the monitor is connected using mini displayport to HDMI. The monitor is detected correctly and the correct resolution is set, but the screen remains black. In my case, I randomly get some image on the monitor, but it's compressed to one side of the screen and garbled. The mini displayport to HDMI adapter works properly when connected directly to the Surface, so the adapter itself is fine. If I instead connect the mini displayport to VGA adapter to the dock, the monitor displays correctly. I have tried using a straight mini displayport to DVI cable and the issue remains. Additionally, I have connected a Surface Pro 3 to the dock and experience the same issue.

So to summarize, the dock does not function correctly when using a mini displayport to HDMI adapter to connect the monitor, but does work with a mini displayport to VGA adapter. This problem is repeatable using both a Surface Book and Surface Pro 3.

Surface | Accessories | Surface Dock

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2015-10-29T17:45:57+00:00

I purchased an active mDP to HDMI adapter from Amazon (Plugable is the brand) and so far the external monitor is working correctly through the dock.

Moderator Edit (11/3/2015):  If you are using a passive MDP to DVI adapter and experiencing difficulties, you may need to switch to using an active adapter.

If you switched from a passive to active adapter and continue to experience difficulties using Surface Dock to display to external monitors please consider making some changes to your cabling: different lengths, different quality, different adapters, etc.  If adjusting your cabling fails to resolve please consider sharing the following:

  1. Make and model of external displays
  2. Make/model of adapters if present
  3. Make/model of cables

For more troubleshooting info and steps to confirm your Dock is updated, please view our Troubleshoot Surface Dock article.

Thank you,

Josh

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Anonymous
2017-05-22T09:18:50+00:00

Hi,

 We suggest that you contact our Surface Answer Desk team for further assistance or visit the nearest Microsoft Store if you are in the US. In case you're offshore, contact our Global Customer Service team.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-06-14T17:27:38+00:00

    Does anyone make a 4k mDP to DP Active cable?

    I thought HDMI had refresh issues (not able to hit 60Hertz).

    I have a 4K Acer B286HK that won't do HDMI at 60Hertz so I need to go  DP, but I have yet to find an active mDP to DP cable.

    corban

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-06-13T14:19:00+00:00

    The Microsoft Support has confirmed problems with the synchronization with the DOCK and external monitors.

    The solution proposed by Microsoft is to use active adapters.

    Original response from Microsoft 10.06.2016 :

    Das von Ihnen beschriebene technische Problem ist mittlerweile bekannt. Das Signal vom Surface über die Dockingstation ist für die meisten Monitore zu schwach.

    Bitte verwenden Sie als Verbindung von der Dockingstation zu den externen Monitoren keine normalen Kabel sondern sogenannteAktive Adapter 4K Resolution Ready.

    Durch die Verwendung der aktiven Adapter z.B. Mini Display Port auf HDMI, wird nicht nur das technische Problem behoben sein sondern die Auflösung und Bildqualität wird sich erheblich verbessern.

    Anbei was Microsoft an den Kunden empfehlt:

    mDP to VGA Use a Microsoft-branded active adaptor
    mDP to DVI 1. Cable Matters® Gold Plated Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt™ Port Compatible) to DVI Male to Female Adapter in Black <br><br>2. Accell B087B-006B UltraAV Mini DisplayPort to DVI-D Single-Link Active Adapter ATI Certified (Black)
    mDP to 4K HDMI 1. Cable Matters® Gold Plated Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt™ Port Compatible) to HDMI Male to Female Adapter - 4K Resolution Ready <br><br>2. Moshi Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter - 4K Ready - 99MO023208 <br><br>3. Startech StarTech AC MDP2HDS Black Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Video Audio Adapter Converter

    Bitte besorgen Sie sich so einen Aktive Adapter 4K Resolution Ready von einem Drittanbieter und probieren Sie es mit ihm aus.

    We are currently testing the adapter.

    But the idea of elrond61 is good and I will also try :-)

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-06-10T13:14:20+00:00

    Finally got this problem fixed.

    Been having problems with Surface Pro4 and Microsofts 'Dock' since I bought the new machine 6 months ago. (What a heap of **** the microsoft dock is). There are hundreds of posts all similar to mine seeking help from Microsoft to fix the drivers and firmware that comes with their dock so that it will work as designed with Dual Monitors. Their stupid dock wont even support a Microsoft wireless USB keyboard and Mouse without hanging the mouse about four times an hour.

    After trying quite a few of the things on this thread, I ended up disconnecting the expensive microsoft dock. I purchased a Dell UHD 4K USB 3.0 Port Replicator D3100, Installed it and the software from DisplayLink that comes with it. Still not quite right as the horizontal and vertical alignment on my Samsung Series 6 TV which I am using as a monitor needed adjusting. I downloaded the latest Windows 10 drivers from Display Link - still not quite right. Then Downloaded DISPLAYVIEW. What a fantastic product. It just ran and automatically adjusted everything on the SAMSUNG beautifully. :) That combination leaves the Microsoft offering for dead! - And its cheaper! Displayview is free! The best thing - resolution crystal clear, no hanging. The Dell Dock is far superior with more USB's, More Video Drivers - You can actually run 3 monitors plus plus the surface screen, headphone, network port, plus 5 USB's.

    Now will Microsoft give me a refund for the Dock? - its about as as good as a paperweight...

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