Surface Pro 4 - External screen keeps turning on/off (black flickering)

the chart on

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4039635/connect-surface-to-a-tv-display-or-projector

Thanks for that.  I knew I had seen one like that but couldn't remember where.  I think it supports the point I was making about maximum resolution.  At least it clearly demonstrates why a Surface Pro 3 user can only use Second Screen Only when trying to attach (only one) 4K monitor.  What is still missing is what each Tablet's native screen resolution is and how it relates to its overall maximum (e.g. when used in an Extend configuration.)

But how do we complain?

It was stupid of me, but I didn't think of submitting an official case until last month.

I bought my Surface in an online shop 1.5 years ago, and unfortunately the shop no longer exists.

In Denmark we have a 2 year warranty period, but Microsoft's support site is refusing my serial no. because of a general 1 year rule.

I have tried to submit the case as a Windows driver software case, but support tells me that I must first get a replacement unit via my original shop - to prove the issue.

Another possibility is to buy software support for a year, https://aka.ms/qetassure.  The Assure Plan costs 985 DKK  (163 USD)

The supporter told me, quote

"Once you are subscribed to this, all Microsoft Technicians will provide you FULL SUPPORT for your Windows

concerns".

But I don't trust this.

with the exception of one person with touch screen issues, everything on the

chart on

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4039635/connect-surface-to-a-tv-display-or-projector

is supported (which should mean tested).

putting the Surface in portrait mode does not make any sense except for the edge

case style which you seem to prefer. it just isn't what these folks are

interested in doing. you are complicating the original issue.

>Also, what about having two attached monitors with equivalent resolution?  Has that case been tested?

That won't help anyone who wants to use in landscape mode.

> I have re-read the whole thread and noticed that no one has mentioned trying Portrait orientation for the Tablet

It is far more functional than Second Screen Only but more significantly it seems to be a condition which has not been tested and might actually change the problem symptom.  Also, what about having two attached monitors with equivalent resolution?  Has that case been tested?  Second Screen Only does allow that possibility, so that would let users have multiple monitors, just not use their Touch screens (at least in Landscape orientation).  In fact, though, the Touch screen could be used, sort of, they would just have to guess correctly about how to use it for actions on the primary non-touch screen.  Usability for any Second Screen Only scenario would not be great but I am only suggesting that it be tested to know more about the scope of the problem. 

Also note another apparently untested case related to reducing the functionality available from the Tablet's screen--turning off the Tablet screen's Touch function to try to prevent the TCON error which was also mentioned in this thread and apparently is seen by at least one user.  Perhaps that one would allow them to continue using Landscape mode on the Tablet if that was what really was wanted more than the possibility of using the Tablet's full functionality in Portrait orientation.

Robert

Hey there,

I did open this thread 1 year ago and it seems that we are several having the same problem. I did try many different drivers, combinations of settings, etc. In the end, the problem always come back the minute you use a 4K display and the internal SP4 screen...

I have provided traces and logs to MS but we have never heard about any potential solution. I would suspect a hardware issue which cannot be patched at software/OS level. I'm now considering now selling my SP4 (which I really love using btw) for another device that would support my 2 4K screens.

So sad...

G.