HTC One Dock to Desktop Solution - Sprint HTC One (M7)

I came up with a simple solution for turning your HTC One into a semi-desktop environment. My goal was to create a connection path to a PC monitor, keyboard and mouse with a simple docking solution, a dock-and-go approach. Here is what I came up with and it works great:
1. HTC One (Sprint Red version, JB 4.1.2) w/ NFC Task Launcher
2. RoHS Dock (Model: I4SC-HTON) with micro-USB
3. Samsung TecTile
4. MenoTek MHL to HDMI Adapter with RCP
5. HDMI Cable
6. StarTech HDMI to DisplayPort converter
7. Lenovo ThinkVision PC Monitor
8. IOGEAR Multi-Link Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad GKM611B
The end result is that I come to work, dock my HTC One (NFC enabled) with the TecTile attached to the Dock to enable and search for my bluetooth keyboard/mouse. Once the peripherals are synched I toggle my monitor to the DisplayPort digital input and my Android desktop is ready to go. The entire process takes less than 1 minute. It allows me to operate independently from my business LAN using wifi or 4G, and from the comfort of my desk. The output is currently limited to 720p resolution, which I believe to be the MHL adapter, but I'm working on that. The above varies slightly with your specific hardware but the concept remains the same.
I've very happy with this solution and I wanted to share it with everyone here. :victory:

dhalmo said:
I came up with a simple solution for turning your HTC One into a semi-desktop environment. My goal was to create a connection path to a PC monitor, keyboard and mouse with a simple docking solution, a dock-and-go approach. Here is what I came up with and it works great:
1. HTC One (Sprint Red version, JB 4.1.2) w/ NFC Task Launcher
2. RoHS Dock (Model: I4SC-HTON) with micro-USB
3. Samsung TecTile
4. MenoTek MHL to HDMI Adapter with RCP
5. HDMI Cable
6. StarTech HDMI to DisplayPort converter
7. Lenovo ThinkVision PC Monitor
8. Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad
The end result is that I come to work, dock my HTC One (NFC enabled) with the TecTile attached to the Dock to enable and search for my bluetooth keyboard/mouse. Once the peripherals are synched I toggle my monitor to the DisplayPort digital input and my Android desktop is ready to go. The entire process takes less than 1 minute. It allows me to operate independently from my business LAN using wifi or 4G, and from the comfort of my desk. The output is currently limited to 720p resolution, which I believe to be the MHL adapter, but I'm working on that. The above varies slightly with your specific hardware but the concept remains the same.
I've very happy with this solution and I wanted to share it with everyone here. :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a bit much. Depending on what you're needing it for, I guess some people could benefit. I just use AirDroid. As soon as I get to work I'm already connected to the office WiFi. Just go in and log in and I'm good to go. Can answer text messages, listen to music on my phone, view pictures, etc. Not a full experience, but it's enough for me.

eXplicit815 said:
Sounds like a bit much. Depending on what you're needing it for, I guess some people could benefit. I just use AirDroid. As soon as I get to work I'm already connected to the office WiFi. Just go in and log in and I'm good to go. Can answer text messages, listen to music on my phone, view pictures, etc. Not a full experience, but it's enough for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to use AirDroid too, but I found that I didn't like my texts and emails going through my office LAN and business PC. I prefered having an parallel computing environment independent of the office, but one that transitions seamlessly. I have to agree, overkill, but fun! Go with what works for you!!!:good:

dhalmo said:
I used to use AirDroid too, but I found that I didn't like my texts and emails going through my office LAN and business PC. I prefered having an parallel computing environment independent of the office, but one that transitions seamlessly. I have to agree, overkill, but fun! Go with what works for you!!!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great write-up, without a doubt. I may even try it myself just because I like doing stuff like that.

Related

May I ask a non-nook Question?

I want to set up my PC as a TV and DVR, what's the best way to do this? I have a cable outlet right beside the PC, I know I could get a TV Tuner card but I know nothing about them at all and there are so many it's confusing. Hauppage(sp?) seems to be the most popular but are they any good? Are there any questions I should be asking myself before I chose? Any help would be much appreciated. Is there a better option altogether? I've searched the internet but it's basically an information overload, no good guides can be found for all the 5 year old junk
tuner you get depends on what software (dvr software) you want to run, what you want to do, and how fast your computer is.
things to know:
some with one tuner and some with 2
some with only OTA and some with QAM (unencrypted cable), some do both
hauppauge has pci/pci-e cards as well as usb
HDhomerun has several models, 2 tuner OTA/QAM, 4* tuner cable card, etc
Ceton has a 4, and a 6?, tuner card
some of these have hardware encoders, some dont (slower computers will need encoding otherwise it will be choppy, audio dropouts)
You should first figure out exactly what type of signal is coming in on that cable. Does your area still have analog cable service (my area does, but I think that's getting more scarce), or is it digital only? Are there any clear-QAM channels (which are usually just the local networks) or is it all encrypted? If it's only digital and encrypted channels that you're interested in, then you need something that can take a CableCARD.
After that, it's all about what software you want to run and how many tuners you require.
You may be better off just using a combo of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Bittorrent.
Otherwise you haven't given us any of your specs to be able you help you out. What type of PC do you have? Windows/Linux/Mac... Processor/RAM/HD, also like others have noted are you going for Over the Air signal, analog or Digital Cable, standard def or HD. Are you going to be using a set top box or going for a cable card(very expensive option). Give us as much detail as possible if you want competent answers.
As for using your PC as a TV and PVR, I'd recommend using XBMC to turn it into a Home Theater PC (HTPC). The site, LifeHacker, does an XBMC/HTPC guide every few months. You would still need to buy hardware like a TV tuner but XBMC does a lot on the software end.
Also, if you use XBMC, you can use your Nook Color (assuming you at least have rooted it and have access to the Andoid Market) to control the XBMC software via the XBMC remote app.
Here is a guide that lifehacker did. It's a little old but the basics are still relevant and correct. http*://lifehacker.*com/5536963/the-ultimate-start-to-finish-guide-to-your-xbmc-media-center (remove the asterisks)
What everyone else has said -- need more info on what you have, also what budget, and what cable setup.
I have an HTPC set up but it's for media streaming, not dvr recording.
One forum I found very helpful is the AVS forum (search in google), they have a sub-forum dedicated entirely to HTPCs.
Sorry for the lack on info didn't know that my PC specs mattered all that much. I am running:
Vista Home Premium, 64bit
Intel Core2 Quad CPU (Q9300 @2.5ghz)
4GB RAM
Nvidia GeForce GT240
Appx. 600gb ofhard-drive space plus a 500gb permanent external USB. I can add more HD space if it becomes a problem.
Not sure if there is any other system info you guys need.
As for my cable I dunno for sure what signal I have, I have COMCAST if that helps anyone. Mainly I want this for recording sports. I can't always watch them live and it'd be nice to DVR them for later. I'd also use it for shows, but those I can always watch online later. Can't really watch sports later though. And I'd also like to be able to just normally watch TV on my computer. I'd like to be able to do something on monitor one while the other plays live TV. Sports or whatever.
Also, to this:
Are you going to be using a set top box or going for a cable card(very expensive option).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure what you mean. I was thinking you get the TV Tuner, install it in your PCIE slot, and watch TV on the PC. Do you need another device?
Landara said:
I am not sure what you mean. I was thinking you get the TV Tuner, install it in your PCIE slot, and watch TV on the PC. Do you need another device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A basic TV tuner will only be able to pick up Over The Air signals and basic cable(very limited channel selection). If you want to be able to watch digital cable you'll need either a set top box or a cable card and cable card reader(like this one).
some nice basic tv tuners
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815100049
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116015
I believe you have Windows Media Center included with your Windows version, it's probably going to be your best option for software.

HD Dock Remote

I'm considering purchasing the HD Dock, mainly for the remote as well as the docking features as well. But my question is, is the remote only able to be used when in the dock, or can I use it whenever? Also, is it bluetooth or infrared?
Thanks guys!
ubergenius said:
I'm considering purchasing the HD Dock, mainly for the remote as well as the docking features as well. But my question is, is the remote only able to be used when in the dock, or can I use it whenever? Also, is it bluetooth or infrared?
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be docked to use the remote. I believe it's infrared.
Honestly, the remote is a nice bonus, but if it's really your main reason for buying the HD dock you will likely be disappointed. For one thing, it doesn't work with all apps -- the Netflix app, for instance, won't respond to it. It will work with Google Music, some video players, and you can use it to scroll inside a web browser. The volume/mute buttons can be useful. The buttons however can be kind of "sticky" and difficult to keep from over-pressing.
Having said that, I love my HD dock. I hardly use the remote though. I have a wireless mouse and keyboard attached via a USB dongle and I mainly use those to navigate, in both Webtop and Mirroring modes. I think you will find a wireless mouse works much better for most couch-surfing purposes vs. the remote. Logitech now makes a "couch mouse" which works great for me.
It's a special RF remote. It works directly with the dock. It is rather short range too, likely because it uses a button cell battery. On the plus side, the dock enables USB host, allowing for use of flash drives, keyboards and mice.
I got mine for $55 on ebay. Keep in mind that it doesn't come with the hdmi cable(I know), but you can get one from amazon for like $5.
[Edit] It looks like I was wrong. It is IR. Just checked it with my camera app. Most camera sensors detect IR and translate it into white light.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
can you hook up a USB screen, mouse and keyboard all to the dock, or does it only have two USB ports? Im going to try hooking it to a computer monitor tha I have.

Use Nexus 7 as a remote desktop machine

Hello Everyone,
First post here ! I've been reading a lot of very interesting things around here but I find myself stuck, hence this new thread (no ****, sherlock). I've been looking around on Google and here but couldn't really find what I was looking for so here I am.
First of all, a bit of context so that you get what I'm trying to achieve. I have a very old computer that I use for gaming. I'm not a hardcore gamers looking to play in 4K 360FPS and not part of the PC Master race by any means. With that said, I'm still looking at 1080p 60fps as my goal. And amazingly enough, my old PC allows me to do that. In fact, despite its age, my PC runs fairly well. So well that I don't feel the need to spend money to change it (plus money is tight). So, playing on my PC is actually great, can't complain there. However, I also enjoy playing in the living room. I actually play more with a controller in "console" mode than sitting at my desk. If my PC was close to the TV, the problem would be easily solved. As it's not the case I have to rely on other solutions.
I have a nvidia shield TV and tried Gamestream and Steam Link. Both are unfortunately dependent on my local network quality. Considering I'm using powerlines to connect my PC to the router, the quality is sometime unstable which doesn't meet my requirements. As stated previously, my PC is OLD and I don't think it's powerful enough to run and stream the game with a decent output either. So old hardware and unstable local network = bad experience in game streaming. And this is where I'm trying to achieve the contrary then what everyone is doing : people are streaming there games to their living room, I plan do the opposite.
I have a Nexus 7 sitting in a drawer somewhere that I don't use anymore. I was thinking of the following setup :
- Move my computer to the living room and plug it to the TV --> enjoy good gaming performance right in the leaving room
- Use my Nexus 7 in my office using remote desktop app --> less heavy than gaming, I should be able to work on Word, Excel, browse the web. Basically, use my PC for computing stuff via remote desktop with little to no delay.
- My office would actually look cleaner as well with a very minimalistic setup ^^
Problem :
- Is there a way to connect the Nexus 7 to a monitor using HDMI;
- Keep the Nexus 7 charged;
- And connect a keyboard and mouse to the Nexus via USB ? Or BT is the way to go ?
- Could this be achieved more easily with a Chromecast ? If yes, how should i proceed ?
- Would using the computer for everything else than gaming be OK in that configuration ?
It looks like a fun project to try. However, if it proves to be impossible or if you think the performance would be too poor to be usable, than I'll think about building another cheap PC (I have an old I5 760 lying around) : 1 for gaming and 1 for office stuff.
Is the Nexus 7 the 2012 or 2013 variety? From what I can find, the 2012 does NOT have a slimport USB but the 2013 DOES. In which case, buying the right cable should let you connect it directly to a monitor.
If you have the 2012 version... I can't give a true recommendation since I've never tried this, but if you do end up going the chromecast-attached-to-a-monitor/tv route, I would use Chrome to cast the desktop (apparently you can do this) to the chromecast instead of casting from your tablet. Meaning, don't cast your remote desktop from the tablet to the TV, use the tablet to remotely cast your desktop to the chromecast. Hopefully that's clear. The amount of lag from casting a remote desktop would probably make it unusable.
Hello,
I have the 2013 model so yes, with the right adapter I should be able to connect it to a monitor. Now There is still the issue of using a KB and mouse with it while keeping the tablet charged (the battery drains quite fast when casting). Maybe that's too much to handle for a tablet ^^
asmalldharma said:
Is the Nexus 7 the 2012 or 2013 variety? From what I can find, the 2012 does NOT have a slimport USB but the 2013 DOES. In which case, buying the right cable should let you connect it directly to a monitor.
If you have the 2012 version... I can't give a true recommendation since I've never tried this, but if you do end up going the chromecast-attached-to-a-monitor/tv route, I would use Chrome to cast the desktop (apparently you can do this) to the chromecast instead of casting from your tablet. Meaning, don't cast your remote desktop from the tablet to the TV, use the tablet to remotely cast your desktop to the chromecast. Hopefully that's clear. The amount of lag from casting a remote desktop would probably make it unusable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Torontonian22 said:
Hello,
I have the 2013 model so yes, with the right adapter I should be able to connect it to a monitor. Now There is still the issue of using a KB and mouse with it while keeping the tablet charged (the battery drains quite fast when casting). Maybe that's too much to handle for a tablet ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://m.newegg.com/products/N82E16834989578
Your tablet should have wireless charging, so maybe a slimport cable, wireless charger, and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse would work?
Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk
Your tablet should have wireless charging, so maybe a slimport cable, wireless charger, and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse would work?
Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I learned something today ! Didn't even know they made a dedicated dock for the Nexus 7 tablet ! looks this little device could actually help me solve my problem. I'll look into it in more depths.
I actually use wireless charging but can't actually put it on my current tablet stand (or else it looks messy as hell)
Thanks for the great tips !

Witch products do you use to connect Mi 8 on a external Display?

Hi guys, can you please link products do connect Mi 8 on a external Display?
If you have one, can you put links here?
I'm trying to find a way to use on my TV
The are usb type-c to hdmi converters.
Anyway, the maximum speed of the USB on this mobiles is really slow (30MB/s). It's theoretically able to provide a good video but in practice it's not.
mi 8 don't support mhl over usb c so it's not possible
I'm using mibox 3. it works good.
I am also interested in this subject. I do have a multimedia car stereo with HDMI in and I would like to mirror the MI8 to it (to watch movies or the navigation app).
I did understand that it doesn't support MHL or whatever BUT I was wondering if there is any other options (Displaylink as example) that is compatible to use in car (so that is not needed to be powered or that can be powered thru usb and that doesn't need WiFi).
Any help/idea?
m.zambonelli said:
I am also interested in this subject. I do have a multimedia car stereo with HDMI in and I would like to mirror the MI8 to it (to watch movies or the navigation app).
I did understand that it doesn't support MHL or whatever BUT I was wondering if there is any other options (Displaylink as example) that is compatible to use in car (so that is not needed to be powered or that can be powered thru usb and that doesn't need WiFi).
Any help/idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Displaylink works over using USB
i have a displayplay laptop from sentio and that works.
samson_li said:
Displaylink works over using USB
i have a displayplay laptop from sentio and that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works with mi8? what laptop model is?
i use apowermirror installed on both PC and Cellphone (make search over google, it's easy), connect PC to the phone through USB or WIFI and have phone display on PC and viceversa, can make plenty of settings and quality... this way then i have the PC connected on my main high quality TV and there we go, no latency high quality phone on TV and i use it for gaming for example connect bluetooth gamepad to the phone, launch high quality android games such as life is strange and played with high experience on TV, this as usefull when i was sick and ill at home and had no good pc and no consoles.... was a very good experience.... the only downside is that apowermirror can transmit in "FULL SCREEN" only with paid VIP pro version.
m.zambonelli
Chromecast, anycast, Miracast.... Chromecast is the best, but none is perfect
Scrcpy - useful tool when my display was broken (touch worked)
https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy

Video out?

I've tried a USB-C hub with HDMI as well as a screen with a USB-C connector, which both work on my laptop. I don't expect anything to work, but did anyone try the USB-HDMI converters that were reported to work on F1 a while ago?
Having a low-latency video output would be a dream come true.
It dont work, i saw a video review before buying the poco X3 .... only lg, samsung, huawei flagships do that...
Sadly I wanted to mirror Snes and PSone emulators to TV with a USB-C/HDMI output dongle and play with my Dualshock 4.. but not with poco X3
Was wondering if the DisplayLink adapters work: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80746715&postcount=53 - as I know the other cables don't.
The standard is called MHL, and I don't think poco x3 supports it :/
NHL =no
USB c audio adapter /dac =no
YES, video out is possible on the POCOPHONE X3 NFC! )
Since it's my first post, I was prevented from posting outside links. Whenever there was a link, you will now read 'google it'
You read it right, fellers. :angel:
DisplayLink is the name of the magic. Let's break it down:
1. Acquire any of the many DisplayLink enabled dongles or desktop versions. Products at the link:
google it
2. Acquire a USB-A to USB-C OTG adapter like this one:
google it
3. Download and install (no-root required!) the android app "DisplayLink Presenter" in your Poco X3 from:
google it
4. If you've already installed the app and already got your dongle
- plug the adapter's USB-A female end to the dongle's USB_A male.
-plug the cable from your HDMI monitor/TV to the dongle.
-plug the adapter's USB-C end to your X3.
5. Give it a coupla seconds ... Magic! There pops up the same image on both your phone and your TV/monitor! It's a window from the DisplayLink Presenter app. Plug and play, no need to open the app. Close it out, turn your phone sideways and enjoy the picture. Hook up a BT keyboard/mouse and you're good to go.
6. YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo all run with no problem. Games work, apps work, PowerPoint presentations work. Word works. Browsing works.
7. Desktop mode doesn't work. Charging simultaneously doesn't work (with this set up, but there is workaround...). Audio embedded in PP presentation may glitch at times.
That's it, me frends. Enjoy your POCOPHONE X3 NFC mirrored image, with no lag, in the full glory of a large monitor/TV, to the delight of your eyes!
P.S.: And for those interested in going wireless, check this one out:
google Hyper Mirror
Peace.
Just an explanation for you, I've done a truck load of research? on this, while I was deciding what phone to buy.
USB Type C have different types just as USBs do. So USBs went from 1 to 3; USB Type C have both 2 and 3, then thunderbolt, etc.
Essentially, what Xiaomi have done, is use the USB2 internals within the newer Type C connectors. So we get OTG but no video out.
This also means we don't have any more than 480Mbps data transfer speed.
USB3 is 5GB/s, USB3.1 is 10GB/s.
They are actually call them USB2 Type C/USB3 Type C. I honestly don't think a lot of places selling adapters, cables, etc. actually understand what they are selling as they label them all as Type C.
The solution to this, as above, is Displaylink, or equivalent, which I believe are still all Displaylink underneath.
Soooo what you end up with is a nightmare, a lot of people might think it's not worth the headache and carting around everything, especially if you are prone to losing things.
The simplest way to put it is that you need a USB2 Type C OTG cable, which connects from Poco X3 to an adapter (Displaylink/Wavelink/etc.), and a HDMI cable, which connects from the adapter to monitor.
There are other options, depending on how much you want to spend.
The only thing I haven't been able to figure out 100% is whether or not the adaptors can take the lowly USB2 480mbps speed and convert it into 4k. My brain says no way, but due to not finding any people that have used the more expensive adapters, I don't have an actual answer.
If any of this is wrong, let me know, it's only what I've been able to figure out on my own, and funny enough, it's actually more difficult to find than you'd think. Especially when you didn't know what you are starting off from.
Okay so I've found an 'in the meantime' solution that might suit some people. I haven't worked out all the kinks yet, but it does work.
You might have heard of Genymotion, well it's not that. Genymotion who produce Genymotion do a range of applications for android and one of them is called scrcpy.
If you look up 'genymotion scrcpy' the github link should be the first result.
A lot of people seem to dismiss it as not worth even using, I have no idea why, it's very easy to setup and use. It comes up quite often in XDA as well.
You install it on your PC, connect your phone, and then a mirror of your phone comes up on your desktop. It appears to be fully functional, I downloaded a game of the sorts that I play, and it worked despite the rending issues. I've also played some video that I recorded, no issues at all playing that.
I do have some rendering issues but I'm pretty sure that's an individual thing, I use MXLinux, and I know I have a java issue (as in personal setup, not MXLinux), the errors that are displayed in the terminal as it was running all relate to java.
I am still working through all of the possible solutions with the 'video out' converters and adapters, hopefully before too long, I'll be able to actually show you a working example, as I know that there aren't any out there at present, or not that I've seen anyway. And seeing it working is completely different to someone just saying that they have it working in a comment, with no offer of proof that they have.
I use an app called "vysor" on all my android phones. All you need to do is just download the pc app and follow instructions. Basically you just plug your phone to pc like you will transfer data or charge it. And usb debugging must be enabled. When you enable usb debugging and connect your phone to pc, Vysor will install latest android app and that is all. Sounds will come from the phone so i suggest you use a pair of speakers or earphones.
gsser said:
I use an app called "vysor" on all my android phones. All you need to do is just download the pc app and follow instructions. Basically you just plug your phone to pc like you will transfer data or charge it. And usb debugging must be enabled. When you enable usb debugging and connect your phone to pc, Vysor will install latest android app and that is all. Sounds will come from the phone so i suggest you use a pair of speakers or earphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the same as MirrorLink used by cheap anything Java that advertises screen mirroring. Used it on a low end Linux machine via browser, lag and distortion, worse than screencast for me
Edit: the native Linux appimage worked well enough,but is limited to 1 Mbps and the full version is rather pricey 40USD. I'm the end,you still need a machine running, not just a single cable solution. Might be worth it for some, maybe try a month first to see how well it works for you
And vysor does not have input options from the machine to android, (MirrorLink does I think) so you'll need extra BT peripherals for input.
edit2: have to enable USB input emulation in Dev settings for KB/M to work. And a free alternative exists, its called "scrcpy", with identical functionality, no need for App on android. Vysor is just an overpriced GUI for a free app imho, probably targeted at Apple users
What about a USB to VGA cable? Will it work?
Guys, bad news?
This is not yet supported on Poco X3. But there was a problem when I updated the software on this device. My X3 immediately went dark after that, I was quite alarmed because this is my new phone when I won the competition to play stickman fighter with my friends. What should I do now?

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