Running 2 signals (HDMI & DP) simultaneously into one monitor

[Pask]

I have a 27” BenQ GW2765HT monitor that has a native 1440p resolution @ 60Hz. I’m using it as one of two monitors for a dual monitor desktop setup that runs two 27” BenQ monitors.

On the PC I’m running Win 10 and the monitor is set on it’s native 2K via Display Port from an XFX R9 390. I am also using that same monitor to connect to an HD TV Box (Shaw Sky TV) via HDMI.

Sometimes I’ll boot the PC with both monitors connected, then decide to watch a TV show. I’ll use the BenQ’s menu to then switch input signal to HDMI from DP, in order to watch TV. So there will actually be times when two active signals are going into the monitor: display port from PC, and HDMI from the TV box.

Is there any potential harm to the monitor in doing this? It just offers the convenience of being able to use the monitor’s menu to switch to which signal I want, rather than continuously connecting and disconnecting cables.

Also this is the first cable box I’ve used in a long time. For output rez options it offers: 16:9, 720p HD; 16:9, 1080i HD; or 16:9, 1080p60 HD I chose the highest 16:9, 1080p60 HD for the progressive non-interlaced signal, but I’m not sure what it defaults to if the signal is 1080 @ 30, or SD or whatever. Does it just choose the next best option?

Honestly it’s been nearly 20 years since I had cable so I’m not clear on how it all works. This box is just a free 3 month trial promotion from Shaw Canada, my IP.

 

[GearUp]

I currently use one TV connected to two computers. If the source is switched before shutdown is complete the computer restarts. So yes I can see issues for the computer. That appears to be a problem with some new computers with only one monitor however.

 

[Pask]

... If the source is switched before shutdown is complete the computer restarts. So yes I can see issues for the computer...

I'm concerned about potential harm to the monitor. Switching between the two (TV and PC) is no prob when both are turned on and active. From the BenQ menu It switches OK, between HDMI and DP, and then the selected input displays. Computer doesn't restart. I'm just curious about having the second signal inputting while viewing the other. I'm not sure how the monitor handles that.

 

[GearUp]

... If the source is switched before shutdown is complete the computer restarts. So yes I can see issues for the computer...

I'm concerned about potential harm to the monitor. Switching between the two (TV and PC) is no prob when both are turned on and active. From the BenQ menu It switches OK, between HDMI and DP, and then the selected input displays. Computer doesn't restart. I'm just curious about having the second signal inputting while viewing the other. I'm not sure how the monitor handles that.

It makes me uncomfortable from a vague memory of having two computers on one monitor and a system failure. If this were a mechanical switch I would be more concerned but at least there wouldn't be two changes required. Irregular resolution changes are bad enough. I would expect the BenQ to be rather well made but I'm fond of dedicated setups.

 

[CountMike]

I don't think you can harm monitor that way. I'm using 3 monitors with my system, one of them is connected by HDMI to a satellite TV box and by DVI to computer and switch modes few times a day with no ill effects for last 3 years.

 

[Pask]

I don't think you can harm monitor that way. I'm using 3 monitors with my system, one of them is connected by HDMI to a satellite TV box and by DVI to computer and switch modes few times a day with no ill effects for last 3 years.

Thanks for responding. I'm curious, are you switching via the monitors own input switch or via an external switch box?

 

[CountMike]

Monitor I do that on is Samsung SyncMaster P2370 and has a feature that changes input automatically with HDMI > DVI > Analog order of importance. So if I shut of TV receiver connected by HDMI it automatically switches to DVI computer is connected to. There's also a button on monitor that can force input sequentially in same order.
Another Monitor, also Samsung but smaller one 4:3 I feed with two inputs too and switch them externally by a switch for input from computer DP to DVI and from security cameras by VGA. Also no problems for few years.
Third (and main) monitor is Also Samsung but2494 that has DVI and VGA ports. DVI for computer and a VGA cable just sitting there so I can connect any computer that has only VGA port for test or working on/fixing it. Also button on monitor to force a switch.

 

[Pask]

Monitor I do that on is Samsung SyncMaster P2370 and has a feature that changes input automatically with HDMI > DVI > Analog order of importance. So if I shut of TV receiver connected by HDMI it automatically switches to DVI computer is connected to. There's also a button on monitor that can force input sequentially in same order.
Another Monitor, also Samsung but smaller one 4:3 I feed with two inputs too and switch them externally by a switch for input from computer DP to DVI and from security cameras by VGA. Also no problems for few years.
Third (and main) monitor is Also Samsung but2494 that has DVI and VGA ports. DVI for computer and a VGA cable just sitting there so I can connect any computer that has only VGA port for test or working on/fixing it. Also button on monitor to force a switch.

Excellent, thanks!

 

[mrxiao]

Has your problem been solved? I bought this HDMI SWITCH and it works great. Perfectly solved my problem。
http://goo.gl/irPAML