Loss of brightness with monitor splitter cable

[350X]

Loss of brightness with monitor splitter cable

Got a splitter cable so I could hook the computer to the VGA port on the TV.

Now the monitor is darker, brightness settings do nothing.

is this common?

 

[mikedt]

Is this just a simple passive "Y" cable?

VGA is analogue, and was only designed to use one monitor. There's probably not enough signal to drive two monitors/TVs in this way, that's why it's going dark. Probably best to get an active VGA splitter, usually it's a small powered box that can amplify and drive multiple monitors.

 

[350X]

Didn't even think of that, and you were spot on.

I just unpluged it from the TV and the brightness reappeared.

It must be using power, if in use or not.

Ill only plug it in when needed.

 

[Shane2943]

Put this on it and call it good:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399065

 

[mikedt]

Put this on it and call it good:

IOGEAR GVS72 2-Port VGA Video Splitter - Newegg.com

That's what I was suggesting.. it's a powered active VGA splitter.

I don't even know why they're selling passive "Y" cables for VGA, because one will run into problems with attenuation and the picture going dark. VGA wasn't designed to work like that.

 

[350X]

Funny is Ive done it to 2 others before mine and neither of those had a problem with it, so I didn't even consider it.

Done our Kitchen PC and GF bedroom PC both hooked to a TV for Netflix. Both of those worked out so well I thought id do it too........

and first two I had to get a 50ft VGA/Audio cable to make them reach, just a tiny 6ft cable for mine, no audio. And I have problems........