|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I recently purchased a Dell monitor, ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NZTKOQI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Unfortunately, it doesn't support VGA input. My computer only has VGA, so I need to convert the signal to either HDMI, or DP. What are the advantages to using either one - will I gain/lose resolution by using either HDMI vs. DP? Thanks, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112 |
Hey there 90db
Just to be certain, you do not have a DVI Out from your computer? If you do, going DVI to HDMI is super easy.
If you are running just a VGA, you will be fine, but you will want to look at an upgrade to fully take advantage of this monitor.
This is a bit Jerry-rigged, but I have done this more times then I'd like to count:
VGA > DVI (I-D, doesn't matter) > DVI to HDMI
No point in using Display-Port as that is typically for 2k/4k/144hz etc.
Really cool monitor, the 1920x1200 is an interesting resolution.
C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.
Mikke - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Het Mikke,
My computer has a HDMI output, I connected that to the HDMI input on the monitor, and I get a message onscreen that there is no DP cable attached. I don't understand why I need a DP cable at all. It should work with HDMI only.
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Right, if the computer is really so old it ONLY has VGA it's time to upgrade. If that's not an option look into installing a cheap graphics card. Even the cheapest ones will have DVI and probably HDMI too.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Right, if the computer is really so old it ONLY has VGA it's time to upgrade. If that's not an option look into installing a cheap graphics card. Even the cheapest ones will have DVI and probably HDMI too.
Bob " My computer has a HDMI output, I connected that to the HDMI input on the monitor, and I get a message onscreen that there is no DP cable attached. I don't understand why I need a DP cable at all. It should work with HDMI only." Thanks, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112 |
Hey Bob,
Chances are you monitor has a different input channel for DP then HDMI since they are different formats.
There should be a HDMI Input channel on your monitor, if your PC has HDMI, it should connect directly to it.
Also, if you have a dedicated GPU (Graphics Card), the Outputs on your motherboard won't work, and you will need to the outputs from your GPU.
C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.
Mikke - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,594
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,594 |
It certainly should work with only HDMI to HDMI. That quality is as good as you need for your resolution.
As for it not working, of course you have to use the monitor controls to select the appropriate input. Could there be another cable attached (besides the HDMI) that has no signal?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
It certainly should work with only HDMI to HDMI. That quality is as good as you need for your resolution.
As for it not working, of course you have to use the monitor controls to select the appropriate input. Could there be another cable attached (besides the HDMI) that has no signal? I will see if I can access the monitor control panel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Also I've seen cheap HDMI cables not work from PC to monitor. Try another cable or see if you can use your current cable on a different device in the house like a TV to see if it's good.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics. PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Also I've seen cheap HDMI cables not work from PC to monitor. Try another cable or see if you can use your current cable on a different device in the house like a TV to see if it's good. I can access part of the control panel, but when I set the input to HDMI, nothing happens. Dell Support is a joke, as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,917
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,917 |
Open the monitor's settings. there should be an option there to select the HDMI input.
In the security biz, I run into this all the time. Use the menu to choose the input type.
on the flip side.... HDMI should give you the highest video resolution. Way better than VGA. So if push comes to shove and the HDMI thing just doesn't work....go to amazon and get an adapter for $10 but understand that the resolution will only be VGA
HDMI to VGA, Benfei Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More - Black by BENFEI $9.99 $ 9 99 Prime Get it as soon as Mon, Dec 3 FREE Shipping
edit: if you have a different DP cable, swap it. On the monitor settings, be sure you save it before closing out. I make that mistake all the time.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/30/18 09:12 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Open the monitor's settings. there should be an option there to select the HDMI input.
In the security biz, I run into this all the time. Use the menu to choose the input type.
on the flip side.... HDMI should give you the highest video resolution. Way better than VGA. So if push comes to shove and the HDMI thing just doesn't work....go to amazon and get an adapter for $10 but understand that the resolution will only be VGA
HDMI to VGA, Benfei Gold-Plated HDMI to VGA 6 Feet Cable (Male to Male) Compatible for Computer, Desktop, Laptop, PC, Monitor, Projector, HDTV, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Roku, Xbox and More - Black by BENFEI $9.99 $ 9 99 Prime Get it as soon as Mon, Dec 3 FREE Shipping
edit: if you have a different DP cable, swap it. On the monitor settings, be sure you save it before closing out. I make that mistake all the time. Herb, I set the input to HDMI, hit SAVE but nothing happens! Do I need to reboot the monitor or something?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,917
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,917 |
No. you shouldn't need a reboot.
So my next step would be to try a different computer.... maybe a laptop with an HDMI out. see if that will work. and swap to a different cord as well.... all steps in playing detective.
All these modern things should automatically detect the input type and make the mode changes needed.
Borrow the cable from your TV if you have an HDMI DP cable there.
Another option is to call Dell tech support or chat to get help from them.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/30/18 09:26 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,594
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,594 |
Yep, swap parts to isolate the problem.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
So are the ports Display Port In Display Port Out HDMI IN HDMI Out ? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
DISPLAY PORT. MINI DISPLAY PORT, HDMI 1, HDMI 2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112 |
Hey! Pipeline beat me to it, and posted a picture of the inputs of your monitor. It seems these are both inputs, but this also means you have multiple HDMI channels. What I speculate is happening: 1 - You need to select the other HDMI Input Channel 2 - You might be using your Motherboard Outputs, make sure there isn't another HDMI port on your computer If you haven't already checked it out, here is the user manual: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1knbUmuG9S.pdf
C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.
Mikke - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Hey! Pipeline beat me to it, and posted a picture of the inputs of your monitor. It seems these are both inputs, but this also means you have multiple HDMI channels. What I speculate is happening: 1 - You need to select the other HDMI Input Channel 2 - You might be using your Motherboard Outputs, make sure there isn't another HDMI port on your computer If you haven't already checked it out, here is the user manual: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1knbUmuG9S.pdf I selected each HDMI input. Still no joy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148 |
to expand on one of the posts above I got the wrong connection once and got your problem. there might be 2 hdmi outputs - one from your motherboard and one from your graphics card - have a quick look and if ther are two try the other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Mikke, Bob, Matt, Steve, Herb, Pipeline and Bob Carver,
EUREKA!
I got it working. HDMI input 2 did the trick finally. I really appreciate the help. You guys are the BEST!
Regards,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,343
Posts803,589
Members40,101
| |
Most Online64,515 Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|