How to Use a Headless HDMI Adapter for Extra Displays

In this video, I demonstrate how to use a headless HDMI adapter to trick your computer into thinking it has an additional monitor connected, even when it doesn’t. This is especially useful for setups where space is limited, like in small churches or when using programs like Presenter, OBS, or Prism Live that require a secondary display for output. I'll walk you through the simple setup process and show practical applications of this adapter, including how I recently used it at Shiloh Baptist Church to solve their single monitor limitation.

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[kroskopf]

We've used this for the preacher's laptop on the lectern to trick the laptop running PowerPoint into thinking it was hooked up to a second monitor. The preacher then sees the "presenter" view. I learned this trick from AJay years ago!

[UTJK.]

I use it tied to a laptop with a low resolution screen, to be able to use remote desktop in Full HD through the virtual monitor. Very useful.

[Justme]

Thanks much. For your church work also. I finally have a better idea what this used for. Never knew it was a problem but if I need it, I know where to go. Im a tech guy, so its something in my arsenal of utilities and gadgets that I may find a use for.

Have you ever thought about creating a tutorial series?

Like along the lines of: Have you ever used <software program> but it needed two monitors and you only had one. Here is a solution for that issue that also comes up in other types of video software. Not only the church crowd could find this useful, as other kinds of media creators would find this problem solving.

Thanx for bringing this to my attention. Good information.

[sheldonkupa]

Wow, interesting. I use that thing for my virtual machines on proxmox with gpu passthrough. If no monitor is connected, u dont get hardware accelerated remote desktop with right resolution. Thought thats the only relevance of this hardware😄👏👍

[_K_W]

Nice. I don’t have a need for this. It just popped up. But I like it and your presentation

[fremandg]

Very good, im sure i will learn, but the basics are astounding, thank you.

[kungpowgeek]

This is perfect! Thanks a ton. I just placed my order using your Amazon link. 🎉

[phuckinggraphicdripdotcom]

Awesome Vid, thank so much for the info!!

[Moonbase]

Creative use of HDMI/DisplayPort dummy plugs, thanks for the idea! Note your device(s) MUST have enough physical display outputs for this to work. If so, this can be really helpful (as shown).

[pdppdp]

i use a 4K dummy plug for use with a pair of Xreal glasses & a m1macmini... works a charm, to get a 4k display in the Xreal glasses

[AdamTaylor]

They also work well for HDMI switches that prevents Windows from disconnecting external TV’s when they are off.

[picturethistudiott]

Thank You Ajay, Exactly what i am looking for. 🙏

[gAlbert]

FYI: as another usecase example
- Zoom also have multiple screens that you can also use to spread your viewing opportunities to...

Thanks for the info-share & Q-Tips

[MStoica]

The guy with (at least) 6 monitors (in view) still (buys &) reviews a headless hdmi adapter for extra displays 😂👍

[PeterKambey]

Headless HDMI mostly used by Mining Server that want to trick server for their VGA Card but this is also a cool trick..

[NYmike-su]

Hi Ajay,


As an experienced tech reviewer, your evaluation would be incredibly insightful. Would you be able to test this product if you have the necessary setup? Your feedback would be a huge help in deciding whether we should invest in such equipment.

Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you!

Best regards,
Mike

[robnilsen]

Hi Ajay, thanks for all your helpful content. We’re running EasyWorship from a PC on our platform (not on sound booth… it’s a long story 😉). That PC has an Nvidia card with 3 outputs. Of course, the operator needs one of the outs. Would plugging in two of these allow me to send the EZW main and alternate displays via NDI (with NDI tools installed) to a second PC (in the sound booth, also running NDI tools) to feed our switcher there?

[morecarstuff]

i bought these when i needed to mine on some GPUs, ended up using them in a few churches where i set up livestreams

[Britt.the.Builder]

Great content! Unrelated question - Is that an iPad app or some other device that you are using as a controller at 1:39?

[tsuchan]

I think it sounds like a good idea, but I'm going to search for another video on it because I didn't understand your explanation and it was too small to see properly.