Wireless display adapter uses wrong resolution

Question

My Surface Pro 3 connects to my old HP LA2205wg monitor with a DP/HDMI cable at 1680x1050--the recommended resolution. However, when I try to connect using the MS Wireless Display Adapter (newest firmware), it reverts to 1280 x 800 and the higher resolution is not available on the list of advanced display options. Is there any way that I can get the adapter to use the whole monitor display when connecting wirelessly?

Answer 1

For the Wireless Display Adapter, it can project 4K resolution. Visit this link for the display adapter's specifications.

Can you point me to the spec where you find the 4K? The max resolution seems to be 1920x1080 ("Full HD"), but not even that is written in the "Technical Data Sheet": http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/B/7/6B7DEB46-6836-4B18-ADFB-B8441492515F/TDS\_WirelessDisplayAdapter\_V2.pdf

Please, Mircosoft, allow 1920x1200 (WUXGA), too! :-)

Answer 2

I suspect that the problem lies with the fact that my relatively old monitor is not HDCP compatible. I know that the Surface Pro 3 and the monitor are both capable of handling 1680 x 1050 because that is what is automatically used when connected with a DP/HDMI cable. It seems most likely that the wireless display adapter rejects using this HD resolution because the monitor is not an HDCP device. I wish I'd seen some mention of this problem before I purchased the adapter even though I'd have purchased it for use with newer equipment. It also has problems with an old projector. In this case, it doesn't produce a picture of any kind. My dream of "upgrading" my projector to wireless use  remains a dream. Although the adapter's compatibility is definitely limited, it does work fine with a newer projector and TV.

Answer 3

Hi Harold,

The problem that you currently have is something related to the feature and capability of the Wireless Display Adapter and Surface Pro 3. 

For the Wireless Display Adapter, it can project 4K resolution. Visit this link for the display adapter's specifications. You can also check the manual of Wireless Display Adapter under Compatibility > Full functionality not available with non HDCP devices.

For Surface Pro 3, it can project up to VGA (1920x1200, 60 Hz) and HDMI (4096x2304, 24 Hz).

Should you need further explanation, contact our Hardware Support at 1-800-642-7676 or visit Troubleshoot using the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter with Surface.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards.