HDMI transmission via Ethernet
HDMI transmission via Ethernet
Yes, you can link two computers using an HDMI cable for data transfers.
GPUs aren't compatible with Ethernet connections. I don't recall any motherboard, especially for iGPUs, offering this feature. It's typically reserved for sending Ethernet from a receiver or player to a TV, which isn't common in Europe right now. This appears to be a very specialized item.
You might choose this approach because a basic Ethernet connection can deliver 1 Gbps. You can link two machines directly without routers or any extra gear—just connect the cables between them and assign each a distinct IP address, allowing file transfers. The HDMI port only supports up to 100 Mbps, not the full bandwidth, since the video signal isn’t multiplexed with data. This limits you to around 100 Mbps for HDMI 2.0, not the full potential. In theory, a custom software could capture everything in full screen and display it, while a capture card could record without loss. You’d need to embed metadata like file names, sizes, timestamps, and error correction to minimize retransmissions. You’d also require a separate channel for sending data back to the source—like USB or regular Ethernet. Ultimately, the effort probably yields only 3–4 Gbps, while high-quality capture cards cost hundreds of dollars. It’s usually cheaper to invest in two 10 Gbps Ethernet cards (about $70 each) or two fiber optic cables (around $50 each) plus a few hundred dollars for cabling.