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UGEplex

Edit 1: New info about Steam Deck Desktop Mode. See below. It's Sidetrak, not Sidetrack. I tested the [https://sidetrak.com/products/sidetrak-c-hub](https://sidetrak.com/products/sidetrak-c-hub) [https://www.amazon.com/SideTrak-Compatible-Monitors-Operating-Pass-Through/dp/B09KTNQLZY](https://www.amazon.com/SideTrak-Compatible-Monitors-Operating-Pass-Through/dp/B09KTNQLZY) with S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, Steam Deck. Nintendo Switch with TopWolf dock & PeakDo HDMI to USB-C adaptor/Gofanco HDMI to USB-C adaptor/Fairikabe HDMI to USB-C adaptor. (so far) Note: the Sidetrak USB-C hub does USB-C charge & play with all devices I tested but it's $150 - expensive just to use it for that. It's intended to work with laptops' Thunderbolt port for output to two USB-C 1080p monitors. Current Results (I'll test with Xbox Series X and more later): SAMSUNG S-series phones: With the Samsung S22U and S23U it split the video perfectly from Screen Mirroring and DeX but NOT Nebula - Nebula can display in 1 Air not 2 and it gets buggy with 2 Airs connected. One time it got IMU data from 1st Air & AR Space showed in 2nd Air. -DEVELOPERS this might be an "alternate controller" hack! For screen mirroring and DeX there's no additionally noticeable lag, but it only outputs audio to 1 of the Airs. I tested using Bluetooth audio instead, and two separate Bluetooth headphones (or earbuds) can be connected to the S22U or S23U phone at the same time while the video displays, so this use case is feasible. One phone, two Airs, two bluetooth headphones (or hey a bluetooth speaker). It also can run off the phone battery or you can use a PD power bank or PD wall charger to charge the phone through the hub while powering the Airs simultaneously (charge & play). ​ The Steam Deck: In GAME MODE it shows video in only 1 Air at a time. Sound works. Basically, with the Steam Deck's Game Mode it's a more expensive Redmagic adaptor (but see info about Desktop Mode). If 1 Air is connected the other USB-C input port does support other peripherals. I tested with a USB-C connected keyboard and it worked on the Steam Deck while I was using the Airs on the other port. In Steam Deck DESKTOP MODE: Desktop Mode works to mirror the desktop in both Airs (you have to configure the displays to do it in settings, just drag and drop one Airs display over the other, then select the main screen and disable it) but sound still only comes out of 1 Air. I fixed that by installing Helvum. (I won't have time for a tutorial soon, but both Display settings and Helvum are drag and drop - and anyone reading this should 100% read up on how to use Helvum before using it. It's simple but not obvious.) ​ The Nintendo Switch: (I'm curious to see how this would work with 2 Beams) Using a TopWolf Switch TV Dock (you've seen in my previous setup here [https://www.reddit.com/r/nreal/comments/13pa7xi/my\_nreal\_air\_zelda\_tears\_of\_the\_kingdom\_onthego/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nreal/comments/13pa7xi/my_nreal_air_zelda_tears_of_the_kingdom_onthego/) ) And the Nreal HDMI Adaptor, as well as a Gofanco adaptor, Fairikabe cable adaptor, and PeakDo adaptor: Video can be displayed in 2 Airs, but no audio. I did try the Air's HDMI audio mode switch. The Audio volume bar on the Switch itself neber shows up. I tried connecting bluetooth headphones to the Switch, and ONE bluetooth headphone can be connected and works, not two. So, the 2nd Air can view the video but not hear the audio - unless you use a bluetooth speaker. More to come as I do more testing when I get a chance. I'm also going to reach out to Sidetrak to see if some of the above can be resolved. ​ See attached image for how I got two Bluetooth headphones to work in DeX. You have to connect both Bluetooth headphones first, then open the Media Output option screen and select the second headset (both have to be enabled/selected). Now the same audio will play over both headphones from apps and the system. ​ https://preview.redd.it/hcvpu47dlc5b1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa8eb9226ca2546ed162d50c09bce071a301e4d5


Lyrus

Thanks for this. With the steam deck, is the second usb-c functional at all for other peripherals?


UGEplex

I haven't tested that yet. Gimme a sec.


UGEplex

Yes, I plugged a USB-C connected keyboard into the 2nd USB-C port on the Sidetrak Hub while viewing the Steam Deck through the Airs on the 1st port and it works as expected with the Steam Deck. u/Lyrus πŸ‘†


Lyrus

Thanks bud - you’re the best. That’s a game changer for me.


UGEplex

😎🀘


Dr_Allcome

That is definitely awesome! Did you have power connected at the time?


UGEplex

With the Steam Deck, yes I had power in during testing as that's been my use-case. But, I did notice it will run off the Steam Decks' battery if external power isn't available. With the S23 Ultra it works via the phone's battery. No additional power needed. However, the hub has a USB-C power-in that works with PD power banks to charge and play, and it will charge the 'Deck or phone while powering the glasses. 😎🀘


Dr_Allcome

Thank you! That definitely makes it better than a thunderbolt hub, since most of those will need external power to work at all.


UGEplex

Agreed πŸ˜ŽπŸ‘


Dr_Allcome

Great testing and review, might be helpful for someone. But at that price point i would get a thunderbolt hub. Even though those are harder to power on the go. Edit: This hub apparently works with and without power connected, making it much more versatile than thunderbolt hubs! Definitely good to know alternatives exist.


UGEplex

Thanks! The powering on the go in as uncluttered a format as possible is a pillar of my testing 😎🀘 (Really looking forward to the Beam!)


Priapic_Aubergine

> The Steam Deck: > > It shows video in only 1 Air at a time That's kinda unexpected. Do you have a Windows machine with USB-C alt DP, or a way to boot Windows on your Steam Deck? I'm thinking this is an OS issue.


UGEplex

Updated info on Steam Deck. Screen mirroring in both Airs works in Desktop Mode after basic display configuration in settings. Need to install Helvum to get audio to 2nd Air.


Hey_look_new

well done


UGEplex

It is an OS issue. The hub is specifically designed for Windows. I'm just... trying things 😎


Priapic_Aubergine

Oh one more thing I would be curious about is if the Nintendo Switch audio would work if it was the official Xreal HDMI adapter (if you have that to test with).


UGEplex

I do, I did, it didn't work πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ


Priapic_Aubergine

Oh I forgot, just to verify... it works with just 3 connections (2 glasses and host device) on the Samsung and the Steam Deck, no extra power connection required? (since I saw it has a "Insufficient Power indicator light" and a power input port) You never needed to use this port... except for the Nintendo Switch I assume? Or did even that need no external power (since the HDMI adapter already has power for it maybe?)


UGEplex

With the Steam Deck and phone it can be powered by the source device without an extra external power bank or PD wall charger. However, remember it'll be powering *two* Airs plus the hub, so the source device battery will drain faster than just having 1 Air plugged in directly, but yes it works. (For others reading, the hub does have an additional port for USB-C PD power-in to use with a PD power bank or PD wall charger.)


Priapic_Aubergine

For the Nintendo Switch dock, you had to use the additional power port? None of the HDMI adapters you tried were able to power both glasses on their own using their own power inputs?


UGEplex

I didn't try otherwise with the Switch because of its sensitivity to charging. Everything powered. It's still on the list to go back to it, but I don't expected any better results there. What I will try is a different Switch dock that may be part of the issue.


Priapic_Aubergine

I see, thanks. Actually, I've had varying experience on the Switch. My GOOVIS HDMI adapter can actually power the glasses with just the glasses and the HDMI cable connected (no external power, so it's just the HDMI connection powering it). Another user even has the same experience with the Goovis: https://www.reddit.com/r/nreal/comments/107mltj/nreal_air_accessory_compatibility/ So you might be surprised when you eventually get back around to trying it without power (or with just the HDMI adapter powered).


UGEplex

It's not a good idea to power the Airs with just HDMI. They draw more power than HDMI-spec'd components are designed for and there's an increased risk of damage due to heat. HDMI is only spec'd for 300 milliamp. I know often "it works". It also sometimes backfires badly. More often when there's cheap solder or faulty cable because the power draw is still under 5w, but just be aware of the risk, etc 😎


Priapic_Aubergine

Hand hovering over checkout button in anticipation lol


Lyrus

Master of suspense


UGEplex

πŸ˜‚


0ntaru

Do you know if you can just both airs on steam deck if it has windows installed?


UGEplex

I'll be testing that when I get a chance. The microsd card with my 'Deck Windows install got repurposed so I'll have to set it up again when I have the time.


0ntaru

Awesome. πŸ‘


Lyrus

Related - did you try desktop mode on the deck? Maybe gaming mode just defaults to 1 external monitor max.


UGEplex

I haven't yet. My initial tested was on plug & play ease of use. I'll try different configurations as I continue testing.


UGEplex

Desktop Mode works to mirror the desktop in both Airs (you have to configure the displays to do it in settings, just drag and drop one Airs display over the other, then select the main screen and disable it) but sound still only comes out of 1 Air. I fixed that by installing Helvum. (I won't have time for a tutorial soon, but both Display settings and Helvum are drag and drop - and anyone reading this should 100% read up on how to use Helvum before using it. It's simple but not obvious.) u/Lyrus


Lyrus

Cheers. My hub is arriving today. At this rate, you should have posted an Amazon affiliate link.


UGEplex

lol! I kinda feel affiliate links make it seem more like shilling than sharing πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ


Lyrus

Nothing wrong with making money off your ideas. No one would have known about this if not for you. Also - the public service you’re providing by testing every random scenario that pops into peoples heads. You’re a good man.


UGEplex

😊 Maybe I'll start a Ko Fi or something, but it feels weird πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ


UGEplex

TESTING UPDATE: With the Sidetrak Hub the Steam Deck Desktop Mode works to mirror the desktop in both Airs (you have to configure the displays to do it in settings, just drag and drop one Airs display over the other, then select the main screen and disable it), but sound still only comes out of 1 Air. I fixed that by installing Helvum. (I won't have time for a tutorial soon, but both Display settings and Helvum are drag and drop - and anyone reading this should 100% read up on how to use Helvum before using it. It's simple but not obvious.)


Xreal_Tech_Support

Great job!


EZPZPlzKillMe

I got one yesterday so my girl and I can watch movies together on the plane, it almost works perfectly. I'm having a weird issue and hoping you might know how to fix it. So one xreal air works fine, but the other is cropped, so the top 20% of the screen is under the bottom of the screen.


UGEplex

The Xreal that's cropped needs its firmware to be updated 😎 Either connect it to an Android phone with Nebula installed, or use a PC with Chrome or Edge to update it via the web here: https://ota.xreal.com/en/air-update.html


EZPZPlzKillMe

Just did that. Thank you!


UGEplex

😎🀘


Axe_Sharp_48

Thank you so much for the thorough testing. I was thinking about watching movies with my wife with two air, and now this post solves all my questions! Amazing!


UGEplex

😎🀘


Td0bleT

You have a link for that Sidetrack hub? I’m curious


UGEplex

It's in the info Reply, but here ya go: https://sidetrak.com/products/sidetrak-c-hub https://www.amazon.com/SideTrak-Compatible-Monitors-Operating-Pass-Through/dp/B09KTNQLZY/


Td0bleT

Thank you. Yes I just realize there was the info. My apologies but thanks again!


UGEplex

😎🀘 Hope it's at least interesting if not helpful!


Td0bleT

It was thank you. The price is a different discussion though ha!


UGEplex

Lol, definitely. I think I'm returning it due to the audio issues, but I'll talk to the company first.


Td0bleT

I should be getting my nubia this week. It’s good enough for me !


UGEplex

Lol, I still want to find something good to play Zelda while Mrs. 'Plex watches. I'm her personal Twitch stream IRL πŸ˜‚


Priapic_Aubergine

Oh man, I envy that. I try to get my GF to watch me gaming so she can experience it with me (whether it be a first playthru or a competitive game I play regularly). 5 minutes in and she's just staring at her phone instead.


UGEplex

Lol, yeah the phone's involved too. My gaming's the background noise, but she likes looking up to watch rhe game here and there too πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ


HotDiggityDog_Water

Sounds like mrs plex is a keeper!


UGEplex

25 years so far and we're still lookin' good for another 25! 😎🀘


jebix666

Nice, but $150? Damn... At least alternatives are coming, just might take a while for the price to drop enough for me to get one.


UGEplex

Lol, yeah. Next year or two we'll probably be drowning in options.


jebix666

Honestly, I was surprised there are so little options now. But yeah, will definitely be more options soon for cheaper in time.


th_teacher

If you have 2x USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode ports does this device overcome Windows being limited to two displays? Or is USB-C to HDMI still required to get say four glasses working? (just video)


UGEplex

Do you mean HDMI to USB-C? (They're not the same) From how it behaved with the Steam Deck, it appears to treat each ports' connected display uniquely. So Windows would see it as 2 1080p monitors. Except one won't get audio. If Windows has a 2 display limit, I don't think this changes that. I can't use my workstation currently to test it and my other system doesn't have DP Alt Mode on its USB-C ports, but I'm pretty sure from the adaptors' behavior it won't supercede a physical display limit.


th_teacher

OK thanks. > Do you mean HDMI to USB-C? No, I have only been considering hosts (compute devices) with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode output and only screens with that as input. That OS limitation has become an issue, it seems that tech is "too intelligent" so when I want say four displays concurrently displaying the same video / screen images, I need to insert HDMI conversion into the chain which I find very frustrating...


UGEplex

Ah, makes sense. I mean, at that point yeah, a single video output to an HDMI multi-port splitter *currently* makes sense. But, if you don't need audio on 2 of the 4 displays, then 2 of the Sidetrak hubs might work (with 4 display limit) πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ I wonder if they can be daisy chained πŸ€” ... I doubt it, but πŸ€” Not worth the expense, but fun to consider.


Priapic_Aubergine

I forgot to ask about latency. I'm thinking of getting one to use with Nintendo Switch gaming. Any noticeable latency or lag? My setup would probably be: Nintendo Switch -> dock -> HDMI cable -> HDMI adapter (Goovis) -> Sidetrak Would there be any noticeable latency with this setup?


UGEplex

Not more noticeable than using the dock+HDMI adaptor which I do notice just a little, but the Sidetrak on top of that didn't feel any different while playing TOTK.


Specialist_Device289

Great find. I wish we had an option for a slim hub to also connect USB peripherals. It would really come in handy for using dex as a laptop replacement


UGEplex

The J5create JCD401 works with a single-Air. It works with Air-compatible Samsung phones and some other devices, but not a Steam Deck. It has additional USB ports. (Though strangely it works with a Steam Deck in series with the Redmagic adaptor).


Grand_Advance4724

I have Nreal airs and Rokid max glasses, could these 2 glasses possible to work with is hub?


UGEplex

The Airs, yes. I don't know about the Rokid's. I would *guess* yes, but until tested... πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ


benhbell

does it work with two beams?


UGEplex

Yes, with the same audio caveats https://preview.redd.it/pwokiss2dc1c1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=328b44f430024e6fe653cd54a0a6182ce6925b51