What is displayport on a monitor. Comparison of DVI and HDMI

HDMI is the most popular interface for transmitting digital video data from a computer to a monitor or TV. It is built into almost every modern laptop and computer, TV, monitor and even some mobile devices. But it has a lesser-known competitor - DisplayPort, which, according to the developers, is capable of outputting higher-quality images to connected interfaces. Let's look at how these standards differ and which one is better.

• Compatible with other connectors;
• Price-quality ratio;
• Sound support. If it is not there, then for normal operation you will have to purchase an additional headset;
• The prevalence of one type of connector or another. More common ports are easier to repair, replace, or re-cable.

Users who work with computers professionally need to pay attention to these points:

• The number of threads that the connector supports. This parameter directly determines how many monitors you can connect to your computer;
• The maximum possible length of cables and the quality of transmission along it;
• The maximum supported resolution of the transmitted content.

Types of HDIMI connectors

The HDMI interface has 19 pins for image transmission and is available in four different form factors:

DisplayPort connector types

Unlike the HDMI connector, DisplayPort has one more pin – 20 pins in total. However, the number of types and varieties of connectors is smaller, but the existing variations are more adaptive to various digital technologies, unlike its competitor. These types of connectors are available today:

Unlike HDMI ports, DisplayPort has a special blocking element. Despite the fact that the DisplayPort developers did not specify the blocking clause as mandatory in the certification for their product, many manufacturers still equip the port with one. However, only a few manufacturers install a plug on Mini DisplayPort (most often, installing this mechanism on such a small connector is impractical).

Cables for HDMI

The last major update for cables for this connector was at the end of 2010, which corrected some problems with playing audio and video files. Old style cables are no longer sold in stores, but... HDMI ports are the most common in the world, some users may have several outdated cables that are almost impossible to distinguish from new ones, which can create a number of additional difficulties.

These types of cables for HDMI connectors are currently in use:

All cables have a special function - ARC, which allows you to transmit audio along with video. Modern models of HDMI cables support full ARC technology, thanks to which audio and video can be transmitted over one cable, without the need to connect additional headsets.

However, this technology is not implemented in the same way in older cables. You can watch video and hear sound at the same time, but its quality will not always be the best (especially when connecting a computer/laptop to a TV). In order to fix this problem, you will have to connect a special audio adapter.

Most cables are made of copper, but their length does not exceed 20 meters. In order to transmit information over longer distances, these subtypes of cables are used:

• CAT 5/6 – used to transmit information over a distance of 50 meters. The difference in versions (5 or 6) does not play a special role in the quality and distance of data transmission;
• Coaxial – allows you to transmit data over a distance of 90 meters;
• Fiber optic – needed to transmit data over a distance of 100 meters or more.

Cables for DisplayPort

There is only 1 type of cable, which today has version 1.2. The capabilities of the DisplayPort cable are slightly higher than those of HDMI. For example, a DP cable can easily transmit video with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, without losing playback quality - it remains ideal (at least 60 Hz), and also supports 3D video transmission. However, it may have problems with sound transmission, because... There is no built-in ARC, and these DisplayPort cables are not designed to support Internet solutions. If you need to transmit video and audio content simultaneously via one cable, then it is better to choose HDMI, because for DP you will have to additionally purchase a special audio headset.

These cables can work with the help of appropriate adapters not only with DisplayPort connectors, but also with HDMI, VGA, DVI. For example, HDMI cables can only work with DVI without problems, so DP outperforms its competitor in compatibility with other connectors.

DisplayPort has the following cable types:

• Passive. With its help, you can transmit an image in quality 3840x216 pixels, but in order for everything to work at maximum frequencies (60 Hz is ideal), the cable length must be no more than 2 meters. Cables with lengths ranging from 2 to 15 meters are capable of playing only 1080p video without loss in frame rate or 2560x1600 with a slight loss in frame rate (approximately 45 Hz out of 60);
• Active. Capable of transmitting video images of 2560×1600 pixels over a distance of up to 22 meters without loss of playback quality. There is a modification made from fiber optics. In the case of the latter, the transmission distance without loss of quality increases to 100 meters or more.

Also DisplayPort cables only have standard lengths for home use, which cannot exceed 15 meters. Modifications according to the type of fiber optic wires, etc. DP does not, so if you need to transmit data via cable over distances over 15 meters, you will either have to buy special extension cords or use competitor technology. However, DisplayPort cables benefit from compatibility with other connectors and the quality of visual content transmission.

Tracks for audio and video content

At this point, HDMI connectors also lose out, because... they do not support multi-threading for video and audio content, therefore, information can only be output to one monitor. For the average user, this is quite enough, but for professional gamers, video editors, graphic and 3D designers, this may not be enough.

DisplayPort has a clear advantage in this matter, because Ultra HD image output is possible on two monitors at once. If you need to connect 4 or more monitors, then you will have to lower the resolution of all to Full or just HD. Also, the sound will be output separately for each monitor.

If you work professionally with graphics, video, 3D objects, games or statistics, then pay attention to computers/laptops with DisplayPort. Better yet, buy a device with two connectors at once - DP and HDMI. If you regular user, which does not require anything “extra” from the computer, then you can choose a model with an HDMI port (such devices, as a rule, are cheaper).

DisplayPort (DP, Display Port) - an interface that is an accepted standard VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) May 3, 2006 and intended for transmission of audio, video, USB and other data at high speed.

Designed as a highly efficient interface that could completely displace obsolete interfaces from the market. Compatibility with these standards is still maintained using special adapters. DisplayPort has all the same functions as the standard, but is not intended to replace it.

Standard VESA implies that there is no need to pay additional money (royalties) for using this port. Per use HDMI for example, you must pay a minimum 4 cents and then provided that there is a mark on the booklets and the device body with the inscription HDMI. If there are no notes, then that's it 15 cents.

How DisplayPort works.

IN DisplayPort a completely different system for data transmission is implemented than in previous interfaces. Packet data transfer is used, similar to interfaces, or Ethernet. This is a big advantage, since the signal is not directed specifically to any device, it can be divided among several thanks to packet transmission. All this makes it possible to reduce the number of contact pads on the connector and provide greater opportunities for expanding the bandwidth without changing the standard. But there is also a drawback that reduces the bandwidth. Since the signal is encoded using the method 8b/10b, the effective throughput is 80% , A two bits out of ten are used for service information and error correction.

The interface can transmit both video and audio signals, and this can be done separately. Audio signal can be transmitted to 8 channels with quality 192 kHz 24 bit without compression.

The video stream can be transmitted from 18 bit color representation up to 48 bit, which allows you to use the interface in conjunction with monitors that have expanded color gamut(with support from the signal source).

DisplayPort has a bidirectional, half-duplex additional channel for device control, transmission of service information and support VESA EDID, DPMS, MCCS. Plus, this channel can transmit bidirectional USB signal.

DispalyPort versions, differences.

DisplayPort 1.0

Presented May 3, 2006 of the year. First version of the standard. Data transfer rate is 8.64 Gbps. The cable length is up to two meters.

DisplayPort 1.1a

Presented April 2, 2007 of the year. Gained the opportunity to use fiber optics and other technologies for signal transmission. This allows data to be transmitted over long distances without signal loss. There is also support 40 bit HDCP.

DisplayPort 1.2

Presented December 22, 2009 of the year. The most important change since the first version is the doubled throughput, which is now equal to 17.28 Gbps. This made it possible to increase the maximum resolution, color depth and refresh rate of the video signal. There is now support for multiple video streams from one signal source, support for stereoscopic 3D images, significant increase in throughput AUX channel up 720Mbit/s, support Global Time Code (GTC ). There is now support for new color spaces, such as xvYCC, ScRGB, AdobeRGB 1998. Backward compatibility with all previous standards remains.

Portable devices.

Embedded DisplayPort 1.3(for portable devices)

Previously presented in February 2011 and includes new modes Self-Refresh (PSR), which allow the video card to disable the interface if the picture on the screen does not change, saving the unchanged picture in the frame buffer. This change should have a positive impact on portable devices and their battery life.

DisplayPort Specifications:

• Transfer rates are 8.64 Gbps (1.0) and 17.28 Gbps (1.2).
• Transmitted color depth 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 bits per channel (18-48 bits in general terms).
• Transmission of eight-channel audio at 192 kHz 24 bit, with support for encapsulation of compressed formats.
• Support YCbCr and RGB (v1.0); support ScRGB, Adobe RGB 1998, SRGB, xvYCC, RGB XR, DCI-P3 (v1.2);
• Bidirectional half-duplex AUX channel up to 1 Mbit (for v1.0), up to 720 Mbit (for v1.2).
• 128 bit AES DPCP (DisplayPort Content Protection) encryption, support for 40bit HDCP encryption (from version 1.1).
• Supports up to 63 audio and video streams simultaneously with packet separation by time (since v1.2).
• Signal encoding using 8b/10b method. That is, for every 10 bits, there are 2 service bits. Total throughput = 80%.
• Support for internal and external connections, which allows the standard to be used for various data transfer tasks.
• Support 120Hz, 3D video signal (v1.2)

Advantages of the DisplayPort standard over LVDS, VGA, DVI.

Large manufacturers are gradually abandoning outdated interfaces in favor of DisplayPort.

DisplayPort has such advantages compared to VGA, DVI And LVDS:

• DP is completely free.
• DP is constantly improving.
• Low amount of interference and interference generated by the DP cable.
• Possibility of transferring any data.
• Smooth distribution between audio and video data.
• Possibility of long-distance transmission using optical fiber (from v1.1a).
• Significantly higher throughput.
• Multiple video streams over one connection (since v1.2).
• Internal adjustment for cable length and signal quality.
• The ability to transmit a signal over 15 meters, but with reduced bandwidth (up to 1920x1080, 60 Hz, 24 bits). Transmission through cable up to 2 meters occurs at full speed.
• Connector with a simple latch.

Expanded color gamut.

Manufacturers of monitors with wide color gamut 30 bit (1.07 billion. shades) and more, for full disclosure of possibilities it is recommended DisplayPort. Other ports are for transmission only 24 bit color gamut, including HDMI for PC. However, for full support 30 bit, you will also need a professional level accelerator AMD FirePro or NVidia Quadro With D.P..

On video cards it is more common to find incomplete DisplayPort, and the reduced one is mini DisplayPort (miniDP ).

There is no difference between miniature and full-fledged ports, except for the size of the connectors.

The HDMI audio/video interface standard has become very successful. This is the most common digital connection that you will find in TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, audio/video receivers, game consoles, camcorders and digital cameras. Heck, it's even starting to appear in some smartphones.

You will also find an HDMI port on most desktop computers and laptops. No modern all-in-one device would be complete without an HDMI input that allows you to connect game console or a set-top box to a computer, and therefore you can use its display for a second purpose.

But given the ubiquity of HDMI, you may have forgotten about another digital audio/video standard: DisplayPort. While you'll find it alongside HDMI in many of the latest models, and it's added to graphics cards as well as laptops marketed to business users, it rarely appears in PCs running Windows control aimed at ordinary consumers.

Both HDMI and DisplayPort standards can transmit high-definition digital video and audio from the source device to the display. So what's the difference? Is one display interface better or more flexible than another? We'll try to answer these questions with a head-to-head comparison of their feature sets and typical use cases. But first, let's look at how these two standards came to be, and what legal entities they are controlled.

Let's go back to history

The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) specification was conceived more than ten years ago by six consumer electronics giants: Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba. Today HDMI Licensing, LLC, a subsidiary of Silicon Image, controls the specification. Manufacturers must pay royalties to include HDMI ports in their products.

Manufacturers often equip video cards, TVs and monitors with several different connectors. Most often you can find HDMI and DVI. Of course, other connectors are also found, but not always both devices are equipped with them. For example, analog VGA is obsolete, and video card manufacturers no longer use it, which automatically removes the question of application. Let's look at the most common connectors and figure out which is better, DVI or HDMI.

DVI Specifications

DVI connectors are one of the most popular and commonly found. Despite the fact that it was developed quite a long time ago, the connector owes its popularity to the development modern technologies. So, this type of connector boasts operation with a high frame refresh rate, unlike other inputs.

Before answering the question of which is better - DVI or HDMI, let's look at what the first is. Note that there are several types of DVI. Each has its own characteristics, so they are not always compatible with each other. For this reason, it is necessary to know exactly which DVI is used in your device.

DVI types

• DVI-A is perhaps the simplest and oldest option. The letter A here means that this connector is designed for analog signal only. In fact, this is an analogue of the outdated VGA.
• DVI-I single link. This option combines two signals at once, analog and digital. Which one is used depends on the device and connection type. Note that this option is fully compatible with VGA, although a small adapter is required.
• DVI-I dual link. It differs from the previous one in that it is capable of transmitting an analog signal and two digital ones at once. This allows you to increase the maximum allowed resolution.
• DVI-D single link. This option only has one digital channel, which limits its capabilities. Thus, it is only capable of transmitting images with a resolution of up to FullHD, and the maximum frequency is only 60 Hertz. The entry may be considered obsolete.
• DVI-D dual link. This is the most advanced and modern type of this connector. He has two at once digital channel, which allows you to work with a maximum resolution of 2K. The connector is perfectly compatible with monitors with a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. Supports 3D image. There is also support for Nvidia's G-sync function, which gamers will especially appreciate.

Not all formats are compatible with each other, and this should be taken into account. The connector itself is quite large in size, which is why it is equipped with an additional fastener. Please note that the cable length is limited and usually does not exceed 10 meters.

HDMI Specifications

Let's continue to analyze which is better, DVI or HDMI. The latter has smaller dimensions and 3 form factors. This is a standard connector for connecting monitors and televisions to a computer. But the other two, namely mini and micro, are much smaller in size and are used to connect mobile devices, which do not have enough space to install a full HDMI.

There are several revisions of HDMI, and the connector itself is constantly evolving. In this both types are similar. This makes it difficult to answer the question of which is better, DVI or HDMI.

The latest versions can support resolutions up to 10K, and the frame refresh rate is 60 Hertz. But with 3D images it works at a frequency of 120 Hertz.

It should be noted that the HDMI cable transmits audio in 8-channel mode, eliminating the need for additional wires. This is especially useful if you have a TV with built-in speakers. Supports AMD FreeSync, a feature aimed at gamers. Let's add that the maximum cable length is longer than that of DVI. Models up to 30 meters long are sold.

How are DVI and HDMI similar?

To decide which is better for a monitor, DVI or HDMI, let's look at their common features:

• Both connectors are quite common.
• Both are modern and evolving.
• Capable of transmitting quality digital signal V high resolution.
• Supports the transmission of 3D images with a refresh rate of 120 Hertz.
• The signal quality is no different.
• Thanks to the use of the same digital data transmission technology, both connectors are compatible with each other; only an adapter is needed.

This list is provided to compare HDMI with the DVI-D dual link connector, since other versions are noticeably inferior and cannot compete on equal terms.

Differences

The differences between the two connectors will help answer the question of how best to connect a monitor, DVI or HDMI:

• HDMI version 1.4 allows you to transmit images in a maximum resolution of 10K, which DVI-D, which is capable of transmitting images in 2K resolution, cannot boast of.
• The update rate for HDMI is 60 Hertz. In other words, this is the number of frames it can produce. But DVI-D is capable of supporting a much higher refresh rate.
• The HDMI connector is equipped with an audio channel, which allows you to reduce the number of wires when connecting a TV. And in version 1.4 there is still Ethernet. Thus, using just one cable, you will transmit image, sound and connect the TV to the Internet.
• HDMI must be equipped with HDCP. This is protection against illegal copying. It determines whether you can watch pirated films on a licensed Blue-Ray player.
• The HDMI cable is much longer than the DVI cable.

Similarities are also indicated for HDMI and DVI-D with two digital channels

Which connector is better, DVI or HDMI?

Both connectors have a lot in common. Their advantages make them desirable for connecting a monitor, TV or projector to a computer. And the differences are not shortcomings, but rather, features of a particular system. However, based on the latter, it is possible to identify areas for which each connector is better suited.

Which is better, a monitor via DVI or HDMI? The answer will depend on what the user's goals are. The characteristics of the monitor are also taken into account.

So, if this is a regular model with FullHD resolution (the most common option), there will be no difference between the connectors. The same situation applies when the monitor is capable of displaying in 3D format. Even at 2K resolution, both connectors will show the same result.

For what purposes should you choose each connector?

DVI-D will show its best sides when used on professional equipment and gaming monitors, especially if their image refresh rate is more than 60 Hertz. For example, gaming models at 144 Hertz must be launched via DVI-D dual link. Only he will allow you to get all the benefits from such high frequency. Don't forget about G-sync, which is invaluable for gamers.

Which cable is better, HDMI or DVI, for a multimedia system? But here HDMI wins. It supports a maximum resolution of 10K, which the second connector cannot boast of. Capable of transmitting 8-channel audio, eliminating the need for additional wires. And new versions even have Ethernet. This versatility, coupled with the fact that the cable can be significantly longer than DVI, makes it an ideal solution for multimedia systems.

We also note that HDMI is suitable for mobile gadgets. The presence of two additional form factors allows you to work even with phones. Of course, there is a smaller version of DVI for compact laptops from Apple, but this is rather the exception.

Today, the most popular interface for transmitting digital video and audio data from a PC to a monitor (TV) is HDMI. PCs, laptops and even some mobile devices support this technology. Nevertheless, according to experts, the HDMI interface has a serious competitor in the form of DisplayPort. What is it and what are its benefits?

What is DisplayPort? DP is one of the interfaces that is used to broadcast video and audio data. How this standard different from HDMI, which has conquered the market at the moment? We will try to figure this out.

Connectors

The first thing you should pay attention to is the connector. The HDMI interface has 19 contacts, which are intended for transmitting information. At the same time, connectors developed using this technology have 4 options:

• A. Most common form factor. It is used in almost all PCs, laptops, displays, etc. Among these four types, it is the largest in size.
• C. Mini version, which is used in laptops, netbooks, and tablets.
• D. Micro-option, which is used to transmit information in portable devices. That is, this form factor can be found in smartphones, PDAs, etc.
• E. Exclusively used in automobiles. Thanks to this connector, you can connect the device to the on-board computer of the car. Among the features of this form factor, it is worth highlighting: protection from temperature changes, moisture and vibration produced by the car engine.

As for DisplayPort, this interface has 20 pins. At the same time, connectors developed using this technology have only two varieties:

• DisplayPort. Standard full-size interface. Used in PCs, laptops, TVs. If we draw an analogy with HDMI, then this connector can be assigned an A-type interface.
• Mini DisplayPort. Smaller version of the interface. Typically found on tablets and small laptops. If we talk about characteristics, then in this regard Mini DisplayPort is similar to HDMI C-type connector.

One of the main features of this connector, which distinguishes this interface from the same HDMI, is the blocking element. It is present on almost all full-size connectors. In the Mini version, blocking is less common, since installing a mechanism on a small port is simply impractical.

Cable

The latest HDMI update occurred in 2010. The updated interface managed to solve problems with broadcasting audio and video data. The production of cables according to the old standard has been discontinued. Legacy HDMI versions are no longer sold. However, many users have old cables. Moreover, in appearance they are almost no different from new ones. This can lead to a number of difficulties.

There are currently 4 types of cables for HDMI interfaces on sale:

• HDMI Standard. The most common type. This cable supports the transmission of images with a resolution of 720 by 1080.
• HDMI Standard and Ethernet. In terms of image quality, the image is no different from the previous model. The only difference is that this standard, as the name suggests, supports Internet technologies.
• High speed HDMI. Supports audio and video data with Ultra HD resolution (4096 by 2160). As a rule, this cable is used by professional designers who work with computer graphics. High-speed HDMI is in demand among 4K TV owners who want to enjoy games and movies in good quality. However, the cable's Ultra HD support is poor. Sometimes the broadcast frequency can drop to 24 Hz. This is enough to watch videos. However, playing at such a low frequency is uncomfortable.
• High speed HDMI and Ethernet. Everything that has been said about high-speed HDMI is also true for of this type. At the same time, the HDMI and Ethernet cable supports Internet connection and 3D video recordings.

It is worth noting that these cables support a special function called ARC. Thanks to it, you can simultaneously transmit sound and image. That is, there is no need to use additional headsets.

What about DisplayPort? There is only one cable variation (the so-called version 1.2). It is believed that in terms of quality, DisplayPort is head and shoulders above HDMI. The DP cable transmits video data with a resolution of 3840 by 2160. The quality does not drop (the frequency remains at 60 Hz). In addition, DisplayPort is capable of transmitting three-dimensional videos. Another advantage is compatibility with various connectors. The DP cable can interface with DVI, HDMI, VGA standards.

Among the disadvantages are problems with playing the audio track. This is quite natural, because DP does not have built-in ARC. In order to correct this drawback, you need to buy a specialized audio headset. In addition, the standard in question does not support the Internet.

Streams

HDMI interfaces do not support multi-streaming. This means that data can only be output to one display at a time. This is enough for an ordinary user. However, such functionality may not be enough for professional designers and avid gamers.

In this regard, the DS is clearly superior to its competitor. After all, this standard supports multithreading. That is, information can be displayed on several displays at once. However, it is worth noting that the number of connected monitors is inversely proportional to image quality. For example, if you need to display information in Ultra HD resolution, you will not be able to connect more than 2 screens. If there is a need to broadcast to 4 displays at once, you will have to display the image in Full or HD format.

What to choose?

After reading the article, a completely logical question arises - which is better than HDMI or DisplayPort? It all depends on your goals. If you are involved in graphics, modeling three-dimensional objects, or are simply an avid gamer, then you should pay attention to devices with DisplayPort interfaces. If you are an ordinary user and do not require much from your PC, then the HDMI connector will be quite enough for you.