The display is a very crucial aspect when buying a laptop, especially for gaming. For an enjoyable viewing experience, it is imperative to consider factors like resolution, bandwidth, and various other parameters. But for all this, having an appropriate medium is equally important, and that’s when DisplayPort™ technology comes to the rescue. Despite being primarily found on computers than TVs, yet it is a haven for gaming fanatics.
When it comes to resolution between DisplayPort™ and HDMI, DisplayPort™ offers more. However, not all laptops or desktops have this port. That’s when you need a DisplayPort™ adapter for a laptop, and Cadyce has an enticing range of these. But what is a DisplayPort™? How different is it from other display standards? Let’s know all about it through this blog.
What is DisplayPort™?
Developed by a consortium of PC and chip manufacturers, DisplayPort™ (DP) is a digital display interface. Standardized by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), it helps strike a connection between a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor. Besides, it is not about display alone, but DP also carries USB, audio, and varied forms of data.
The first version of DisplayPort™ was approved in 2006 and designed to substitute other display forms like VGA, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), etc. Interestingly, being backward compatible with HDMI and DVI, accessibility is never an issue when using DisplayPort™ adapter for the laptop. Besides, it is one-of-its-kind to rely on packetized data transmission, primarily witnessed in technologies like Ethernet and USB. The DisplayPort™ connector is available in two sizes – the standard DisplayPort™ and Mini DisplayPort™.
This popularity and diversity led to the formation of many versions of the technology. Let’s see what are these.
What are the versions of DisplayPort™ technology?
|
Specification |
Launch Year |
Resolution |
Bandwidth |
Features |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DisplayPort™ 1.0 – 1.1a |
1.0 – May 2006, 1.1 – April 2007, and 1.1a – January 2008
|
4K @30 Hz |
10.8Gbps |
DisplayPort™ 1.1 implements alternative link layers like fiber optic for the uninterrupted signal between source and display. It also includes HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and DPCP (DisplayPort™™ Content Protection) for copy protection. |
|
DisplayPort™ 1.2 |
January 2010 |
4K @60Hz |
21.6Gbps |
Augmented resolutions, higher refresh rates, enticing color depth, Multi-Stream Transport, 3D, and much more. |
|
DisplayPort™ 1.3 |
September 2014 |
4K @120Hz or 8K @30Hz |
32.4Gbps |
Has mandatory Dual-mode for DVI and HDMI adapters along with the implementation of HDMI 2.0 standard and HDCP 2.2 content protection. |
|
DisplayPort™ 1.4 |
March 2016 |
4K @120Hz or 8K @60Hz |
32.4Gbps |
Supports Display Stream Compression 1.2 (DSC), Forward Error Correction, Dual-mode for DVI and HDMI adapters, and HDR10 metadata support. |
|
DisplayPort™ 2.0 |
June 2019 |
16K @60Hz |
80 Gbps |
Enhanced audio and video transmissions over a single cable, support for Display Stream Compression (DSC), HDR, and Forward Error Correction. |
Apart from these versions, there is Mini DisplayPort™. It is a compact version of the DisplayPort™ connector. Initiated by Apple in 2008, it offers a free license and bears a resemblance to Thunderbolt. However, Mini DisplayPort™ started getting overshadowed with the popularity and introduction of USB-C™.
So, these are the versions of DisplayPort™ technology. Being a display technology, many have a doubt that is DisplayPort™ better than HDMI? Let’s dive into that.
DisplayPort™ vs. HDMI: Which is the best?
- Connectors
The HDMI cable connector has 19 pins, and the DisplayPort™ connector has 20 pins. HDMI cable connector has a friction latch to retain the plug into the socket, and DisplayPort™ possesses a mechanical latch that curbs accidental disconnection.
- Compatibility
HDMI support HDTVs and various other devices like computers, set-top boxes, streaming devices, audio/video devices, etc. However, when it comes to DisplayPort™, it has limitations. It was designed to find an alternative to DVI and VGA. Therefore, none of the TVs have DisplayPort™, nor do the set-top box or satellite TVs. It infers the lack of accessibility of DisplayPort™ as compared to HDMI.
- Resolution
HDMI’s highest version HDMI 2.1, supports resolution of up to 4K@120 Hz, 8K@120 Hz, along with a bandwidth of 48.0 Gbps. But DisplayPort™ 2.0 is way too superior as it supports higher 8K resolution, and DisplayPort™ ‘s bandwidth is 80Gbps. The refresh rates being higher helps in curbing screen tearing, which is a boon for gamers.
- Additional features
When the question pops up – is DisplayPort™ better than HDMI or the other way around, additional features play a crucial role. HDMI supports Audio Return Channel (ARC), Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Ethernet-Over-HDMI. On the other hand, DisplayPort™ supports Multi-Stream Transport, with which you can connect multiple displays to a single DisplayPort™ connection, also known as daisy-chaining.
Most importantly, there is a USB-C™ ALT-MODE that sends a video signal over a USB-C™ port. DisplayPort™ supports this ability and permits sending of USB data over the same cable. It also supports USB Power Delivery mode, helping you to fuel your computer. HDMI has a provision of supporting Alt-Mode. However, it needs a cable to convert DisplayPort™ to HDMI.
Now you know when you wish to have eye-pleasing and high resolution, DisplayPort™ technology should be your ultimate choice. Besides, we already mentioned above that Cadyce has a range of devices flaunting DisplayPort™ technology.
Cadyce’s range of DisplayPort™ technology
- DisplayPort™ to HDMI adapter
DisplayPort™ is limited to monitors, desktops, and laptops. They are not present on television sets, but the HDMI port is! Therefore, to convert your DisplayPort™ signal to HDMI® with audio, Cadyce has launched CA-DPHDMI. With a Full HD resolution of up to 1920 x 1200, this adapter is apt to boost your productivity. It helps you add an extra monitor and enjoy screen modes like mirror and extended.
- Medium to connect with VGA port
Wondering, what is a DisplayPort™ to VGA adapter? Just like HDMI, Cadyce planned to connect DisplayPort™ and VGA by introducing CA-DPVGA. This marvelous piece of technology not only helps in display but also transmits audio. With no external power required, it gets automatically detected. With the support of WUXGA (1920X1200) and 1080p @60Hz (Full HD), high resolution is guaranteed.
- DisplayPort™ cables
Cadyce has three varieties in DisplayPort™ cables, namely CA-DPCAB, CA-CDPC, and CA-DPHDC. All three support an exhilarating resolution of 4K, adding to a mesmerizing viewing experience. CA-CDPC helps in striking a connection between USB-C™ and Thunderbolt™ 3 ports, whereas CA-DPCAB connects two DisplayPort™ enabled devices. Lastly, CA-DPHDC connects DisplayPort™ enabled computer with an HDMI display such as an HD monitor, HDTV, or projector.
On a parting note
Despite few limitations, DisplayPort™ continues to be favored by many consumers. Its features like high resolution and multi-streaming help in increasing productivity. Besides, it is a boon for gamers with advanced graphics like never before. Therefore, if you are looking for gadgets with DisplayPort™ technology, you know who to trust! Cadyce has the best products infused with durability, quality, and reliability.
