What is a DisplayPort? – Android Authority

If you’re comparatively new to PCs, otherwise you’ve simply been in a world of DVI or HDMI connectors for years, you’re in all probability not too acquainted with the DisplayPort connectors on screens and video playing cards. So what is a DisplayPort, precisely, and what’s its function subsequent to applied sciences like HDMI?

In brief, it’s a video connection format particularly engineered for PCs. As a outcome you’ll largely discover DisplayPort on computer systems, screens, and devoted video playing cards, although it generally seems elsewhere, even (in uncommon instances) on TVs. In most conditions it requires a devoted DisplayPort cable, although adapters exist, akin to DisplayPort-to-HDMI converters.

Being engineered for PCs, there’s a robust emphasis on bandwidth. Whereas HDMI bandwidth ranges from 4.95 to 48Gbps, relying on the model used, DisplayPort begins at 10.8Gbps and might ship as a lot as 80Gbps in its newest incarnation (2.1). We’ll get into extra model specifics under.

We ought to point out that in some instances, DisplayPort alerts may be carried throughout Thunderbolt or USB 4.0. Thunderbolt 3 cables can deal with DisplayPort 1.2, whereas Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.0 are highly effective sufficient to deal with DisplayPort 2.1. This can doubtlessly make DisplayPort very versatile, the limitation being that many computer systems aren’t geared up with any model of Thunderbolt, a lot much less USB 4.0.

DisplayPort variations

• 1.0-1.1a: The first incarnation of DisplayPort, relationship again to 2006. This helps as much as 10.8Gbps of bandwidth, which permits 1080p decision at a 144Hz refresh fee. 4K is attainable, however solely at 30Hz.
• 1.2-1.2a: Bandwidth rises to 17.28Gbps, enabling 1080p at 240Hz, 4K at 75Hz, and 5K at 30Hz. 1.2a is the primary model of DisplayPort with VRR (variable refresh fee) help. Thunderbolt 3 cables can carry 1.2.
• Mini DisplayPort: Originally primarily based off 1.2, this defunct Apple creation used a a lot smaller connector, and had distinctive limitations together with further copyright protections and (in some instances) a lack of audio-out. Apple hasn’t used the Mini format since 2012, and now prefers Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0.
• 1.3: 25.92Gbps of bandwidth means 1080 at 360Hz, 4K at 98Hz, 5K at 60Hz, and the format’s first-ever 8K help, albeit at 30Hz.
• 1.4-1.4a: Still the commonest model of DisplayPort, supporting 24-bit shade in 4K. That was technically attainable with 1.3, however only one.4 added help for HDR10 metadata, and the Rec. 2020 shade area, enabling HDMI compatibility.
• 2.0-2.1: The better of the perfect, with as much as 80Gbps of bandwidth, boosting 4K refresh charges to 240Hz and 8K to 85Hz. You’ll want Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4.0 in case you’re not utilizing a devoted DisplayPort connection. 2.1 is a minor revision, primarily designed to enhance integration with USB 4.0.

We’ve really lined this intimately in our DisplayPort vs HDMI information. For a shiny model, it is best to favor DisplayPort each time attainable, however you’ll in all probability be compelled to make use of HDMI in case you’re connecting to a TV. You may wish to use HDMI in case your show, cable, and laptop all help HDMI 2.1 however your DisplayPort chain is restricted to model 1.4.