Does hearing about HDMI and DisplayPort confuse you? Do you know about the differences between DisplayPort and HDMI? Do these tech terms scare you? Well, if you answered yes to all these questions then, don’t worry, we got your back!
Here we will explain everfything about DisplayPort and HDMI and also tell you the difference between both of them. Continue reading to clear up any confusion.
13 Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI
DisplayPort
A DisplayPort can be found on laptops and televisions. In the most common definition, DisplayPort is a socket into which a cable is connected to link a device to a monitor. VESA, or the Video Electronics Standards Association, has recently standardized this digital interface. It’s made of a thin cable with a tiny connector at one end. The cable has a maximum length of 50 feet.
It was first used in 2007, and it has since been an integral part of all popular computers. The Mac PCs, on the other hand, use a Mini DisplayPort, which is a Thunderbolt variant. The DisplayPort used in laptops and televisions is called an Embedded DisplayPort or eDP since it is used directly on the laptop. This binds the laptop’s motherboard. This attaches the laptop’s motherboard to the LCD screen.
Internal DisplayPort, or IDP, is the term referring to this port on televisions. The primary function of a DisplayPort is to transmit video signals to a view.
It is, however, capable of supporting up to eight audio channels. The following features are used with these channels:
- A sampling rate that can vary between 32 and 196 kHz.
There is no need for an extra cable to link the DisplayPort for transmitting the digital audio data if the speakers are integrated into the displays. and
- 16-bit or 24-bit PCM audio configuration
A DisplayPort transmits data in small packets and hence its efficiency.is considered to be much better than the HDMI ports or VGA or any other monitor interfaces.
Because of the design of these packets, the DisplayPort can perform much smoother. As opposed to other interfaces that have a dedicated physical pin for special purposes, data and signal transfer is much better in these DisplayPort. The clock synchronization of each of these micro packets is unique.
Aside from that, the DisplayPort allows for the connection to thinner displays. This is due to the Direct Drive interface, which eliminates the need for complicated circuitry present in most displays.
DisplayPort’s current success stems from its architecture, as well as its valuable functionality and support capabilities:
- It can drive as many as six monitors that are connected in a daisy chain using its MST or Magnetic Secure Transmission technology.
- It supports multiple channels and independent data streams
- It allows device management and control through the auxiliary channel included in it.
- It supports the DisplayPort Content Protection or DPCP scheme, which is optional but similar and
- It supports the HDCP or High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection of HDMI
There are several different models of DP, each with its own set of characteristics that distinguish it from the others.
The auxiliary channel capability of the Version 1.2 DP, for starters, has been expanded from 1 to 720 Mbps. This specification enables it to transmit both video and USB 2.0 files.
Various forms of DPs were released at various times which allow a variety of resolutions and displays. Consider the following example:
- Version 1.3 was introduced in 2014 and had a bandwidth of 32.4 which supported 7680 x 4320 or 8K resolution.
- Version 1.2a was introduced in 2010 and came with the unique adaptive sync technology.
- Version 1.2 was introduced in 2009 and had a bandwidth of 17.28 which supported 4096 x 2160 or 4K resolution and
- Version 1.1 was introduced in 2007 and had a bandwidth of 8.64 which supported 2560 x 1600 or 1K resolution.
- There is also the most recent Version 1.4 DP, which is simply an upgrade to the previous three versions and was released in 2016.
HDMI
The HDMI, or High-Definition Multimedia Interface, on the other hand, is a proprietary interface.
This audio/video interface was created to communicate uncompressed video signals and information, as well as compressed and uncompressed digital audio data.
You’ll need an HDMI-compliant root unit to use the HDMI port. That could be:
- A video projector
- A digital TV
- An HDMI compatible monitor of a computer
- A display controller
- A digital audio system
In an idealistic situation, the HDMI port will serve as a modern equivalent for conventional and analog video requirements.
The HDMI conforms to the EIA or CEA 861 specifications in terms of design and architecture. There is a clear framework that describes a number of items, including:
- The auxiliary data
- The waveforms
- Transfer of compressed and uncompressed digital LPCM audio data
- The video formats and VESA EDID implementations
The CEA 861 signals are carried using the Digital Visual Interface, or DVI. There is no need to translate these signals because they are electrically compatible.
This guarantees that no signals or data will be lost, potentially lowering video quality. While using a DVI-to-HDMI adapter, it does quite well.
Another significant feature of the HDMI is the Consumer Electronics Control feature.
This not only assists with system management but also makes controlling different devices much simpler. These instruments can be controlled with a single handheld remote control.
There have been several variations of HDMI produced and used over the years, much as there have been several versions of DP.
They can all use the same connector and cable thanks to this incredible advancement in technology.
The following are notable changes and additions to the variants through the period.
- Improved video and audio capacity
- Enhanced performance
- Better resolution support
- More color spaces.
Part of that, there are various other advanced features in the newer versions of HDMI, like-
- CEC or Consumer Electronics Control extensions
- Ethernet data connection
- 3D compatibility
HDMI was first used in consumer HDTVs in 2004, despite the fact that manufacturing began in 2003. In and after 2006, it has been used in digital still cameras and camcorders.
Anything from the signals to the protocols, from the electrical interfaces to the mechanical parameters is covered by the HDMI specifications and functionality.
The HDMI 1.3 edition, has a higher pixel clock rate of 340 MHz, allowing for better resolution.
HDMI 1.0 supports 1080p resolution and has a top pixel clock rate of 165 MHz. WUXGA or 1920 1200 resolutions, all at 60 Hz, are also supported.
Using a solitary digital link. It can accommodate WQXGA or a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels as well.
The HDMI connection can change accordingly and there are two types of HDMI connections. They are:
- Type B dual-link and
- Type A, C, or D single link
In addition, single-link HDMI connectors can have a video pixel rate of 25 MHz to 340 MHz, whereas dual-link HDMI connectors can have a video pixel rate of 25 MHz to 680 MHz.
In terms of video formats and HDMI support, it is below 25 MHz, in reality, but 13.5 MHz according to the 480i/NTSC standard.
This is due to the use of the pixel repeat system to transmit video signals.
There are no major variations in image quality between a DisplayPort and an HDMI if only image quality is considered.
Newer implementations of DP, on the other hand, can allow higher bandwidth and full display resolution.
Both DisplayPort and HDMI are two separate standards but are meant for the transmission of video and audio signals from the source to a display. Therefore, both are designed to do the same thing.
But, there are a lot of differences between the two, apart from the seemingly distinct connectors.
Therefore, to know the difference between the two, you will need to look much deeper than simply the difference in versions of the two connector types.
You will need to know the differences between the standards, the cable, resolution, bandwidth, and more.
With such knowledge, it will also be helpful for you to know how you can convert DP signals into HDMI easily by using a passive adapter, though it is not possible the other way round.
While DisplayPort and HDMI are two different formats, they are all used to transmit video and audio signals from a source to a display. As a result, they’re both made to do the very same task.
Apart from the separate connectors, there is a lot of variation between the two.
To tell the difference between the two, you’ll have to dig even further than the differences in models of the two connector styles.
You’ll need to understand the distinctions between standards, cable, resolution, bandwidth, and other factors.
With this experience, you’ll be able to quickly transform DP signals to HDMI using a passive adapter.
Now, let’s look at the differences between DisplayPort and HDMI and get into more specifics-
Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI
Commonly, there are 13 major differences between DisplayPort and HDMI. Let’s start with how these two have different connectors-
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Difference in connectors
The DisplayPort connectors have 20 pins, allowing for simultaneous audio and video signal transmission.
The HDMI connector’s structure usually uses 19 pins to pass data and signals.
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Difference in objectives
The introduction of DisplayPort was essentially an attempt to improve and substitute the older VGA and DVI standards, with an emphasis on professional IT devices and computer displays to acquire the data-centered markets.
The HDMI connector, alternatively, was created with the primary goal of being used in image-driven devices such as televisions, computers, and projectors.
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The difference in types and shapes
When it comes to DisplayPort options, there are only two sizes to choose from. The first is the standard DisplayPort, while the second is Apple’s Mini DisplayPort, which is a smaller version of the bigger one and is identical to the Thunderbolt variant.
The HDMI ports come in five different shapes, but only three of them are commonly used. Type A, or regular HDMI, is typically used in TVs, computers, and projectors, while Type C, or mini HDMI, is often used in certain laptops and tablets, & Type D, or micro HDMI, is used in smartphones and tablets.
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Difference in origination
A separate group of computer and processor makers formed the DP in 2006.
In 2003, an association of major monitor manufacturers including Philips, Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba produced and released HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
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Difference in bandwidth
The HDMI 1.4 version’s maximum bandwidth is just 10.20 Gbps. To evaluate the port’s usability, it is necessary to refer to the version number.
The highest bandwidth that can be sent via the DP 1.2 variant and the cable is 17.28 Gbps. DisplayPort 1.4 has a bandwidth of 25.92 Gbps and can accommodate 5120 x 2800 resolution at 60 frames per second. With each passing day, this edition becomes more and more successful.
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Difference in usage
For video wall displays, DP 1.2 is used. However, the latest DP 2.0, with its incredibly high bandwidth of 77.4 Gbps, promises to accommodate 10,240 x 4320 resolutions, but there are currently no versions that use this variant.
Only HDMI connections and real 4K computers are used in digital cinema. This is due to the updated HDMI 2.0 version’s 4K UHD resolution, 14.4 Gbps bandwidth, and 60 Hz refresh rate. HDMI 2.1 is used to accommodate 4K resolution at 120 frames per second and 8K resolution at 60 frames per second. This variant is used in some of the higher-end versions, though it is not very popular.
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Commonly used versions
Apart from the popular file formats in 3D, the most common variant of DisplayPort today is DP 1.2, which allows video resolutions of 3840 x 2160 pixels or 4K UHD at a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
The HDMI 1.4 standard, contrastingly, is the most widely adopted and embraces all Full HD visualization devices. It supports the very same resolution as the DisplayPort 1.2 version, but only at 30 frames per second.
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Cable length
According to the HDMI standard, no special cable length is specified. It focuses mainly on efficiency specifications, which determine the cable duration, which is usually shorter than DP cables.
For passive copper DisplayPort cables, the cable length is normally two meters. Active copper DP cables, on the other hand, can span a range of up to 20 meters.
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Audio support features
On one path, the DisplayPort allows up to eight digital audio streams at a rate of up to 24 bits and 192 kHz.
The HDMI port can also accept eight digital audio channels at the same rate as the USB port, with the exception that it will have ARC or Audio Return Channel. This ensures the audio signals will be sent from the originating unit or AV receiver to the TV set, as well as in other directions.
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Use for longer distances
If you want to sustain a resolution of 2560 x 1600 over a distance of 20 meters, you’ll need an active copper DP cable. A passive copper DP cable will span a gap of up to 15 meters if the resolution is limited to 1080p. Only fiber cables are capable of covering greater distances.
Unless you try to use the HDMI port for a longer path, you’ll need an active cable or a signal amplifier to raise the signal. This would aid in the installation of CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables up to 50 meters, coaxial cables up to 90 meters, and fiber optic cables longer than 100 meters.
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The cable standards
The DP standard does not allow for the transmission of Ethernet signals. There will also be no audio response signal. Nonetheless, the DisplayPort can connect to a wide range of display standards, including VGA, HDMI, and single-link DVI, using different adapters.
HDMI cables come with a variety of standards. The one that is most often used is the high-speed HDMI certification. Unfortunately, because of bugs and artifacts, this cable used in low-end consumer appliances can not deliver the required standard.
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The difference in versions and resolution support
The versions of DisplayPort and HDMI, as well as the specifications of both of these versions, are different.
In terms of HDMI models, 2.1 will support 4K UHD at 120 HZ refresh and 8K resolution at 60 Hz refresh, 2.0 will support 4K UHD at 60 Hz refresh, and HDMI 1.4 will only support 4K UHD at 30 Hz refresh.
DP 2.0 will support resolutions greater than or equal to 8K (7680 x 4320), DP 1.4 will support up to 8K, DP 1.3 will support 4K UHD and 8K resolution at a reduced refresh rate and frames per second, and DisplayPort 1.2 will support 4K UHD at a higher refresh rate and frames per second.
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Multiple display support
Multiple view support is one of the most important variations between DP and HDMI. The HDMI port is unable to offer assistance and is therefore unsuitable for practitioners who use a particularly large monitor for their work.
With a single DisplayPort interface and cable, a DP can accommodate multiple displays at the same time. To build a video wall, it can send videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 to four or even six screens.
Now that was everything about the differences between DisplayPort and HDMI. We hope this was informative and you learned a lot from all this.
To help clear up any remaining doubts, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions-
Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI FAQ:
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Is it possible to use DisplayPort as an HDMI?
You can transform DP signals to HDMI, but you’ll need a passive converter to do so.
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Can I use 144 Hz HDMI or DisplayPort?
It’s best to use a DisplayPort to get 144 Hz. This is because it is more capable than HDMI. The DP 1.0 or 1.1a will generate a 144Hz 1080p display. Using the DSC or Display Stream Compression technology, the 1.2 or 1.2a models will do the same at 1440p, the 1.3 version at 120 Hz, and the 1.4 version at 4K resolution.
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Is DisplayPort superior to HDMI?
It is debatable. If you need more bandwidth than HDMI and want to link multiple displays with a single cable, a DisplayPort is the way to go. However, if you want to link your TV to your home theater system, use your internet access, and connect a gaming console to your laptop or TV, then HDMI is the best choice!
Now that all your queries are resolved, let’s move on to the conclusion-
Final words
DisplayPort and HDMI are both used to connect to different screens. There are distinct aspects of the two that can decide which to use. If you want to use the Audio Return Channel, HDMI is a good option.
We hope that you found all of this super useful and have understood everything about DisplayPort and HDMI, as well as their use.
Do keep in mind that both of these are efficient and that you should choose what you find resourceful.
That was all from our side! Please leave your suggestions, feedback, and comments in the section below.