What is a DisplayPort? – Android Authority

If you happen to’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 conversant in the DisplayPort connectors on screens and video playing cards. So what’s a DisplayPort, precisely, and what’s its function subsequent to applied sciences like HDMI?

Briefly, it’s a video connection format particularly engineered for PCs. In consequence 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, resembling DisplayPort-to-HDMI converters.

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

We must always point out that in some instances, DisplayPort indicators could 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 could probably 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 primary incarnation of DisplayPort, courting again to 2006. This helps as much as 10.8Gbps of bandwidth, which permits 1080p decision at a 144Hz refresh price. 4K is feasible, 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 price) help. Thunderbolt 3 cables can carry 1.2.
• Mini DisplayPort: Initially based mostly off 1.2, this defunct Apple creation used a a lot smaller connector, and had distinctive limitations together with additional copyright protections and (in some instances) a scarcity 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: Nonetheless the most typical model of DisplayPort, supporting 24-bit shade in 4K. That was technically potential 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: One of the best of the most effective, 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 if you happen to’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, you must choose DisplayPort at any time when potential, however you’ll in all probability be compelled to make use of HDMI if you happen to’re connecting to a TV. You might also need to use HDMI in case your show, cable, and laptop all help HDMI 2.1 however your DisplayPort chain is proscribed to model 1.4.