Overview of several common display ports

1.DisplayPort

DisplayPort was launched by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) in 2006 and is positioned as a high-performance interface in the computer field. Its latest version, DisplayPort 2.1, has a bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps and can support 16K@60Hz or dual-screen 8K@120Hz output, becoming a benchmark for professional design and high-end gaming equipment.

• Features:

High-resolution support: DisplayPort supports resolutions up to 8K, suitable for high-end monitors and professional graphics workstations.

Multi-stream transmission: DisplayPort supports multi-stream transmission (MST), which can connect multiple monitors through a single cable.

Strong adaptability: DisplayPort can be converted to other interfaces such as HDMI, DVI and VGA through adapters.

• Application:

DisplayPort is widely used in high-end monitors, workstations and gaming equipment. Due to its high bandwidth and multi-monitor support, DP has become the preferred interface for professional users.

2.HDMI

Since its joint launch by Sony, Panasonic and other manufacturers in 2002, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has quickly become a mainstream interface in the consumer electronics field. Its original design intention was to replace traditional analog interfaces (such as VGA and composite video) and support integrated digital audio and video transmission. As of 2023, the HDMI standard has been upgraded to version 2.1, with bandwidth increased to 48 Gbps, supporting high-specification picture output of 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz.

• Features:

High bandwidth support: HDMI version 2.1 supports dynamic HDR, variable refresh rate (VRR) and quick frame transmission (QFT), which is suitable for games and professional audio and video needs.

Compatibility and expansion functions: Supports audio return channel (ARC) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC) to achieve single-line transmission of audio signals to audio equipment; it is also compatible with the CEC protocol, allowing multiple devices to be controlled by a single remote control.

Diversified interface forms: Standard HDMI (Type A), mini HDMI (Type C) and micro HDMI (Type D) meet the requirements of different device sizes.

• Application:

HDMI is widely used in devices such as home theaters, game consoles, computers and TVs. Due to its ease of use and high quality, HDMI has become the preferred interface for home entertainment systems.

3. DVI

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) was born in 1999 and is a key interface for the early transition from analog to digital transmission. It was originally designed to provide DisplayPort.

• Features:

Digital and analog compatibility: DVI supports the transmission of digital and analog signals, suitable for different types of monitors.

High resolution support: DVI can support resolutions up to 2560x1600, suitable for high-end display needs.

Multiple types: DVI has multiple types, including DVI-D (digital), DVI-A (analog) and DVI-I (digital and analog)

• Application:

DVI is widely used in computer monitors and projectors. Although DVI is gradually replaced by HDMI and DisplayPort, it still has its application value in some professional fields.

4.VGA

The VGA (Video Graphics Array) interface is one of the earliest and most traditional computer display standards. It was born in 1987 and was mainly used in the CRT display era.

• Features:

Analog signal transmission: susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and long-distance transmission is prone to image quality loss.

Resolution limitation: The highest resolution of VGA is usually 1920x1080, which cannot meet the needs of modern high-resolution display.

Compatibility: The VGA interface still exists in many old devices and is suitable for users who need to connect old devices.

• Application:

VGA is mainly used for old monitors and projectors. Although modern devices are gradually phasing out VGA, it is still needed in certain specific occasions.

5.USB-C

Since its launch in 2014, USB-C(Universal Serial Bus Type-C)

has quickly become popular due to its reversible design and versatility.

• Features:

Versatility: USB-C can transmit data, video and power, greatly simplifying the types of connection cables.

High bandwidth: USB-C supports transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbps, suitable for fast data transmission and high-resolution video output.

Reverse insertion design: The design of USB-C allows users to insert it in any direction, making it more convenient to use.

• Application:

The USB-C interface is widely used in modern laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices, suitable for occasions that require efficient connection and charging.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Is DVI better than VGA?

Yes, DVI is technically superior to VGA. DVI uses digital signals, so it has higher definition and clearer images, while VGA transmits analog signals. The conversion process from digital to analog usually causes quality degradation, which is not the case with DVI.

Is DisplayPort better than HDMI?

The answer to this question depends on the specific usage scenario, but DisplayPort is generally considered better than HDMI in some features. It supports a higher maximum bandwidth, which means it can handle more data at the same time, providing better quality at higher resolutions and refresh rates. In addition, it supports daisy-chaining multiple displays from a single output, which is a feature that HDMI does not have.

Are video connectors interchangeable between devices?

Due to differences in design, format, and signal transmission capabilities, not all video connectors are interchangeable between devices. For example, an HDMI port cannot be used with a VGA cable without an adapter. In addition, even with an adapter, the output quality may be affected due to different technical specifications of different types of connectors.