DisplayPort vs HDMI: Choosing the Right Connection

DisplayPort and HDMI are the most popular connecting devices for better audio and visual performance. When choosing between DisplayPort vs HDMI, some fundamental differences affect your experience. Though both are generally used for audio and video transmission, some fundamental differences affect your experiences. Therefore, for professional editing, gaming, or just having the finest knowledge on your TV or monitor, it is essential to understand these distinctions in detail.

This blog post will first discuss Displayport vs. HDMI differences, their primary uses, compatibility, and performance differences. Then, we will examine key characteristics, including device compatibility for audio features, refresh rate, and resolution support capability. Finally, by the conclusion, it will be clear which connection device best meets your needs and enhances your technology configuration.

Overview of DisplayPort vs HDMI

DisplayPort and HDMI are interfaces that transmit audio and video signals to display devices. Therefore, they are commonly used for connecting television screens and monitors. Moreover, they affect the display quality and performance, but each has different characteristics. Their functionality is quite varied:

• DisplayPort was initially designed mainly for PC monitors. For instance, this Connection performs admirably at high resolution and refresh rates on 4K at 144 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz. Furthermore, it also supports highly advanced features such as Multi-Display Support. Moreover, it includes advanced adaptive sync technologies such as FreeSync.
• HDMI mainly supports multimedia equipment for home entertainment, such as TVs and soundbars. However, HDMI 2.1 has blurred the lines between HDMI and DisplayPort, allowing it to be effectively used with high-definition video applications and game consoles.

Key Features Differences

Choosing between DisplayPort vs. HDMI depends on your specific needs, whether it’s gaming, professional video editing, or connecting multiple monitors. Both interfaces deliver exceptional audio and video quality, but understanding their unique capabilities can help you make the right decision for your setup.

1) Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

• DisplayPort: eARC is not supported by DisplayPort by default. However, the audio is still conveyed; nevertheless, some adjustments or adapters may be required.
• HDMI: High-quality sound is available using Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Moreover in DisplayPort vs HDMI, both are enabled by HDMI 2.1’s eARC capability. Thus, high-quality audio is easy to access on all devices.

2) USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode

• DisplayPort: The DisplayPort Alternate Mode with USB-C ports permits the transmission of high-bandwidth video and audio via a single cable. Additionally, this feature allows for a more streamlined Connection, reducing the need for multiple cables.
• HDMI: While adapters are available from USB-C to HDMI, DP Alt Mode offers much more flexibility. Additionally, it is designed for higher-bandwidth multiple and high-resolution monitors.

 3) Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

• DisplayPort: It allows for VRR setups such as G-SYNC from NVIDIA and FreeSync from AMD. As a result, it avoids tearing and stuttering through a coordinated refresh rate between the display and GPU. Consequently, this feature is a characteristic found more commonly in gaming monitors.
• HDMI: Adding VRR functionality through HDMI 2.1 made the gameplay more fluid. However, the GPU and display might influence VRR compatibility differently. Therefore, ensure your device supports HDMI 2.1 if you want the highest performance and refresh rates.

4) Performance

• DisplayPort: Unlike HDMI, the display port has more bandwidth. As a result, it supports better resolutions, higher refresh rates, and more considerable color depths. Therefore, it is suitable for high-performance screen applications. Additionally, it excels in gaming and professional applications.
• HDMI: In contrast, although HDMI 2.1 has a high capacity for resolutions and frames, its bandwidth is usually relatively less than that of DisplayPort. Due to this, some high-priced apps might not support it.

5) Compatibility

• DisplayPort: This is usually implemented in PCs and monitors. Naturally, this has a standard link in the gaming and professional domains. Also, its use of USB-C with a DP Alt Mode makes the device versatile for use by other devices.
• HDMI: Controversly, HDMI is generally regarded as a standard interface. TVs, home entertainment systems, and consumer devices all use this familiar interface. As a result, it ensures broad compatibility across devices.

Technical Differences in DisplayPort vs HDMI

1) Connector Design and Pin Configuration

• DisplayPort: DisplayPort connectors come with a single row of 20 pins. Also, a lock mechanism is implemented, which ensures the Connection is tightened. Therefore, this discourages forced disconnections. Further, even smaller versions, like Mini DisplayPort, have been developed and are generally found on MacBooks.
• HDMI: HDMI connectors have different sizes, though each has 19 pins. Examples include:

1. Type A (Standard): Type A is typically used on TVs, monitors, home theatre systems, and most consumer electronics.
2. Type C (Mini HDMI): Second, Type C is found on cameras and other tablets. In addition, it is commonly used in various portable devices.
3. Type D (Micro HDMI): Last, Type D is the minor variant commonly used on action cameras and compact devices. Furthermore, it is smaller in size compared to other HDMI types.

Unlike DisplayPort, HDMI does not have a locking mechanism. Thus, it can sometimes lose its Connection unless the cable is tight.

2) Maximum Cable Length

• DisplayPort: The cable length must not exceed 10 feet/3 meters for full functionality. More importantly, it is necessary at higher resolutions and refresh rates. Moreover, longer lengths lead to signal degradation in cables.
• HDMI: HDMI cables under 6 feet (2 meters) long will guarantee the maximum performance. However, they can also have very little signal loss and penetrate about 40-50 feet (13-15 meters) with very high stabilization.

3) Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

• DisplayPort: MST is supported by DisplayPort. Thus, multiple monitors can be supported using one Connection through daisy chaining. As a result, users can use more than one monitor at their workplaces, which will benefit from a multi-monitor setup. Moreover, it can optimally use available ports while keeping the configuration organized.
• HDMI does not inherently support Multistream Transport or MST. Consequently in DisplayPort vs HDMI, the single HDMI port connects to one display. Thus, multiple monitor setups will require additional hardware. Therefore, this hardware must handle multiple monitors properly and achieve peak performance.

Supported Resolutions and Refresh Rate in DisplayPort vs HDMI

1) DisplayPort

• DisplayPort 1.2: The original 1.2 DisplayPort offers up to 4K resolution at 60Hz and provides 8-bit colour depth. Moreover, it also allows for refresh rates higher than 60Hz, reaching up to 240Hz in resolutions such as 1440p and 1080p.
• DisplayPort 1.3: This version is appropriate for high-end displays. Additionally, it supports 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz with DSC.
• DisplayPort 1.4 can also support 4K at 120 Hz and 8K with a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz. Additionally, it uses Display Stream Compression (DSC) to achieve better resolution and a faster refresh rate.
• DisplayPort 2.0 offers significantly more bandwidth, supporting 8K at 120Hz and 4K at 240Hz. Therefore, it is ideal for VR and professional displays.
• DisplayPort 2.1 offers the same support as DisplayPort 2.0. However, it is more efficient and performs better at higher resolutions and multiple monitors.

2) HDMI

• 1.4 HDMI supports 4K at 30Hz and 1080p at 120Hz. However, it is limited in terms of higher resolutions and refresh rates.
• 2.0 HDMI  offers 4K at 60Hz and supports higher refresh rates for 1080p and 1440p. Additionally, it provides 10-bit color at 4K. However, it does not support resolutions higher than 4K, such as 5K or beyond.
• 2.1 HDMI supports 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Additionally, it offers increased bandwidth for higher resolutions, refresh rates, and HDR. As a result, it is ideal for gaming and future setups.

A few factors will determine a display’s maximum refresh rate. These include the panel technology, visual interface bandwidth, which can be best in HDMI vs DisplayPort, and the monitor and GPU’s capabilities. Furthermore, the quality of the video cable and your GPU performance will affect the maximum refresh rate attained. In particular, at higher resolutions and high-end versions, DisplayPort often provides superior performance and flexibility than HDMI.

3) Uncompressed Resolutions and Refresh Rates

Uncompressed Resolution	1.2 DP (8-bit)	1.4 DP (8-bit)	2.1 DP (8-bit)	1.4 HDMI  (8-bit)	2.0 HDMI  (8-bit)	2.1HDMI  (8-bit)
1920×1080 (1080p)	289Hz	406Hz	885Hz	147Hz	246Hz	589Hz
2560×1440 (1440p)	174Hz	251Hz	610Hz	86Hz	147Hz	379Hz
3840×2160 (4K)	30Hz	60Hz	120Hz	39Hz	69Hz	188Hz
UncompressedResolution	1.2 DP  (10-bit)	1.4 DP  (10-bit)	2.1 DP  (10-bit)	1.4 HDMI  (10-bit)	HDMI 2.0 (10-bit)	2.1 HDMI  (10-bit)
1920×1080 (1080p)	238Hz	338Hz	771Hz	120Hz	202Hz	499Hz
2560×1440 (1440p)	142Hz	206Hz	517Hz	69Hz	119Hz	314Hz
3840×2160 (4K)	66Hz	97Hz	267Hz	32Hz	55Hz	153Hz

Note: Typically, refresh rates can be obtained with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and an 8-bit uncompressed colour depth. However, acquiring a refresh rate requires more bandwidth, which becomes increasingly difficult with greater colour depth or more demanding subsampling requirements.

4) Supported Resolutions

Resolution	1.2 DP (8-bit)	1.4 DP (8-bit)	1.4 HDMI (8-bit)	2.0 HDMI (8-bit)	2.1HDMI  (8-bit)
1920×1080 (1080p)	280Hz	540Hz	144Hz	240Hz	540Hz
2560×1440 (1440p)	170Hz	360Hz	75Hz	144Hz	360Hz
3840×2160 (4K)	60Hz	240Hz	30Hz	60Hz	240Hz
Resolution	1.2 DP  (10-bit)	1.4 DP  (10-bit)	HDMI (10-bit)	2.0 HDMI  (10-bit)	2.1HDMI (10-bit)
1920×1080 (1080p)	240Hz	540Hz	120Hz	144Hz	500Hz
2560×1440 (1440p)	120Hz	360Hz	60Hz	75Hz	360Hz
3840×2160 (4K)	60Hz	240Hz	30Hz	30Hz	240Hz

Versions and Bandwidth

Over time, DisplayPort vs HDMI has evolved. Consequently, each new version introduces higher bandwidth to accommodate more demanding display technology. Below is a summary of the primary versions and the corresponding bandwidths:

1) Bandwidth and DisplayPort Versions

• DisplayPort 1.2, launched in 2010, increases bandwidth to 21.6 Gbps.
• DisplayPort 1.3, released in 2014, boosts bandwidth to 32.4 Gbps. Consequently, it enables higher resolution and refresh rates for displays.
• DisplayPort 1.4, released in 2016, maintains the 32.4 Gbps bandwidth. However, it incorporates improvements in Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 for handling resolutions with higher refresh rates.
• DisplayPort 2.0, announced in 2019, significantly increases bandwidth to 80 Gbps. As a result, it enables support for multiple monitors from a single Connection.
• DisplayPort 2.1, Introduced in 2022, retains the 80 Gbps bandwidth of DP 2.0. However, it offers enhanced efficiency and performance, guaranteeing improved compatibility for multi-monitor configurations and high-resolution displays.

2) Bandwidth and HDMI Versions

• 1.4 HDMI: The first 1.4 version, launched in 2009, has a maximum bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps.
• 2.0 HDMI: Next, 2.0 version was released in 2013. Moreover, it increases bandwidth to a maximum of 18 Gbps.
• 2.1 HDMI: This version, introduced in 2017, features dynamic HDR and VRR, which improve the experience. It also increases bandwidth to 48 Gbps and introduces numerous other capabilities.

Let’s compare DisplayPort vs HDMI. Their versions, bandwidth, HDR compatibility, and compression capacity are as follows:

Feature	1.2 DP	1.3 DP	1.4 DP	2.0 DP	2.1 DP	1.4 HDMI	2.0 HDMI	2.1 HDMI
Launch Year	2010	2014	2016	2019	2022	2009	2013	2017
Maximum Bandwidth	21.6 Gbps	32.4 Gbps	32.4 Gbps	80 Gbps	80Gbps	10.2 Gbps	18 Gbps	48 Gbps
HDR Support	No	No	—	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Compression	No	No	—	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes

Displayport 1.4 Vs HDMI 2.1: Which One Should You Choose?

2.1 HDMI (Ideal For Home Entertainment)

HDMI 2.1 is the standard interface for a video game console. Specifically, it is intended for a home theatre system or television that can handle high refresh rates in 4K or 8K. Consequently, it ensures a seamless gaming experience with superior video quality.

Moreover, one of its main advantages is its support for VRR, which helps every game run smoother than usual. Additionally, it incorporates eARC, which enhances audio performance. These features make HDMI 2.1 an excellent Connection for televisions. Additionally, it works particularly well with gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Displayport 1.4 (Better For PC Monitor)

In contrast, DisplayPort 1.4 is designed for high-end monitors and professional setups. Additionally, it has a 60Hz frequency range and an 8K resolution. Furthermore, it is more frequently used in multi-monitor setups and PC gaming. 

Additionally, it promotes professional work with higher bandwidths and other similar applications. Therefore, if you are building a PC-centric workspace or gaming rig with advanced monitors, you must choose DisplayPort 1.4. Additionally, it can support DSC (Display Stream Compression) and its capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article compares DisplayPort vs HDMI, focusing on their differences in performance, compatibility, and ideal use cases. First, we explored key features like eARC, USB-C Alternate Mode, VRR, and bandwidth capabilities. Additionally, we discussed which option is best suited for various scenarios, from gaming to professional environments. As a result, readers can make informed decisions based on their specific needs and setups.

Choosing between DisplayPort vs HDMI ultimately depends on individual preference. DisplayPort offers more bandwidth and flexibility, which is helpful for professional programs. Additionally, it works very well for gaming and multi-monitor setups. Additionally, HDMI improves multimedia interaction through exceptional capabilities like eARC and VRR.

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