The main difference between DisplayPort and HDMI is that the DisplayPort can connect the same device to multiple displays while the HDMI can only connect one device to one display.
DisplayPort is a digital display interface primarily used to connect a video source to a display device like a computer monitor. On the other hand, HDMI is a compact audio/ video interface for transferring uncompressed digital audio and video from an HDMI compliant device to a compatible digital audio device, computer monitor, video projector, etc. Both DisplayPort and HDMI carry quality digital video and audio signals.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is DisplayPort
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is HDMI
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
DisplayPort, HDMI
What is DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a video standard interface developed by Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). It was a replacement for other display modes such as Video Graphics Array (VGA) and Digital Visual Interface (DVI). It is capable of supporting multiple video outputs. Originally, DisplayPort was developed for personal computer display interface; however, now it is found in many devices such as computers, laptops, notebooks, monitors and display televisions as display inputs.
Figure 1: DisplayPort connector
DisplayPort version 1.2 provides video resolution up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) at a refresh rate of 60Hz. Furthermore, it supports common 3D video formats. It can handle a bandwidth of 17.28Gbps. The 1.3 version supports up to 8192 x 4320 (8K) resolution, or two simultaneous 4K streams. It provides a bandwidth two times higher than version 1.2.
A DisplayPort provides multiple advantages. It provides robustness and high display performance. Furthermore, it provides system integration and better interoperability among different devices.
What is HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It combines video and audio into a single digital interface for use with DVD players, digital television players and other audio devices. Moreover, HDMI is based on High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and the core technology of Digital Visual Interface (DVI). Companies such as Sony, Hitachi, Silicon Image, Philips and Toshiba support HDMI development.
Figure 2: HDMI Connector
The most common HDMI version is 1.4. It supports the 2K resolution as DisplayPort 1.2 but at just 30Hz. The newer version HDMI 2.0 is available in devices such as Sony TV. It increases the bandwidth from 10.2 to 18 Gbps. It also increases the refresh rate to 60Hz. HDMI provides up to 100Mbps Ethernet. In general, HDMI cables are shorter. For long distance transmission, there should be a signal booster or an active cable that can amplify the signal by itself.
Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI
Definition
DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by a consortium of PC and chip manufacturers and standardized by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). In contrast, HDMI is a proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI compliant source device. Thus, this is the key difference between DisplayPort and HDMI.
Designed Year
Moreover, DisplayPort was designed in 2006 while HDMI was designed in 2002.
Designer
Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is the designer of DisplayPort while HDMI Founders (Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba) are the designers of HDMI.
Ethernet
Availability of ethernet is another difference between DisplayPort and HDMI. There is no Ethernet availability in DisplayPort; however, there is Ethernet availability in HDMI.
Audio Return Channel
Audio return channel is also an important difference between DisplayPort and HDMI. DisplayPort does not have an audio return channel while HDMI does.
Length
Also, it is possible to manage 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution over 5 meters using DisplayPort. But HDMI cables are usually short (1m or 2m). Hence, this is another difference between DisplayPort and HDMI.
Popularity
HDMI is more popular than DisplayPort.
Conclusion
The main difference between DisplayPort and HDMI is that the DisplayPort can connect the same device to multiple displays while the HDMI can only connect one device to one display. In brief, HDMI is the common interface in most consumer electronic products.
Reference:
1. “What Is DisplayPort? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.
2. “What Is DisplayPort? – Definition from WhatIs.com.” WhatIs.com, Available here.
3. “What Is HDMI? – Definition from WhatIs.com.” WhatIs.com, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “DisplayPort-rid” By Belkin+Abisys – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “HDMI-Connector” By Evan-Amos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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