HDMI and DisplayPort are among the most widely used media interfaces for transmitting audio and video signals to displays. While devices such as TVs and Blu-ray players typically focus on HDMI inputs, computers and monitors often feature both HDMI and DisplayPort connections. This leads to the important question: which interface is best suited for your monitor? In this article, we will explore the distinctions between these two popular connectivity options to assist you in making an informed choice.
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Physical Differences
Both HDMI and DisplayPort connections share a strikingly similar appearance. HDMI utilizes a 19-pin cable, while DisplayPort features 20 pins. Most DisplayPort cables incorporate a physical latch, which secures them in place and minimizes the likelihood of accidental disconnection, a feature rarely found in HDMI cables.
In addition to the standard sizes, there are also Mini HDMI, Micro HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort connectors, which, despite their smaller size, still support the same media formats and bandwidth. However, most monitors utilize the standard HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.
Maximum Length
HDMI
- No official maximum length
- Suggested maximum length of around 40-50 feet (13-15 m)
- Optimal performance at lengths under 6 feet (2 m)
DisplayPort
- Official maximum length is 10 feet (3 m)
- Many DisplayPort cables are shorter for optimal performance
While HDMI cables do not have an officially set maximum length, using longer cables may heighten the risk of signal loss or dropouts. Certified HDMI cables must perform effectively at the lengths they are advertised, yet many unverified HDMI cables exist on the market, risking compatibility issues. Similar challenges arise with extended DisplayPort cables, where the maximum length is capped at 10 feet, and most cables are designed to be much shorter.
Versions & Bandwidth
Through the years, HDMI and DisplayPort have each released various versions that come with different bandwidth capabilities and supported formats. Even within a version, minor revisions occur, which can lead to nomenclature changes, such as HDMI 2.0 being referred to as HDMI 2.0a. Below is a summary of features from the latest HDMI and DisplayPort versions:
| Version |
Max Bandwidth |
Compression |
HDR Support |
| HDMI 1.4 |
10.2 Gbps |
No |
No |
| HDMI 2.0 |
18.0 Gbps |
No |
Yes |
| HDMI 2.1 |
48 Gbps |
Yes |
Yes |
| DP 1.2 |
21.6 Gbps |
No |
Yes |
| DP 1.4 |
32.4 Gbps |
Yes |
Yes |
| DP 2.1 |
80.0 Gbps |
Yes |
Yes |
Supported Resolutions
The maximum resolution and refresh rate are determined by the specific versions of DisplayPort and HDMI used on both the monitor and the source device. For example, an HDMI 2.1 monitor paired with a graphics card that supports only HDMI 2.0 will be limited to the capabilities of HDMI 2.0. The optimal refresh rates and resolutions achievable depend on the lowest bandwidth present in either the source or the monitor.
Despite the guidelines surrounding maximum resolutions for each signal, actual refresh rates will vary from monitor to monitor, often gravitating toward common refresh rate standards such as 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz. Additionally, Display Stream Compression (DSC) allows higher refresh rates to be achieved without significant loss in image quality, provided that the graphics card supports it.
To evaluate the maximum refresh rate at varied resolutions, it's advisable to check monitor reviews for more specific capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between HDMI and DisplayPort will revolve around the compatibility and potential of the hardware involved.
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