What is the Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

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 that is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor. On the other hand, HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transferring uncompressed digital audio and video from an HDMI compatible device to a compatible digital audio device, computer monitor, video projector, etc. 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 interface standard developed by the 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. DisplayPort was originally developed for a personal computer display interface; However, it is now 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 of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) at a 60Hz refresh rate. Also, it supports common 3D video formats. It can handle a bandwidth of 17.28Gbps. Version 1.3 supports up to 8192 x 4320 (8K) resolution, or two simultaneous 4K streams. Provides twice the bandwidth of version 1.2.

A DisplayPort provides multiple advantages. Provides robustness and high display performance. Also, it provides system integration and better interoperability between different devices.

what is HDMI

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interfaces . Combine video and audio into a single digital interface for use with DVD players, digital televisions, and other audio devices. In addition, HDMI is based on High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) and the core technology of Digital Visual Interface (DVI). Companies like Sony, Hitachi, Silicon Image, Philips and Toshiba support the development of HDMI.

                                                         Figure 2: HDMI Connector

The most common HDMI version is 1.4. Supports 2K resolution like DisplayPort 1.2 but at only 30Hz. The new HDMI 2.0 version is available on devices like Sony TV. Increase 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 must be a signal booster or 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-compatible source device. Thus, this is the key difference between DisplayPort and HDMI.

Designed Year

Also, DisplayPort was designed in 2006 while HDMI was designed in 2002.

Designer

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is the designer of DisplayPort, while the HDMI Founders (Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, and Toshiba) are the designers of HDMI.

Ethernet

The availability of Ethernet is another difference between DisplayPort and HDMI. Ethernet not available on DisplayPort; However, there is availability of Ethernet over 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

In addition, it is possible to manage a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels over 5 meters with DisplayPort. But HDMI cables are usually short (1m or 2m). So, 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 DisplayPort can connect the same device to multiple displays, while HDMI can only connect one device to one display. In short, HDMI is the common interface in most consumer electronics.

Reference:

1. “What is DisplayPort? – Definition of Techopedia. Techopedia.com, available here.
2.“What is DisplayPort? – Definition of WhatIs.com. WhatIs.com, available here.
3. “What is HDMI? – Definition of WhatIs.com. WhatIs.com, available here.

Courtesy image:

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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