AV Solutions
HDMI 2.0 vs DisplayPort 1.4 - Which One Should You Choose?
March 2, 2017
3 min read
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HDMI and DisplayPort have replaced VGA, DVI, and Component. With the rise of high-definition digital content, it can be sometimes confusing how to differentiate the multiple interface standards for your television set or monitor. Whether you’re doing high-performance gaming or watching an HD movie, what are the notable differences between which cable to use, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.0
HDMI, or ‘High Definition Multimedia Interface', is the most ubiquitous interface connection and is found on almost all newer TVs, monitors, laptops, and other consumer electronic products. Although HDMI 2.1 was recently announced, 2.0 has become the modern standard video interface mostly widely used for 3820 x 2160 or 4K content.
HDMI 2.0 supports 1080p at 240Hz, 1440p at 144Hz, and tops out at 4K at 60Hz which makes it fast enough for most movies, TV shows, and games while still delivering high resolution.
Another one of HDMI’s more notable features, the consumer electronic control or CEC, allows a remote signal to be sent through HDMI. Using the CEC, you would be able to use your television remote to control your receiver or cable box via your HDMI connection.
Although HDMI is widely used in most applications and consumer products, DisplayPort has some specific applications and uses that differ from HDMI which we will cover below.
DisplayPort 1.4
DisplayPort has similar capabilities as HDMI; DisplayPort 1.4 can transmit up to 32.4Gbs bandwidth, much more than HDMI's 18Gbps limitation. This allows a higher resolution of 8K at 60Hz with 10-bit color HDR or 4K at 120Hz with 24-bit color.
DisplayPort also supports multi-stream transport technology, which allows multiple independent displays per port. By connecting compatible monitors through a daisy chain or using a Multi-Stream Transport hub, you can use a multiple monitor setup through a single display output. This format makes it an excellent choice for any type of user who works with multiple displays.
The interface is also becoming more popular with PC gaming with DisplayPort support using NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync technology. The sync technologies prevent screen tearing by aligning the computer's hardware to the system's GPU to match the monitor's refresh rate.
HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which should you choose?
In most cases, you can stick with the cable that came with your display for compatibility. HDMI is widely adopted and can be used in most consumer products, TVs, monitors, and more. However, for better resolution and support for multiple displays, DisplayPort has much more flexibility with its multi-stream transport hub feature. As for refresh rates, DisplayPort can clock higher than HDMI up to 240Hz and sometimes even 360Hz.
In the end, the decision for DisplayPort vs HDMI comes down to the features you are looking for. It is best to keep both cables around. HDMI is more common but DisplayPort has always been more performant.
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AV Solutions
HDMI 2.0 vs DisplayPort 1.4 - Which One Should You Choose?
March 2, 20173 min read
HDMI and DisplayPort have replaced VGA, DVI, and Component. With the rise of high-definition digital content, it can be sometimes confusing how to differentiate the multiple interface standards for your television set or monitor. Whether you’re doing high-performance gaming or watching an HD movie, what are the notable differences between which cable to use, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4?
HDMI 2.0
HDMI, or ‘High Definition Multimedia Interface', is the most ubiquitous interface connection and is found on almost all newer TVs, monitors, laptops, and other consumer electronic products. Although HDMI 2.1 was recently announced, 2.0 has become the modern standard video interface mostly widely used for 3820 x 2160 or 4K content.
HDMI 2.0 supports 1080p at 240Hz, 1440p at 144Hz, and tops out at 4K at 60Hz which makes it fast enough for most movies, TV shows, and games while still delivering high resolution.
Another one of HDMI’s more notable features, the consumer electronic control or CEC, allows a remote signal to be sent through HDMI. Using the CEC, you would be able to use your television remote to control your receiver or cable box via your HDMI connection.
Although HDMI is widely used in most applications and consumer products, DisplayPort has some specific applications and uses that differ from HDMI which we will cover below.
DisplayPort 1.4
DisplayPort has similar capabilities as HDMI; DisplayPort 1.4 can transmit up to 32.4Gbs bandwidth, much more than HDMI's 18Gbps limitation. This allows a higher resolution of 8K at 60Hz with 10-bit color HDR or 4K at 120Hz with 24-bit color.
DisplayPort also supports multi-stream transport technology, which allows multiple independent displays per port. By connecting compatible monitors through a daisy chain or using a Multi-Stream Transport hub, you can use a multiple monitor setup through a single display output. This format makes it an excellent choice for any type of user who works with multiple displays.
The interface is also becoming more popular with PC gaming with DisplayPort support using NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD's FreeSync technology. The sync technologies prevent screen tearing by aligning the computer's hardware to the system's GPU to match the monitor's refresh rate.
HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which should you choose?
In most cases, you can stick with the cable that came with your display for compatibility. HDMI is widely adopted and can be used in most consumer products, TVs, monitors, and more. However, for better resolution and support for multiple displays, DisplayPort has much more flexibility with its multi-stream transport hub feature. As for refresh rates, DisplayPort can clock higher than HDMI up to 240Hz and sometimes even 360Hz.
In the end, the decision for DisplayPort vs HDMI comes down to the features you are looking for. It is best to keep both cables around. HDMI is more common but DisplayPort has always been more performant.
Have any Questions?
Contact Us Today!
