DisplayPort – or DP – is a
technology used to connect the source of a video to a display device
such as the monitor of a computer. DP was developed by a consortium of
chip and PC manufacturers to help standardize digital displays. The goal
was to replace previous protocols like VGA, FPD-Link, and Digital
Visual Interface (DVI).
DP can transmit video and audio simultaneously or both individually. One is not needed to transmit the other.
DP
continues to be compatible with other interfaces. The most commonly
known of those interfaces is HDMI. To connect DisplayPort to HDMI and
others, including DVI, users need display port adapters.
Types of Display Port Adapters
Although
there are many different types of display port adapters available, the
most common ones are DisplayPort to HDMI adapters. Displayport to HDMI
adapters makes connecting most devices to an external monitor easy.
Display Port HDMI Cable
When
you are choosing a display port to HDMI cable, there are a few things
to consider. Cable length is one factor, depending on the distance
between your video source and the monitor on which you plan to display
it. Around 6 feet to 10 feet is a common length for DisplayPort to HDMI
cables.
However,
some manufacturers offer longer cables. If your preferred option
exceeds 10 feet in length, you need to consider placing the cable in a
location where it is less likely to be damaged by foot traffic or other
daily wear and tear.
The
output quality is another key consideration for your DisplayPort HDMI
cable. Generally, the combination of DisplayPort and HDMI offers the
highest performance for all display needs Both technologies and display
port to HDMI cable types support High Dynamic Range (HDR) and High
Definition Content Protection (HDCP). They also work with up to 16 bits
of color depths. That means users can enjoy the highest-quality images
their DP-enabled device will support.
Double HDMI Cable
A
double HDMI cable connects one HDMI outlet to another. These cables are
most commonly used between laptops or PCs and external monitors.
Connecting those devices allows users to display content on a larger
screen, which is ideal when presenting to a bigger audience.
Display Port to VGA Adapters
VGA
displays used to be the gold standard of video display not so long ago.
As VGA is gradually becoming a legacy technology, it is not yet time to
discard VGA monitors or projectors. In fact, those displays still
feature in a majority of homes and offices.
Display
Port to VGA adapters offers a simple plug-and-play option to connect
DP-enabled laptops and computers to VGA displays. Setup is hassle-free
and can usually be completed within minutes.
The
adapter makes the (mostly newer) DP device compatible with the (older)
VGA device. Most adapters feature small screws on the VGA end of the
cable to avoid accidental disconnection.
VGA
displays are also known as D-Sub displays. Any VGA to HDMI adapter is
also a D-Sub to HDMI cable. In general, a D-Sub to HDMI cable requires
the same care and basic maintenance as other display connectors and
adapters.
DP to HDMI Cable Features
Simplicity
Simplicity
is one of the most obvious characteristics of DP to HDMI cables. Most
DPort to HDMI cable options connects through a simple plug-and-play
system. There is no need for special instructions, and the connection is
held securely in place through integrated latches.
Disconnecting
a DP to an HDMI cable is equally simple. All you need to do is press
the release lever keeping the latch in place, and the connector comes
off. It is a simple, efficient design that can work well for years
whilst also meeting all DP HDMI cable standards.
High-Tech Capability
As
video technology has undergone impressive changes over the last decade
or so, supporting technology has needed to keep up with those
developments. Today, it is not uncommon to find DisplayPort to HDMI
cable 4k capability matching the output of leading consumer camera
technology, for example.
Without
DisplayPort to HDMI cable 4k capability, your 4k video would display at
a lesser rate and a lower quality. The viewing experience would be
diminished substantially. At the same time, if you need your cable to
support 4k video, the cable itself needs to be of a high enough quality.
In most cases, that means opting for premium high speed cables that can
deliver 18 GB per second or more.
Lower
quality cables may still work in a pinch, but once again, the viewing
experience will be diminished with surround sound missing or so-called
snow added to the images.
Little to No Maintenance
DP
to HDMI cables require little to no maintenance. Choosing a
high-quality cable pays dividends on any purchase as those cables tend
to be stronger and less prone to breaking through day-to-day handling.
Especially
if you are planning to travel with your DisplayPort HDMI cable,
choosing the highest quality possible will prevent nasty surprises. Once
installed, if your cable remains mostly static, supporting a standard
monitor setup, that cable can last for years. However, presenting in
different locations means regularly setting up and breaking down your
DisplayPort HDMI cable.
Every
time that happens, it is possible to damage the connector. In addition,
rolling up a DP HDMI cable inside a laptop bag or other luggage may
damage connectors and cable over time. To keep your DisplayPort to HDMI
cable safe, just add soft rubber protectors over the sensitive
connectors. Those covers prevent obvious damage. They will also prevent
dust and dirt from entering the electronics and causing damage over a
period of time.
Which DisplayPort to HDMI cable should I Buy?
Choosing
DP to HDMI cables need not be difficult. It is always a good idea to
select a reputable brand for your cable needs and pick a DPort to HDMI
cable that comes with a warranty. Adapters like these may not amount to
big-ticket electronics purchases but having to replace them frequently
is both inconvenient and wasteful.
Some of the best DisplayPort to HDMI cables last for years and continue to work long after any potential warranty has finished.
DP and HDMI – What is the Difference?
If
you are not particularly interested in computers and their features,
you could be forgiven for not noticing the difference between DP and
HDMI ports. From the outside, both systems look remarkably similar.
However,
depending on what you are expecting to achieve by connecting your
devices, one may work better than the other. For example, your monitor
may support both types of connection but not every version of each. If
that is the case, your selection could already be restricted.
HDMI
is more commonly found in TVs than in PCs. Even as an occasional user,
chances are you are familiar with HDMI but not necessarily with DP.
Whilst DP looks similar, this connector is more closely associated with
PCs. Most DP outlets accommodate HD video and audio.
When
it comes to buying the best cables for the job, it is important to look
for options featured on DP’s certified list to ensure the cable can
support high-quality outputs. DP connectors come into their own when you
start looking at driving multiple monitors from one single point of
connection. Whilst this may be more than most home users or even office
users need, having the option can come in handy.
Many laptops now also send DP signals through USB-C ports, adding even more connection options.
Numbers Matter
When
you are choosing between HDMI and DP, look beyond the two systems. Both
have different versions which lead to a stronger, higher-quality
connection. Whilst DP has its advantages over HDMI in principle, HDMI
may still be the better choice if your device only supports a lesser
version of DisplayPort. In that case, a higher version of HDMI could be
the better option, as long as every device you connect does support that
version of HDMI.
Remember
that your entire display system is only as strong as its weakest link.
Assuming your monitor supports HDMI 2.1 but your video card is limited
to HDMI 2.0, your output will only reach 2.0 quality. You simply will
not benefit from the advantages of the new and improved HDMI technology
until you upgrade that video card.
The same can be said for DP to HDMI adapters. Choosing lower quality adapters
often leads to repeat purchases. Low-quality connectors are more likely
to break, and the same can be said for cables. Thinner, less
well-protected cables that are subject to high traffic and regular
movements are likely to fail sooner than their stronger counterparts.
DisplayPort
cables and adapters come in countless combinations and a variety of
different lengths. Similar to other electronics purchases, it is often a
good idea to buy the best option you can afford. Remember, in many
cases you are buying technology you would like to use for several years.
Investing a little more in the beginning pays dividends in the long
term.
Choosing
between DP and HDMI technology depends on your individual setup. There
is not one correct answer for all users. It is worth taking the time to
check all the devices you may want to connect to decide on the best
option. You may also find that for some projects, DisplayPort
specifications work better than HDMI, whereas the opposite is the case
for other projects.
If
you are traveling frequently and relying on external monitors in other
locations, keeping a variety of adapters is a great option. It allows
you to take advantage of the best possible technology at your disposal
and avoids becoming stuck if there is a problem.