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Does Displayport transmit sound? HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVA: what to choose to connect a monitor or TV. Advantages of HDMI over other connection types

To connect the monitor to the computer, special connectors are used, which are soldered into the motherboard or located on the video card, and special cables suitable for these connectors. One of the most popular types of ports today for outputting digital information to a computer monitor is DVI. But it is losing ground significantly compared to HDMI, which is the most popular solution today.

DVI connectors are starting to become obsolete, so if you decide to build a computer from scratch, it is better to look for a motherboard and video board that have more modern connectors for outputting digital information. Owners of old monitors or those who do not want to spend money are better off choosing models with DVI or where it is present. Since HDMI is the most common port, it is advisable to choose video cards and motherboards that have it.

Types of HDIMI connectors

The HDMI design has 19 contacts, the number of which does not change depending on the type of connector. It may change the quality of work, but the interface types themselves differ only in size and the technology in which they are used. Here are the characteristics of all available types:


DVI connector types

For DVI, the number of pins depends on the type of connector and varies from 17 to 29 pins; the quality of the output signal also varies greatly depending on the type. The following types of DVI connectors are currently used:


HDMI also has several types of connectors, which are classified by size and transmission quality, but they all work only with LCD displays and are capable of providing higher signal and image quality compared to their DVI counterparts. Working only with digital monitors can be considered both a plus and a minus. For example, for owners of outdated monitors, this will be a disadvantage.

Distinctive features

Despite the fact that both cables use the same technology, they have noticeable differences:


There are serious differences in the characteristics of the cables. HDMI has several types, each of which is made of a certain material and is capable of transmitting a signal over long distances (for example, the fiber optic version transmits a signal over 100 meters without problems). Consumer HDMI copper cables boast lengths of up to 20 meters and transmission frequencies of 60 Hz in Ultra HD resolution.

DVI cables are not very diverse. On the shelves you can only find cables for general consumption that are made of copper. Their length does not exceed 10 meters, but for home use this length is quite enough. The quality of the transmission practically does not depend on the length of the cable (more on the screen resolution and the number of connected monitors). The minimum possible screen refresh rate for DVI is 22 Hz, which is not enough for comfortable video viewing (not to mention playing games). The maximum frequency is 165 Hz. For comfortable work, a person needs 60 Hz, which this connector provides without problems under normal load.

If you choose between DVI and HDMI, it is better to choose the latter, since this standard is more modern and is perfectly adapted to new computers and monitors. For those who have old monitors and/or computers, it is advisable to pay attention to DVI. It is best to purchase an option where both of these connectors are mounted. If you need to work on multiple monitors, then it’s better to pay attention to DisplayPort.

HDMI is the most popular interface for transmitting digital video data from a computer to a monitor or TV. It is built into almost every modern laptop and computer, TV, monitor and even some mobile devices. But it has a lesser-known competitor - DisplayPort, which, according to the developers, is capable of outputting higher-quality images to connected interfaces. Let's look at how these standards differ and which one is better.

  • Compatible with other connectors;
  • Price-quality ratio;
  • Sound support. If it is not there, then for normal operation you will have to purchase an additional headset;
  • The prevalence of one type of connector or another. More common ports are easier to repair, replace, or re-cable.

Users who work with computers professionally need to pay attention to these points:

  • The number of threads that the connector supports. This parameter directly determines how many monitors you can connect to your computer;
  • The maximum possible length of cables and the quality of transmission along it;
  • The maximum supported resolution of the transmitted content.

Types of HDIMI connectors

The HDMI interface has 19 pins for image transmission and is available in four different form factors:


DisplayPort connector types

Unlike the HDMI connector, DisplayPort has one more pin – 20 pins in total. However, the number of types and varieties of connectors is smaller, but the existing variations are more adaptive to various digital technologies, unlike its competitor. These types of connectors are available today:


Unlike HDMI ports, DisplayPort has a special blocking element. Despite the fact that the DisplayPort developers did not specify the blocking clause as mandatory in the certification for their product, many manufacturers still equip the port with one. However, only a few manufacturers install a plug on Mini DisplayPort (most often, installing this mechanism on such a small connector is impractical).

Cables for HDMI

The last major update for cables for this connector was at the end of 2010, which corrected some problems with playing audio and video files. Old style cables are no longer sold in stores, but... HDMI ports are the most common in the world, some users may have several outdated cables that are almost impossible to distinguish from new ones, which can create a number of additional difficulties.

These types of cables for HDMI connectors are currently in use:


All cables have a special function - ARC, which allows you to transmit audio along with video. Modern models of HDMI cables support full ARC technology, thanks to which audio and video can be transmitted over one cable, without the need to connect additional headsets.

However, this technology is not implemented in the same way in older cables. You can watch video and hear sound at the same time, but its quality will not always be the best (especially when connecting a computer/laptop to a TV). To fix this problem, you will have to connect a special audio adapter.

Most cables are made of copper, but their length does not exceed 20 meters. In order to transmit information over longer distances, these subtypes of cables are used:

  • CAT 5/6 – used to transmit information over a distance of 50 meters. The difference in versions (5 or 6) does not play a special role in the quality and distance of data transmission;
  • Coaxial – allows you to transmit data over a distance of 90 meters;
  • Fiber optic – needed to transmit data over a distance of 100 meters or more.

DisplayPort Cables

There is only 1 type of cable, which today has version 1.2. The capabilities of the DisplayPort cable are slightly higher than those of HDMI. For example, a DP cable can easily transmit video with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, without losing playback quality - it remains ideal (at least 60 Hz), and also supports 3D video transmission. However, it may have problems with sound transmission, because... There is no built-in ARC, and these DisplayPort cables are not designed to support Internet solutions. If you need to transmit video and audio content simultaneously via one cable, then it is better to choose HDMI, because for DP you will have to additionally purchase a special audio headset.

These cables can work with the help of appropriate adapters not only with DisplayPort connectors, but also with HDMI, VGA, DVI. For example, HDMI cables can only work with DVI without problems, so DP outperforms its competitor in compatibility with other connectors.

DisplayPort has the following cable types:

  • Passive. With its help, you can transmit an image in quality 3840x216 pixels, but in order for everything to work at maximum frequencies (60 Hz is ideal), the cable length must be no more than 2 meters. Cables with lengths ranging from 2 to 15 meters are capable of playing only 1080p video without loss in frame rate or 2560x1600 with a slight loss in frame rate (approximately 45 Hz out of 60);
  • Active. Capable of transmitting video images of 2560×1600 pixels over a distance of up to 22 meters without loss of playback quality. There is a modification made from fiber optics. In the case of the latter, the transmission distance without loss of quality increases to 100 meters or more.

Also, DisplayPort cables only have a standard length for home use, which cannot exceed 15 meters. Modifications according to the type of fiber optic wires, etc. DP does not, so if you need to transmit data via cable over distances over 15 meters, you will either have to buy special extension cords or use competitor technology. However, DisplayPort cables benefit from compatibility with other connectors and the quality of visual content transmission.

Tracks for audio and video content

At this point, HDMI connectors also lose out, because... they do not support multi-threading for video and audio content, therefore, information can only be output to one monitor. For the average user, this is quite enough, but for professional gamers, video editors, graphic and 3D designers, this may not be enough.

DisplayPort has a clear advantage in this matter, because Ultra HD image output is possible on two monitors at once. If you need to connect 4 or more monitors, then you will have to lower the resolution of all to Full or just HD. Also, the sound will be output separately for each monitor.

If you work professionally with graphics, video, 3D objects, games or statistics, then pay attention to computers/laptops with DisplayPort. Better yet, buy a device with two connectors at once - DP and HDMI. If you are an ordinary user who does not require anything “extra” from your computer, then you can opt for a model with an HDMI port (such devices, as a rule, are cheaper).

DisplayPort (DP, Display Port) - an interface that is an accepted standard VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) May 3, 2006 and intended for transmission of audio, video, USB and other data at high speed.

Designed as a highly efficient interface that could completely displace obsolete interfaces from the market. Compatibility with these standards is still maintained using special adapters. DisplayPort has all the same functions as the standard, but is not intended to replace it.

Standard VESA implies that there is no need to pay additional money (royalties) for using this port. Per use HDMI for example, you must pay a minimum 4 cents and then provided that there is a mark on the booklets and the device body with the inscription HDMI. If there are no notes, then that's it 15 cents.

How DisplayPort works.

IN DisplayPort a completely different system for data transmission is implemented than in previous interfaces. Packet data transfer is used, similar to interfaces, or Ethernet. This is a big advantage, since the signal is not directed specifically to any device, it can be divided among several thanks to packet transmission. All this makes it possible to reduce the number of contact pads on the connector and provide greater opportunities for expanding the bandwidth without changing the standard. But there is also a drawback that reduces the bandwidth. Since the signal is encoded using the method 8b/10b, the effective throughput is 80% , A two bits out of ten are used for service information and error correction.

The interface can transmit both video and audio signals, and this can be done separately. Audio signal can be transmitted to 8 channels with quality 192 kHz 24 bit without compression.

The video stream can be transmitted from 18 bit color representation up to 48 bit, which allows you to use the interface in conjunction with monitors that have expanded color gamut(with support from the signal source).

DisplayPort has a bidirectional, half-duplex additional channel for device control, transmission of service information and support VESA EDID, DPMS, MCCS. Plus, this channel can transmit bidirectional USB signal.

DispalyPort versions, differences.

DisplayPort 1.0

Presented May 3, 2006 of the year. First version of the standard. Data transfer rate is 8.64 Gbps. The cable length is up to two meters.

DisplayPort 1.1a

Presented April 2, 2007 of the year. Gained the opportunity to use fiber optics and other technologies for signal transmission. This allows data to be transmitted over long distances without signal loss. There is also support 40 bit HDCP.

DisplayPort 1.2

Presented December 22, 2009 of the year. The most important change since the first version is the doubled throughput, which is now equal to 17.28 Gbps. This made it possible to increase the maximum resolution, color depth and refresh rate of the video signal. There is now support for multiple video streams from one signal source, support for stereoscopic 3D images, significant increase in throughput AUX channel up 720Mbit/s, support Global Time Code (GTC ). There is now support for new color spaces, such as xvYCC, ScRGB, AdobeRGB 1998. Backward compatibility with all previous standards remains.

Portable devices.

Embedded DisplayPort 1.3(for portable devices)

Previously presented in February 2011 and includes new modes Self-Refresh (PSR), which allow the video card to disable the interface if the picture on the screen does not change, saving the unchanged picture in the frame buffer. This change should have a positive impact on portable devices and their battery life.

DisplayPort Specifications:

  • Transfer rates are 8.64 Gbps (1.0) and 17.28 Gbps (1.2).
  • Transmitted color depth 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 bits per channel (18-48 bits in general terms).
  • Transmission of eight-channel audio at 192 kHz 24 bit, with support for encapsulation of compressed formats.
  • Support YCbCr and RGB (v1.0); support ScRGB, Adobe RGB 1998, SRGB, xvYCC, RGB XR, DCI-P3 (v1.2);
  • Bidirectional half-duplex AUX channel up to 1 Mbit (for v1.0), up to 720 Mbit (for v1.2).
  • 128 bit AES DPCP (DisplayPort Content Protection) encryption, support for 40bit HDCP encryption (from version 1.1).
  • Supports up to 63 audio and video streams simultaneously with packet separation by time (since v1.2).
  • Signal encoding using 8b/10b method. That is, for every 10 bits, there are 2 service bits. Total throughput = 80%.
  • Supports internal and external connections, which allows the standard to be used for various data transfer tasks.
  • Support 120Hz 3D video signal (v1.2)

Advantages of the DisplayPort standard over LVDS, VGA, DVI.

Large manufacturers are gradually abandoning outdated interfaces in favor of DisplayPort.

DisplayPort has such advantages compared to VGA, DVI And LVDS:

  • DP is completely free.
  • DP is constantly improving.
  • Low amount of interference and interference generated by the DP cable.
  • Possibility of transferring any data.
  • Smooth distribution between audio and video data.
  • Possibility of long-distance transmission using optical fiber (from v1.1a).
  • Significantly higher throughput.
  • Multiple video streams over one connection (since v1.2).
  • Internal adjustment for cable length and signal quality.
  • The ability to transmit a signal over 15 meters, but with reduced bandwidth (up to 1920x1080, 60 Hz, 24 bits). Transmission through cable up to 2 meters occurs at full speed.
  • Connector with a simple latch.

Expanded color gamut.

Manufacturers of monitors with wide color gamut 30 bit (1.07 billion. shades) and more, for full disclosure of possibilities it is recommended DisplayPort. Other ports are for transmission only 24 bit color gamut, including HDMI for PC. However, for full support 30 bit, you will also need a professional level accelerator AMD FirePro or NVidia Quadro With D.P..

On video cards it is more common to find incomplete DisplayPort, and the reduced one is mini DisplayPort (miniDP ).

There is no difference between miniature and full-fledged ports, except for the size of the connectors.

The HDMI audio/video interface standard has become very successful. This is the most common digital connection that you will find in TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, audio/video receivers, game consoles, camcorders and digital cameras. Heck, it's even starting to appear in some smartphones.

You will also find an HDMI port on most desktop computers and laptops. No modern all-in-one device would be complete without an HDMI input, which allows you to connect your gaming console or set-top box to your computer so you can use its display for a second purpose.

But given the ubiquity of HDMI, you may have forgotten about another digital audio/video standard: DisplayPort. While you'll find it alongside HDMI in many recent models, and it's added to graphics cards as well as laptops aimed at the business user market, it rarely appears in Windows PCs aimed at everyday consumers.

Both HDMI and DisplayPort standards can transmit high-definition digital video and audio from the source device to the display. So what's the difference? Is one display interface better or more flexible than another? We'll try to answer these questions with a head-to-head comparison of their feature sets and typical use cases. But first, let's look at how these two standards came to be and what entities control them.

Let's go back to history

The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) specification was conceived more than ten years ago by six consumer electronics giants: Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony and Toshiba. Today HDMI Licensing, LLC, a subsidiary of Silicon Image, controls the specification. Manufacturers must pay royalties to include HDMI ports in their products.

We select the required plug for the appropriate connector. What types of cables do manufacturers offer? "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort" and which interface is optimal for connecting a monitor.

Previously, to connect a monitor to a computer, only an analog interface was used VGA. Modern devices have connectors "HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort". Let's see what advantages and disadvantages each of the interfaces has.

With the development of new technologies for flat-panel monitors, the connector capabilities have become insufficient VGA. To achieve the highest image quality, it is necessary to use a digital standard such as DVI. Home entertainment device manufacturers have created a standard HDMI, which became the digital successor to the analog Scan connector. Somewhat later, VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) developed DisplayPort.

Main interfaces for connecting monitors.

■ VGA. The first connection standard, still in use today, was developed in 1987 by the then leading computer manufacturer IBM for its PS/2 series PCs. VGA is an abbreviation for Video Graphics Array (an array of pixels), at one time this was the name of the video card in PS/2 computers, the resolution of which was 640x480 pixels (the combination “VGA resolution” often found in technical literature means exactly this value).

An analog data transmission system with increasing resolution only worsens the picture quality. Therefore, in modern computers the digital interface is the standard.

. ■ DVI. This abbreviation is oz-naHaeTDigital Visual Interface - digital video interface. It transmits the video signal in digital format while maintaining high image quality.

DVI is backwards compatible: Almost all computers have a DVI-I connector, which is capable of transmitting both digital video data and a VGA signal.

Inexpensive video cards are equipped with a DVI output in the Single Link modification (single-channel solution). The maximum resolution in this case is 1920x 1080 pixels. (Full HD). More expensive video card models have a two-channel DVI (Dual Link) interface. They can be connected to monitors with a resolution of up to 2560x1600 pix.

The DVI connector is large enough that Apple has developed a Mini DVI interface for its laptops. Using the adapter, you can connect devices with Mini DVI to monitors equipped with a DVI connector.

connection interfaces

■ HDMI. The abbreviation HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, that is, a high-definition multimedia interface. In modern home entertainment devices such as flat-screen TVs and Blu-ray players, HDMI is the standard connection interface.

As with DVI, the signal is transmitted in a digital format, which means the original quality is preserved. Together with HDMI, HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) protection technology was developed, which prevents the creation of exact copies, for example, of video materials.

The first devices with HDMI support appeared at the end of 2003. Since then, the standard has been modified several times, in particular, support for new audio and video formats has been added (see table above).

For miniature models of equipment there is a Mini HDMI interface; A matching HDMI/Mini HMDI cable is included with many devices.

■ DisplayPort(DP). A new type of digital interface for connecting video cards with display devices is intended to replace DVI. The current version of the standard 1.2 allows you to connect multiple monitors when they are daisy-chained into one chain. However, currently there are not many devices with a DP port. Being a direct competitor to HDMI, this interface has a significant advantage from the point of view of manufacturers: it does not require licensing fees. While for each device with HDMI you have to pay four American cents. If the connector on a computer or laptop is marked “DP++”, this indicates that the adapter can be used to connect monitors with DVI and HDMI interfaces.

To ensure that there is enough space on the back of modern video cards for connectors for other purposes, a smaller version of the DP interface was developed. For example, Radeon HD6800 series video cards contain up to six Mini DP ports.

HDMI,DVI,VGA,DisplayPort

Which of these standards will be most widely adopted? HDMI has a very high chance of success, since most devices have this interface. However, there is a new trump card in the deck of Asian manufacturers: according to official data, the Digital Interactive Interface for Video and Audio (DiiVA) provides a throughput of 13.5 Gbps (DP: 21.6; HDMI: 10.21. In addition, as the companies promise, the maximum cable length between devices, such as a Blu-ray player and a TV, will be up to 25 m. There is no information yet on what the DiiVA interface looks like.

Transfer video via USB

Two years ago it became possible to connect monitors via USB using DisplayLink adapters. However, due to the low (480 Mbps) bandwidth, the USB 2.0 connection is not suitable for video transmission. Another thing is the latest version of the USB standard (3.0), providing data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.
An adapter from DisplayLink allows you to connect monitors directly to a computer's USB port.

How to connect a computer and a monitor with different interfaces.

Thanks to adapters, there are many connection options (see table below).

Common adapters, such as DVI-I/VGA, are quite reasonably priced. So-called converters that convert the digital DisplayPort output signal into an analog VGA signal are much more expensive.

However, for example, when connecting a TV with an HDMI interface to the DVI connector, there is almost always no sound.

Is it possible to combine devices with different HDMI versions?

With this combination, only the functions of the earlier version of the corresponding interface will be available. For example, if a video card with HDMI 1.2 is connected to a 3D TV that supports HDMI 1.4, then 3D games will only be displayed in 2D format.
Advice. Installing a new driver allows you to add support for HDMI 1.4 in some video cards based on NVIDIA chips, for example GeForce GTX 460.
Which connectors provide the best picture quality?

Testing has shown that the analog VGA interface provides the worst image quality, especially when transmitting signals with a resolution of more than 1024x768 pix. Even 17-inch monitors support this resolution today. Owners of monitors with a larger diagonal and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixel are strongly recommended to use DVI, HDMI or DP.

How to connect a monitor to a laptop?

Most laptops are equipped with connectors for connecting external monitors. First, connect the monitor to the laptop. After that, using the buttons Ш and KPI, you can switch between the following modes.

■ Using an external monitor as the main one. The laptop display turns off and the image is displayed only on the connected external monitor. The best option for movie buffs and gamers.

Clone mode. External monitor and laptop display show the same image

■ Practical for presentations and seminars.

■ Multi-screen mode. Allows you to increase the size of your Windows desktop by using multiple monitors. It is very convenient, for example, when typing text in Word, to have email messages in front of your eyes.

Will it be possible to connect the TV to the computer?

Modern computers and laptops do not have analog video interfaces such as S-Video or a composite connector. Therefore, you definitely won’t be able to connect an old CRT TV. However, the vast majority of flat-panel models are equipped with DVI or HDMI interfaces, which means connecting them to a computer is not difficult.

Netbooks, as a rule, only have a VGA output, and only those TVs that have a VGA input can be connected to them.

Is it possible to connect a monitor via USB

For traditional monitors this is only possible using an optional DisplayLink adapter. However, there are also models on sale that connect directly to a computer’s USB port - for example, Samsung SyncMaster 940 UX.

What is the maximum monitor cable length?

Cable capabilities depend on the connection type. When using DVI, the connection length can reach 10 m, but in the case of HDMI and VGA it should not exceed 5 m. To achieve maximum transmission speed.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a video cable?

To prevent nearby electronic devices from affecting the quality of the transmitted signal, purchase only well-shielded cables. When using a low-quality cable, other devices may cause interference and in some cases even reduce the data transfer rate. As a result, the screen will display a choppy image or an aliasing effect will appear. Gold-plated contacts prevent corrosion of the plugs due to high air humidity. In addition, the gold-plated contacts used in modern cables reduce the resistance between the connector and the plug, which improves transmission quality. But as you can see from practice: you can forget about all this, gold-plated contacts and other nonsense, with cheap cables made in China, namely, they are supplied complete with monitors and video cards. And they cope with their responsibilities very well.

For reference: once somewhere they gathered music lovers to test cables. There were both gold-plated and platinum contacts, from $1000 per cord and much more. Well, the ratings were given for sound quality. To determine the winner, the competition was held naturally in the dark, the manufacturer was not visible. Well, one of the organizers came up with the idea of ​​sending a signal through an ordinary iron crowbar (which is used to hammer the ground). And what do YOU ​​think, he took one of the prizes.

And music lovers spent a long time explaining what crystal clear sound comes through this cool cable. So turn on your head, otherwise I saw the guys have a cable DVI at a price higher than the video card and monitor combined.