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Comprehensive comparison and analysis of HDMI® and DP display interfaces

2023-04-13 18:29:54 eKL

The difference between HDMI and DP interface

        HDMI and DP interfaces are the two most common high-definition digital display interfaces at present. They both can transmit audio and video signals at the same time, but there are some obvious differences and characteristics between them. In addition to the different interface shapes and wires, there are also bandwidth and other parameters are different. This article will introduce the bandwidth information, supported resolution and corresponding refresh rate of each version of HDMI and DP interface, and give some case descriptions to help you choose a display interface that suits your needs.

HDMI interface introduction

        HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface is an interface specially designed for digital high-definition audio-visual technology. It was first launched in 2002 and has been upgraded many times. The latest version is HDMI 2.1. The HDMI interface is widely used in multimedia entertainment equipment such as TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, and Blu-ray players, and can also be connected to computers and monitors. There are different types of HDMI connectors, including Type A (standard), Type B (dual channel), Type C (mini), Type D (micro) and Type E (automotive), with Type A being the most common.

HDMI interface device

Bandwidth resolutions supported by each version of the HDMI interface

HDMI interface versionBandwidthSupported Resolutions and Refresh Rates
HDMI 1.04.95Gbps1080p 60Hz
HDMI 1.14.95Gbps1080p 60Hz,DVD-Audio
HDMI 1.24.95Gbps1080p 60Hz,SACD
HDMI 1.310.2Gbps1080p 120Hz,1440p 60Hz,4K 30Hz,Deep Color,Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD MA
HDMI 1.410.2Gbps1080p 120Hz,1440p 75Hz,4K 30Hz,3D,ARC,Ethernet
HDMI 2.018Gbps1080p 240Hz,1440p 144Hz,4K 60Hz,HDR10
HDMI 2.148Gbps1080p 240Hz,1440p 240Hz,4K 120Hz,8K 60Hz,10K 30Hz,Dynamic HDR,VRR,eARC

The advantages of the HDMI interface are:

        01、Can transmit high-definition video and multi-channel audio signals at the same time, simplifying the installation difficulty of system lines

        02、It can support 3D, HDR, VRR, eARC and other advanced display technologies, which improves the picture quality and sound experience

        03、Can support CEC function, so that compatible devices can realize interconnection and mutual control

        04、Can support Ethernet function, can share Internet connection through HDMI

        05、It can be backward compatible with DVI interface, and some older equipment can be connected through the adapter

The disadvantages of the HDMI interface are:

        01、The transmission distance is limited, generally no more than 15 meters, otherwise there will be signal attenuation or interference

        02、Requires the support of copyright protection technology (HDCP), otherwise some copyright-protected content may not be played

        03、Bi-directional transmission is not supported, only signal can be sent from source device to target device

DP interface introduction

        DP (DisplayPort) interface is a high-performance digital display interface standard. It was first launched in 2006 and has been upgraded many times. The latest version is DP 2.0. The DP interface is mainly used for the connection between the computer and the display, and can also be connected to other devices. There are different types of DP interface, including standard DP, mini DP and micro DP, among which standard DP is the most common.

DP interface device

Bandwidth resolution supported by each version of the interface

DP interface versionBandwidthSupported Resolutions and Refresh Rates
DP 1.0~1.1a8.64 Gbps1080p 240Hz,1440p 144Hz,2560x1600 75Hz
DP 1.2~1.2a17.28 Gbps1080p 240Hz,1440p 165Hz,4K 75Hz
DP 1.3~1.4a32.4 Gbps1080p 240Hz,1440p 240Hz,4K 120Hz,5K 60Hz,8K 30Hz

The advantages of the DP interface are:

        01、High transmission bandwidth, can support higher resolution and refresh rate

        02、Support multi-screen expansion mode (MST), you can connect multiple monitors through one port

        03、Support adaptive synchronization technology (G-SYNC or FreeSync), which can prevent screen tearing or freezing

        04、Support bi-directional transmission, can send signal from source device to target device, also can send signal from target device to source device

The disadvantages of the DP interface are:

        01、Audio return function (ARC) is not supported, and TV audio cannot be returned to the power amplifier via DP and then output

        02、Does not support Ethernet function, unable to share Internet connection via DP

        03、Not compatible with HDMI or DVI interface, need a converter or adapter to connect

Case Description

        According to different usage scenarios and needs, you can choose different display interfaces. Here are some common cases:

If you want to connect a TV and a set-top box or a game console, then the HDMI interface is the best choice, because it can transmit high-definition video and multi-channel audio signals at the same time, and can support advanced display technologies such as 3D and HDR to enhance our viewing experience. You can choose the appropriate HDMI cable according to the version supported by your device. Generally speaking, HDMI 2.0 or above version can meet most needs.

        If you want to connect a computer and a monitor, then the DP interface is a better choice, because it can support higher resolution and refresh rate, and can support multi-screen expansion mode and adaptive synchronization technology to improve work efficiency and play games performance. You can choose the appropriate DP cable according to the version supported by your monitor. Generally speaking, DP 1.2 or above can meet most needs.

        If we want to connect a computer and a TV, then we need to consider two aspects: video and audio. For video, you can choose the appropriate HDMI or DP cable according to the interface type and version supported by your computer and TV. Generally speaking, HDMI 2.0 or DP 1.2 or above can support 4K/60Hz resolution and refresh rate. Rate. For audio, if you want to return the TV audio to the power amplifier via DP and then output it, then you need an HDMI to DP adapter with ARC function; if you want to return the computer audio to the TV via HDMI and then output, Then you need an HDMI cable with eARC function.

        Both HDMI and DP interfaces are high-definition digital display interfaces, and they have their own advantages, disadvantages and characteristics. When choosing a display interface, you need to choose the most suitable display interface for you based on your actual usage scenarios and needs, comprehensively considering bandwidth, resolution, refresh rate, audio, display technology, compatibility and other factors. I hope this article can be helpful to everyone.