DP (DisplayPort) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) are two common video interface standards, formulated by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) and HDMI Alliance respectively. They can both transmit high-definition video and audio signals, but there are some technical and functional differences. Therefore, in some occasions, we may need to use DP to HDMI cables to connect different devices, such as laptops and monitors, or game consoles and TVs.
There are two types of DP to HDMI cables: active and passive. What are their principles and differences? And how to choose a DP to HDMI cable that suits you? Let's introduce them one by one.
The principle of the active DP to HDMI cable is: put a conversion chip at the DP end, actively convert the DP signal into an HDMI signal, and then output it through the HDMI end. The advantage of the active DP to HDMI cable is that it has high compatibility, can support higher resolution and refresh rate, such as 3840x2160 60Hz, and can also support more audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos. The disadvantage of the active DP to HDMI cable is that the price is higher than that of the non-active DP conversion cable.
The principle of the passive DP to HDMI cable is: directly transmit signals between the DP end and the HDMI end, without any chip or power supply. This type of DP to HDMI cable utilizes the dual-mode function of the DP interface, that is, it can output DP signals or compatible DVI or HDMI signals. The advantages of the passive DP to HDMI cable are that the price is lower, the size is smaller, and no additional power supply is required. The disadvantage of the passive DP to HDMI cable is that it has low compatibility and can only support lower resolutions and refresh rates, such as 1920x1080p 60Hz, and does not support some advanced audio formats.
So, in practical applications, how do we choose an active or passive DP to HDMI cable? It mainly depends on the device and needs we want to connect. Here are some suggestions for reference:
01.If the devices we want to connect support the DP interface and only need to transmit video signals, then we can directly use the ordinary DP cable to connect.
02.If the devices we want to connect support the HDMI interface and only need to transmit video signals, then we can directly use ordinary HDMI cables to connect.
03.If one of the devices we want to connect supports a DP interface and the other supports an HDMI interface, and only need to transmit video signals, and the resolution and refresh rate do not exceed 1920x1080p 60Hz, then we can use a passive DP to HDMI cable.
04.If one of the devices we want to connect supports a DP interface and the other supports an HDMI interface, and video and audio signals need to be transmitted, and the resolution and refresh rate do not exceed 1920x1080p 60Hz, and the audio format is not too complicated, then we can also use Passive DP to HDMI cable.
05.If one of the devices we want to connect supports the DP interface and the other supports the HDMI interface, and needs to transmit video and audio signals, and the resolution and refresh rate need to reach 3840x2160 60Hz or the audio format is more complicated, then we need to use active DP to HDMI cable.
Active and passive DP to HDMI cables also have some differences in application fields and application solutions. Here are some typical examples:
01.If we want to connect a laptop (supporting DP interface) to a monitor (supporting HDMI interface), and only need to read some office documents or web pages, and do not need high-definition picture quality or stereo sound effects, then we can use a passive DP to HDMI cable .
02.If we want to connect a laptop (supporting DP interface) to a monitor (supporting HDMI interface), and want to enjoy 4K resolution or HDR effects, and listen to some high-fidelity music or film and television works, then we need to use active DP to HDMI cable.
03.If we want to connect a game console (supporting DP interface) to a TV (supporting HDMI interface), and want to play some high-definition or high frame rate games, and experience some immersive sound effects or surround sound effects, then we also need Use an active DP to HDMI cable.
DP to HDMI precautions
Generally, the DP to HDMI conversion cable is used in one direction. It only supports the conversion of DP signals into HDMI signals, and does not support reverse use, that is, it does not support the conversion of HDMI signals into DP signals. How to use it can refer to the figure below:
In short, when choosing an active or passive DP to HDMI cable, we need to make a trade-off according to our own equipment and needs. If we do not have too high requirements on image quality, sound quality, resolution, refresh rate, etc., and want to save costs, then the passive DP to HDMI cable is a good choice. If we pursue the ultimate audio-visual experience and don't mind spending more money, then the active DP to HDMI cable is a better choice. Hope this article is helpful to you. If you have other questions or suggestions, please leave a message in the comment area.