HDMI Vs DisplayPort: Which Is Perfect for Gaming / TV / Monitor

 

HDMI Vs. DisplayPort which should be your ultimate choice? Let's start. HDMI and DisplayPort both are necessary for pretty visuals, and lovely sounds. In the world of monitors and GPUs, you always think of HDMI, yet most tech enthusiasts give special priority to DisplayPort.

But, the oddity is that the majority of monitors, projectors, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and other smart gadgets prefer to have HDMI. Hence the question is, which provides perfect audio and Video? The answer depends on your needs. A connector or cable is like a nutrient carrier, the more vitamins are supplied to the monitor/TV, the healthier will be the audio and video.

Moreover, with distinct connectors, both are designed for the same purpose–transmitting audio/video signals. And, interestingly, after short pauses, HDMI and DisplayPort inaugurate their new versions–fighting to rule the world.

This article will give you an overview of HDMI and DisplayPort-enabled monitors (with their model numbers and HDMI/ DP versions they support). I would’ve put it just below this line. However, the table won't make sense unless you're familiar with the basic differences between HDMI and DisplayPort?

How do they function? Why is HDMI still leading, compelling monitor and TV manufacturers to keep incorporating the latest HDMI version in their new releases? And why at the same time DisplayPort versions are revolutionizing?

If you are a gamer, you’ll come to know whether you should buy DisplayPort or HDMI monitors.

 

Releasing of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0

Let me shock you with the release dates of the latest versions of HDMI and DisplayPort.

But firstly let's unveil who plans that why, where, and when these new versions should be released.

Well, HDMI and DisplayPort are operated under the umbrella of different bodies. While the latter is developed by the creative efforts of giants that include Sony, Philips, Panasonic, and Toshiba, the former is promoted by Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).

It wouldn't be wrong to maintain that HDMI and DisplayPort have come from different industries. HDMI is introduced by companies that specialize in visual display applications and the DP is inaugurated by IT specialists. So, the battle, HDMI Vs DisplayPort, springs from competitive anger.

Released in 2017, HDMI 2.1 is branded as a Next-Gen cable; within the next 2-years (2019), VESA launched DisplayPort (DP) 2.0.

 

As you can see DP is more powerful than the latest versions of HDMI. According to common sense, HDMI should’ve been dead by now. The reality, however, is totally the opposite.

 

Do You Know?

The global market for HDMI is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2026. It's unprecedented.

Interestingly, neither VGA nor DVI nor DisplayPort have ever been so famous.

 

 

HDMI Vs DisplayPort: Where They Are Used? 

As DisplayPort is largely used for desktop computers, laptops, projectors, and other peripheral visual connections, HDMI is mostly used for consumer electronics equipment.

YET, there is one thing common between the two, they both are modern serial interfaces for carrying digital video from the source to display with one single cable.

Presently, the majority of screens accept DP 1.2 or 1.4 as well as HDMI 1.4 or 2.0.

We have a selection of products (at the end) that include both HDMI and DisplayPort.

But, scrolling in haste will waste your time, for you won't consume the information in the table until you are familiar with the features and specs of DisplayPort.

By the end of this article, you'll understand which monitors are worth spending hard-earned money on.

Firstly, have a brief look at the unique features and specs of DisplayPort and HDMI.

 

HDMI Vs DisplayPort: Specs and Features

 

 

DisplayPort 1.0
It supports a maximum bandwidth of 10.8 Gbps over four data lines.
Technically, it could easily handle a display of 3840 x 2160 or 4k at a refresh rate of 30Hz.

It too has a bandwidth of 10.8 Gbps. No additional changes were made except it had a fiber optic line to curb signal degradation over a longer distance.

It almost doubled the bandwidth up to 21 Gbps and could support maximum resolutions of 2160p at the refresh rate of 60Hz.

It had a whopping 32 Gbps of bandwidth. As compared to DP 1.2, its efficiency increased by 80%. It gave way to high-end gaming resolution by providing 4K UHD @60 Hz and 5k @60Hz. Because of its best performance, all modern graphic cards carry DP 1.3.

DisplayPort 1.4 
If you want a smooth 8k video at 60Hzas well as HDR, DP 1.4 must be on your wish list. 

 

Note

In a few seconds, you’ll consume a lot of juicy information that will help you triple your gaming experience–zero screen tearing, no video lagging. 

Since I’ve written down every possible piece of information about different versions of HDMI, I am restricting myself to explaining the most common versions and their key features.

 

 

HDMI and Its Versions

As noted earlier, unlike DP, HDMI is everywhere. So far there are 5 designs of HDMI available for your usage. But, the most readily available are Type A (Standard HDMI), Type C (Small HDMI), and Type D (micro HDMI). If you really want to add taste to your entertainment, you need the right type of cable. 

Also to survive in the killing competition of the A/V industry, HDMI has rolled out 7 different versions (HDMI 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,1.4, 2.0, 2.1) in a short span.

Here are the specs of commonly used HDMI versions that you should know.

 

 

HDMI 1.4 Vs 2.0: What Is The Major Difference

 

HDMI Vs DisplayPort: From Where Good Resolution and Audio Come?

Resolution (Exploring New Dimensions)

Let's begin with DisplayPort 1.2 (the most common version). It holds up video resolution up to 3840 x 2160 pixels, or 4k,at a refresh rate of 60Hz. In comparison to this, only HDMI 2.0 also supports UHD (the term used for 4K).  Both HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 lay full support to all basic formats of 3D video.

Audio (Touching the Soul)

Well, when it comes to audio, you’ll find that HDMI offers more advantages. However, both HDMI and DisplayPort are identical in regards to sound quality.

They both support up to 8 digital audio channels, 24-bit, and 192 kHz. So, the major distinction between the two is that HDMI has an audio return channel (ARC). Thus, HDMI ARC reduces the number of cables between your TV, sound bar, and Home Theatre.

If you wish to use the surround sound system of the AV receiver rather than the TV's built-in speakers when watching Netflix on a smart TV, for instance, you can do so by using an HDMI ARC.

If you want to learn more about HDMI ARC, and how to achieve a sound that causes goose bumps, here is your secret.

HDMI ARC Vs Optical: How to Get the Best Sound?

 

Do You Know?

Most Dolby Atmos audio can be played through HDMI ARC

 

 

HDMI Vs DisplayPort: How DisplayPort Seems Losing?

Besides the Arc feature of HDMI, the other advanced specification of HDMI (which are missing in DP) include

eARC: 

It allows for a smooth transfer of audio signal through an HDMI cable and recreates the sound. 

HDMI Ethernet:

HDMI Ethernet cable provides for all of your enjoyable activities. If you own a television, video game console, or Blu-ray player, full dependency on Wi-Fi can end up being a messy situation. HDMI Ethernet cable has a separate channel to carry Ethernet, connecting your device 24/7 with the internet.

 

HDMI Vs DisplayPort: Which One is Best for Gaming?

Technically HDMI 2.1 beats DP 1.4, but it's the latter that has received enormous love from the gaming community. Until you’re not planning to start gaming on the TV screen, you’re good to go with DP. 

So, HDMI and DP are evenly popular in the gaming world.  Both standards give a crazy gaming experience. But if you ask me to cast a vote in favor of either HDMI or DP, I would support DP without rejecting HDMI.  Why will I do so?

 

Here is a simple explanation.

At the moment DP 1.4 is superior to HDMI 2.0, in the classical sense. Technically speaking HDMI 2.1 outperforms DP 1.4 and DisplayPort 2.0 should surpass HDMI 2.1. 

So here is the main issue which molded my decision in favor of DP, i.e. HDMI 2.1 compatible monitors are scarcely available, forcing you to spend 100s of dollars purchasing a new TV.

Had access to HDMI 2.1 compatible monitors been easy, I would’ve preferred it–not DisplayPort.

Since HDMI and DisplayPort are modern A/V standards, they both provide an exciting gaming experience. Even the latest version of HDMI, the HDMI 2.1, is empowered to reduce screen tearing. 

The screen tearing occurs when the image frame rate doesn't match the monitor's refresh rate. If you’re a gamer, you can understand how a minute screen tearing effect can destroy your fun.

 

So, both HDMI and DisplayPort have the means to end screen tearing. For Example, if you’re an Nvidia gamer you can benefit from DisplayPort 1.4 connection. If you follow the preconditions (mentioned below), you’ll also be able to escape input lag or delays when you slide your mouse. 

Because it is only after the following prerequisite are met that the G-sync feature activates in true spirit and comfortably support Variable Refresh Rate (also known as VRR or dynamic refresh rate)

• You must have Nvidia’s graphic Card
• Your PC must be linked with monitors through a reliable able DP 1.4 cable

Unlike DP, HDMI offers an additional advantage of easy connectivity. In short, you simply need a fine-built HDMI 2.1 (that comes with advanced VRR support), and a compatible device.

 

Products That have Both HDMI and DisplayPort

 

*Monitors and Screens that have both DP and HDMI

 

This list attests that, based on your needs, you can either use HDMI or DP on TV.  But what if your old laptop carries DP and you want to connect it with your TV which only has HDMI ports? This is just one case. 

There are millions of reasons you need HDMI to DisplayPort, or DisplayPort to HDMI conversion. So, do you want to know the inexpensive hacks?

 

Which Adapter Should You Use for DisplayPort to HDMI Conversion?

There are two types of adapters available: Active and Passive. 

Active Adapter uses a sophisticated chip to convert a DP signal coming out of a PC to an HDMI signal. 

On the other hand, Passive adapters operate without an internal electronic catalyst. 

And, the technology that supports the passive conversion of DP signal to HDMI is DP++. I understand you’re not a tech geek and want a straight solution. So here it is. 

Detecting HDMI adapter, DP++ automatically initiates signal translation in an HDMI-supported format. This is a simple plug-and-play activity, requiring no drivers and chipsets to fire the process. Therefore, a passive adaptor will do a good job. But things are complicated for HDMI to DP conversion.

 

Do You Know?

You don’t need DisplayPort to HDMI adapters as DP to HDMI cable is already available.