Types of Monitor Ports: Everything In 2 Minutes

Achieving higher resolutions is easy if you're using right type of monitor port. Modern monitors are armed with unique ports such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Type-C, and Thunderbolt. Depending on your need, each port performs a special task. For instance, if you want stunning audio and beautiful video, HDMI is your thing. 

However, if you’re a gaming enthusiast DisplayPort may serve you better. And, if you want to catch the trend, a USB Type-C port is a must-have. So what extraordinary do these different types of monitor ports offer for a pleasurable entertainment experience?

 

 

Most Common Type of Monitor Ports

To being with, there are 4 types of ports majorly used in monitors:

•  VGA
•  DVI
•  HDMI
•  DisplayPort.  

You might’ve seen VGA in old monitors. As it worked on analog signal transmission– which could easily damage in bad weather – and could not carry audio, tech makers replaced it with better alternatives. 

These alternatives were materialized in the form of HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort. While each port has at least one unique feature, the transmission of audio, video (improved image quality), and digital signal is what made them somewhat identical.

Most common types of monitor ports

Source: Shutterstock

 

 

VGA: The Oldest Type Of Monitor Port

The king of advancement, IBM technologies, launched VGA in 1987. Working on analog signal transmission, VGA was a big step toward upgrading display resolutions. It was the best fit for CRT monitors.

But, sharp, clear, and flicker-free images resulting from Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) subtly phased out CRT monitors. The bottom line is that Mind Blowing enhancement in the visual industry, catalysed the development of interfaces that could support high pixelated videos and  intense sound formats, making VGA drop-dead. 

Although CRT monitors have faced death, however, VGA port is still available in old laptops, TVs, video cards, and other electronic devices. But, if you want a flawless HDMI to VGA conversion in seconds, here is your read.

HDMI to VGA Not Working? (Genius Guy’s Hacks)

 

 

 

DVI Monitor Port: Beginning of Digital Future

Introduced in 1999, the DVI port became a hot favorite for two reasons. Firstly, it could transmit digital as well as analog signals. Secondly, it had the ability to support higher resolutions (Full HD). 

Moreover, due to the DVI port’s versatility, it became standard for both low and high-cost video cards. 

While low-cost video cards carry single link DVI (which can support 1920 x 1080 pixels), the expensive video cards are loaded with Dual Link DVI. They can be hooked to monitors with up to 2560x1600 pixel resolution.

 

Related Story

HDMI Vs DVI: Achieving Maximum Display and Sound Efficiency

 

 

 

HDMI Port: Powerful Multimedia For Monitors and TVs

HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a standard now. Unlike VGA and DVI, which lost importance pertaining to their failure to evolve, the HDMI port is super flexible. Introduced in 2002 HDMI has, to date, launched 7 different versions. 

Besides carrying audio and video signals, HDMI is also empowered to transmit the internet thereby brutally competing with WiFi technology. 

Due to its multi-functionality, you’ll find HDMI in

• Digital Cameras and Camcorders
• Monitor and TVs
• Receivers of Home Theatre
• Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, DVRs, and UHD players

 

Why has HDMI become favorite type of monitor port.

 

Here you’ll find 11 reasons for HDMI’s quick success

1. Single cable equipped to carry Audio and Video signals along with Ethernet.
2. HDMI 2.1 can support 8k resolution (polished and bright images).
3. Color depth technology provides detailed coloring  to each pixel.
4. Can support up to 48 Gbps for faster and smoother data transfer.
5. A small connector allows for easy installation (really a plug-n-play).
6. Advanced lip-sync feature synchronizes video and audio.
7. 3D visual (offered by HDMI 2b and 2.0) offers a crazy experience of virtual reality.
8. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) ensures a fluid gaming experience on the monitor.
9. HDMI can display resolutions at 240 Hz (even the human eye can't see beyond 60 HZ).
10. With the latest Audio Return Channel, HDMI eliminates the usage of additional audio cable.
11. HDMI 2.0 allows for extreme sound formats with 32 Audio Return Channels.

 

Due to the unbelievable benefits HDMI offers, a very constructive effort is underway to replace HDMI with Wireless HDMI.

 

 

DisplayPort (DP)

Developed by a group of PCs and chipset manufacturers, DisplayPort has turned out to be a rival of HDMI. It is standardized by the Video Electronic Standard Association (VESA). 

Besides HDMI, DP is one of the famous type of monitor ports.

Compared with HDMI this interface brings more fruits for manufacturers as they don’t have to empty their bank accounts paying developers the license expenditure. 

Pertaining to higher resolution and data transfer speed, DisplayPort is the preferred interface for next-gen gaming on the latest TVs and Monitors. And with  multi-monitors, gaming becomes addictive, giving a whole new vibe. 

Here is a comparison Between the Latest Versions of HDMI and DisplayPort.

Types of Monitors Ports: A Comparison

 

 Related Stories

HDMI 2.0 Vs 2.1: Does HDMI 2.1 Make a Big Difference?

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

HDMI Versions: The Differences That Matter

HDMI 2.0: Its Powerful 4k Video and Gaming Specs

 

 

Monitors With USB Type-C Port

Latest monitors come with USB Type-C functionality which allows connecting peripheral devices with the monitor. But without a CPU, how can a monitor operate? 

 

The answer is simple. 

 

If you’ve a MacBook or any Laptop carrying a thunderbolt 3 port and want to connect your monitor with it for a comfy large display, you just have to make a connection between your source device and Type-C monitor. 

Do you want to know which Port your gadgets must have?

USB-C Vs Thunderbolt 3: Last Battle to Rule the World

 

 

Modern Monitor Ports (Breakthrough Technologies)

Thunderbolt: A cutting-edge port developed by joint efforts of Apple and Intel to connect external peripherals and monitors to a computer. Interestingly, thunderbolt does support mini DisplayPort for video output because thunderbolt 1 and 2 use the same connector as mini DP. Similarly, Thunderbolt 3 uses the same USB-C connector. 

USB-C: Commonly recognized as Type-C, USB-C replaced a range of electrical connectors such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-B, and USB-A cables. Also, it eliminates the need for a 3.5mm audio cable, by connecting both hosts and devices.

 

Types of Monitor Ports: What Uni Thinks?

A few years back no one would’ve imagined that the VGA port would drop dead. More shocking, Its competitor DVI(the first step toward digital signal transmission ), didn’t even stand for long. It easily gave way to HDMI and DisplayPort penetrating for mass usage. Now, both these latest visual interfaces seem to fight a  long way. In this connection, HDMI and DP are upgrading every then and now. 

Now that you’re familiar with all types of monitor ports, you know what suits you. But, it is important to mention here that a good monitor without a finely-built cable is useless. If you’ve got a minute, do check out Uni’s HDMI and DisplayPort cable.

Hope this help!