In today's digital age, DisplayPort 1.4 is a cutting-edge technology that is setting new standards for consumer electronics products released in late 2019 and beyond. Whether you are a technology expert or an average user, it is helpful to understand the future development of this interconnect technology. This article will take a deep dive into the origins of DisplayPort, how it compares to HDMI, what to expect from DisplayPort 1.4, and how to future-proof your technology investment.
Origins and Foundations of DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a digital interface designed to transmit video and audio from a source device to a display. It was developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) to replace older computer monitor interface standards such as DVI and VGA. DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, similar to USB technology, and supports connecting multiple monitors through a single cable. In addition, DisplayPort MultiMode (DP++) technology allows DisplayPort signals to be flexibly converted to other signals such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, etc.
Comparison of DisplayPort and HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is another widely used digital interface focused on home entertainment. Compared to DisplayPort, HDMI has a different connector shape and origin. A notable feature of HDMI is the Audio Return Channel (ARC), which is great for listening to audio on a surround sound system. However, DisplayPort is known for its ability to drive multiple displays with a single cable, which is very convenient for multi-monitor users. In addition, DisplayPort supports multiple display standards, making it a very flexible interconnect technology.
DisplayPort 1.4: High Performance and Flexibility
Based on the previous version, DisplayPort 1.4 provides higher display performance, versatility in connecting multiple displays, and flexibility to work with different device types. With VESA Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology and HBR3 transmission mode, DisplayPort 1.4 is able to drive an 8K UHD display at 60Hz, or two 4K UHD displays. In addition, DisplayPort 1.4 also supports the USB-C connector shape, enabling users to transmit high-definition video, ultra-high-speed USB data, and achieve high dynamic range (HDR) and up to 8K video through a single interface.
Future-proof your technology investment
As the DisplayPort 1.4 standard becomes more common, it will be critical to choose products that can adapt to this new standard. For example, Kensington's SD4800P Universal USB-C Expandable Video Dock is a great choice. It supports up to three external displays and provides two DisplayPort++ ports and one HDMI port, allowing users to choose the right connection for their environment. In addition, the dock is backward compatible with earlier DisplayPort standards, ensuring that you can make the most of your existing technology investment.
Conclusion
At its core, DisplayPort was designed to connect video and audio from source devices to displays simply, seamlessly, and flexibly. DisplayPort 1.4's improvements to compression, transmission, and overall performance take this goal to the next level. Regardless of what DisplayPort devices you currently own, investing in a solution that helps you future-proof your technology investment will enable you to enjoy visually stunning applications today and in the future.